Introduction

This summer, hell was unleashed in Greece, much like the rest of the Mediterranean. The most intense and extensive heatwave of the last decades hit the Mediterranean basin, with evening temperatures reaching 40°C (E.M.Y., 2021). Catastrophic wildfires were ignited within a week, contributing to suffocating environmental conditions [Fig. 01,02]. Residents and visitors were asked to either lock themselves at home to protect from hazardous air particles, or to evacuate whole areas by any means possible, surrendering their properties to the flames.

Unprecedented weather conditions are a direct impact of the upcoming climate crisis. In the past 50 years, the climate zones have shifted notably towards the poles, with desertification processes expanding to temperate climates (Jones, 2018). Abrupt heatwaves and continuous aridity signify that the world has entered the era of catastrophic megafires (Struzik, 2020).

This year it is my sheer intention to study fire and its environmental impacts, both benign and destructive. I seek to comprehend the complex relations between flammability and rebirth in fire-prone ecosystems, managing techniques for forest wildfires and multidisciplinary approaches to solving post-fire issues. In this study, the investigation begins with design solutions for a variety of related issues, such as fireproof landscaping, stormwater and erosion management and continues in focused research on controlled burning practices.

Fig. 03 Amid the worst heatwave in three decades in Greece, almost a third of the island of Evia was surrendered to the flames. The lady’s reaction to fleeing her home was shared by international media. Courtecy: Konstantinos Tsakalidis Source: https://time.com/6123078/top-100-photos-2021/