Pyrosymbiotic Futures - Technical Report

The Bartlett School of Architecture University College London MLA year 2 Landscape Architecture Academic year: 2021/22 Submission date: 25/04/2022

PYROSYMBIOTIC FUTURES Developement of Prescribed Burning Patches on Mount Ymittos

Landscape, Ecology & Urban Environments Submission B Module Coordinator: Ana Abram Practice Tutor: Maya Abdul-Latif Studio 9 Student: Alexandra Souvatzi

Word Count: 1826

/i/

/ INDEX /

Index

p. ii

Topic Statement

p. iv

Project background

p. 02

The Pyroscene – Mediterranean Basin

p. 03

Site analysis – Mount Ymittos

p. 04

Geology – Rock formations & qualities

p. 05

Landscape categories – Characteristic topographic qualities

p. 06.a

Typologies – Environmental analysis

p. 06.b

Topic research

p. 08

Wildfire categories – Spreading behaviour

p. 09

Prescribed burning – Timeline

p. 10

Habitats – Succession stages

p. 11

Habitats – Vegetation samples

p. 12

Reference work – Firebreaks

p. 13

Reference work – Sculpting

p. 14

Site materiality – Stone processing methods

p. 15

Specifications – Material information & characteristics

p. 16

Project realisation

p. 18

Design strategy – Intervention layers

p. 19

Realization strategy – Stakeholders & maintenance

p. 20

Fire patches – Controlled burning layout

p. 21

Phasing – Succession stages & rotation

p. 22

Gorge – Upper part

p. 23

Gorge – Lower part

p. 24

Ringe – Upper part

p. 25

Ringe – Lower part

p. 26

Reforestation - Upper part

p. 27

Reforestation – Edge to the city

p. 28

Main path – Strategies on schist & limestone

p. 29

Main path – Strategies on marble & dolomite

p. 30

Bibliography

p. 31

Apprendix

p. 33

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/ TOPIC STATEMENT /

In an increasingly warming world, fire could be seen as an ally instead of an enemy.

In the past 20 years, severe wildfires have burnt the landscape of Mount Ymittos, posing a threat to the municipalities of Athens that form its boundary. The flames consume its vegetation as well as change the chemistry of its rocky terrain. Soil erosion, debris and floods impact the city due to its scarred condition.

This study focuses on shaping a pyro-symbiotic future for Central Ymittos by creating a landscape mosaic that enhances pyrodiversity. Its habitat is divided into patches that are cultivated by fire rotationally, creating fire breaks and allowing vegetation to flourish and reproduce.

A different design strategy is developed in each patch, depending on its environmental characteristics. Interventions sculpt the existing terrain and reuse material on site. The landscape is reshaped to defend itself against hazardous intense wildfires.

The existing mountainous route that connects the South municipalities is used as the base where strategic design choices develop around. The route passes through the urban grid, to address the connection between landscape and the city, as well as invite inhabitants and tourists to participate in its social performance. Stewardship of the land is given to social groups that provide educational and environmental services, in order to develop a new paradigm of forestry maintenance.

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Mount Ymittos overlooking Athens and the Saronic Gulf Author’s archive, February 2022

/ 01 /

PROJECT BACKGROUND Section 01

/ 02 /

/ THE PYROSCENE / Mediterranean Basin The impact of climate change is evident in the unprecedented weather conditions that hit regions all over the globe. As Jones,(2018) argues, the climate zones expand towards the poles of our planet and this change is notable in the last half century. Desertification, aridity and heatwaves affect repetitively temperate climate zones, building up what is called ‘extreme fire weather’ (IPCC, 2021).

This phenomenon is described by academics as the era of megafires (Struzik, 2020), or the pyrocene (Pyne, 2021).

The Mediterranean Basin is very vulnerable to such weather conditions. The warm and dry summers that are characteristic of the region, are converted into intolerable and persistent heatwaves. Such was the case of summer 2021, where a long-lasting heatwave hit the Basin, with evening temperatures reaching

Heatwaves projection on future climate change (IPPCC, 2021)

Human influenced climate temperature increase (IPPCC, 2021)

Habitat types where modification in fire regimes is a threat (Eriksen, 2022) / Hightlighted are the habitats of Mount Ymittos

40°C (E.M.Y., 2021). Explosive wildfires roamed the lands of the countries, destroying natural habitats and urban territories and releasing harmful gasses to the atmosphere.

Almost 800 wildfires were reported in Italy

10-12% forest cover burned in Greece, - 100,000 hectares

170,000 hectares burned in Turkey’s coast

If the fire regime changes in these landscapes, the balance of the habitat is threatened. Fuel accumulates and invasive species are allowed to expand (Pyne, 2020). Amid the ecological crisis of our times, traditional firefighting methods seem inadequate to deal with the flames.

Thus, ecological fire management techniques are studied, that use prescribed burning regimes to deal with fire (Ignalsbee, 2022).

01-14 August 2021 (NASA FIRMS data)

Project Background

The Mediterranean flora is fire prone (Keeley, 2011), meaning that the species have evolved by being burnt occasionally and can resprout fast after such an event. In these habitats, fire is a keystone process, that results in biodiversity, which is often defined as pyrodiversity (Bird et al, 2016). This means that fire can both destroy and regenerate a landscape.

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/ SITE ANALYSIS / Mount Ymittos The capital of Greece, Athens, is very vulnerable to such fire weather, as it is built in a basin surrounded by mountains. These, burn every other year in the summer season, creating wildfires that are hard to handle and put down.

The aftermath of these events is reflected in the destroyed properties, as well as in the following disasters of floods and erosion.

Shrubland Woodland Heathland Cave

Mount Ymittos is an important shrubland habitat, protected by a host of organizations such as Natura 2000 and SSSI. Its value lies in the pollinating landscape that hosts a biodiverse ecosystem. The sculptural topography of its terrain creates rivers and seasonal streams that flow towards the Saronic Gulf (Geothymiki, 2017).

Spring Wel Central unit

Waterway

Ymittos is seen as an obstacle for the expanding capital, and high-speed roads cover its periphery.

Pressure for development is very high, which is evident in certain neighborhoods that have already encroached its protected boundary.

Natura 2000 0

5 km

Green areas

Conflicting interests in many cases are the cause of arson. Wildfires accelerate due to fuel accumulation and steep slopes, as seen in the events of 1995, 1998, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2019.

Metropolitan parks Historical center Quarry / Excavation Urban grid Military Chappels

11 municipalities form the boundary of the Mount and have access to it. Even though the city lacks green spaces, Ymittos is overlooked as an opportunity to enhance the accessibility of the residents to landscapes. Only a small part of it is a metropolitan park, with very specific rules of use use (e-kessariani, 2022). The ongoing construction of Hellinikon metropolitan park ignores the close relation with the Mount and focuses on the coast.

Primary streets 0

5 km

Dirtdoards Burnt areas 2008 2019

Impact of debris & erosion on urban grid Rivers contaminated with debris & eroded materials

2015

Saronic Gulf 2009 2009 & 2011

0

5 km

Athens, Greece

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BARC0111 - SUBMISSION B

/ GEOLOGY / Rock formations & qualities Geologically, Mount Ymittos belongs to Attic Cycladic metamorphic complex and is separated into 3 units (Coleman et al., 2020).

The central part is of interest for this study, where the bedrocks are a mix of marble, limestone, and schist formations, grouped in characteristic mixes or units. These are exposed when hiking and are recognizable.

Their soft quality means they are easily eroded and give the mount its sculptural form.

A

Area of study

B

Lower marble

C

Attic - Cycladic complex

Cheroma unit

Lower marble

Middle unit

Cheroma unit

Main: grey-stained marble Secondary: tr. limestone

Lower unit

Pyrnari marble

Main: slate / schist Secondary: tr. limestone

Pyrnari marble

Section A

Main: white-stained marble Secondary: tr. limestone

Upper unit

667 m 463 m

175 m

Section B

700 m

330 m 142 m

Section C

375 m 181 m

39 m

Project Background

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/ LANDSCAPE CATEGORIES / Characteristic topographic qualities Focusing on the part where the catastrophic fire of 2015 took place, the analysis attempts to understand the topographic qualities that influence fire in various ways. The change in orientation is reflected in the habitat types, which are exposed differently to natural elements, such as wind and sun.

750 m

/ TYPOLOGIES / Environmental Analysis

Lower marble layers Cheroma unit layers Pyrnari marble layers Other soil types Urban grid Saronic Gulf

01

03

02

Typology 01

379 m

The landscape categories signify different fuel accumulation, which is exposed in a unique way to natural elements. Thus, a typology is extracted from each in order to study more specifically their condition during the fire season, which extends from May to October (Kinias, 2022).

276 m 227 m

Section 01: Gorge

0

500

Soil erosion Vegetation density 655 m

Sun exposure and radiation is crucial to understand because it defies the dryness of the vegetation and soil. Furthermore, demonstrates the driest parts that require attention.

Typology 02

433 m

Also, wind is a crucial factor regarding fire. In Greece, during the summer a specific type of wind flows; the Meltemi. This is a northern current, which is strong and active during the day, but calm in the evening.

233 m 168 m

Section 02: Ridge

0

500

Soil erosion Vegetation density

Typology 03

459 m

Due to orientation and topography, each typology is affected differently from the Meltemi. This is essential because it can direct the protection scheme that design needs to respond to.

251 m 129 m

Section 03: Slope

0

103 m 500

Solar radiation (kWh / m2)

103

1029

Wind speed (m / s) (calm for 22% of period May-Oct)

1.10

11.30

Meltemi direction (northen summer current)

Soil erosion Vegetation density *soils depth calculated based on site study and are indicative

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A fallen burnt Pine. Its cones opened during the fire from the heat, spreading its spores to the surroundings.

Author’s archive, February 2022

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TOPIC RESEARCH Section 02

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/ WILDFIRE CATEGORIES / Spreading behaviour There are different types of wildfires, which are categorized regarding to their expanding behavior and the fuel they burn. Terrain steepness is another parameter that defines fire expansion. In Greece, the most common are creeping fires, as the vegetation is mostly shrubland. However, slope can transfer them to the tree canopy, which makes it more difficult to deal with. Also, strong wind currents carry embers and create fast spreading wildfires.

Creeping fire

Fire climbs on the tree and heats the canopy

Heat Flames Oxugen concetration

Slope assists in passing fire to nearby shrubs

Canopy fire

Fire passes trhough the canopies

Tree trunk is heated and dires out

Oxugen concetration decreases underfloor

Fire passes to lower heights of the canopy

Wind througs embers to tree canopy

Flames passes to tree canopy where oxugen level is higher

Landing embers light up the grasses

Slope accelerate heating of underfloor

Ember fire

Topic Research

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/ PRESCRIBED BURNING / Timeline Many landscapes, especially Mediterranean, are fire-prone and can regenerate after such an event (Keeley, 2011).

Contemporary thought attempts to use fire to fight fire and turn to indigenous prescribed burning regimes to seek such examples of coexistence (Spring Creek, 2022). In Greek landscapes, the post-burn succession stages are distinct and easily recognizable. Each, has a unique value to the ecosystem, as it hosts different species.

Fauna species:

Fauna species:

Mustela nivalis Vulpes vulpes Lepus europaeus Vipera ammodytes Buteo rufinus Various bird species

Testudo hermanii Testudo marginata Elaphe situla Columber najadum Alectoris graeca Predator bird species

Fauna species:

Fauna species:

Martes foina Mustela nivalis Vulpes vulpes Lepus europaeus Erinaceus europaeus Meles meles Pollinator species (bees, moths, butterflies) Migrating bird species

Lepus europaeus Apodemus Flavicollis Columber najadum Erithacus rubecula Ovis aries Capra aegagrus hircus Testudo hermanii Elaphe situla Small bird species

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BARC0111 - SUBMISSION B

/ HABITATS / Succession stages

Medium height shrubs, growing sparsely to each other. They are considered typical shrub vegetation of the Mediterranean region and usually grow on limestone. In the summer they dry out and are fire prone, as species have oils in their branches and trunk. They are often described as scleromorphs for their rouph texture.

Habitat D: Muquis High and dense shrubland vegetation.

Species can grow a lot and resemble short trees. Also very characteristic scleromorph vegetation. They can withstand heat due to their hard leaves. Some have oils or resins in their trunks. Their density makes them excellent fuel for wildfire, that is hard to put out.

Habitat E: Olives & grasses Typical vegetation growing on rocky terrain with poor soils. Mostly, the wild olive grows, which is a dense and high shrub. Grasses dry out in the summer and create fast-burning fuel, but during the other seasons they create a lush green carpet with wildflowers in the spring. Oil-producing olive trees usually have been planted in the past.

Habitat F: Coniferous woodland If coniferous trees are allowed to grow, they outcompete other species due to their dense canopy that shades the underfloor. This woodland is very dense, and the soil is covered by pine needles, which accelerate the flames in the event of fire. Canopy and ember fires in these forests are almost impossible to distinguish.

Topic Research

Succession Stage 01 Succession Stage 02

Habitat C: Garigue

Succession Stage 03

Typical Greek vegetation of low shrubs. They can withstand poor, shallow soils and aridity. The bushes are usually aromatic and thorny.

During the summer these species dry out their leaves to survive the heat and thus, are easily burnt. They flower in different seasons, creating pollinating landscapes of high value.

Succession Stage 03

Habitat B: Phrygana

Succession Stage 04

Reforestation efforts focus mainly on the boundary of the Mount with the municipalities. In most cases, they are completed by volunteers, who often bring vegetation of their preference, unaware of the existing habitat.

These areas tend to be more ornamental and include deciduous flowering trees.

Artificial

Habitat A: Reforestation

Prunus dulcis

Cersis siliquastrum

Eucalyptus viminalis

Rosemarinus officinalis

Phomis fruticosa

Osyris alba

Spartum junceum

Sarcopterium spinosum

Thymalaea hirsuta

Quercus coccifera

Ceratonia silliqua

Pisttacia lentiscus

Olea oleaster

Olea europaea

Stipa sp.

Pinus halepensis

Pinus brutia

Cedrus deodara

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/ HABITATS / Vegetation samples

Asphodelus aestivus

Cypressus sempervirens

Olea europaea

Helichrysum petlolare

Globularia alypum

Hamamelis virginiana

Moriga peregrina

Medicago arborea

Euphorbia characias

Calicotome villosa

Acacia ratinoides

Nerium oleander

Muscari commutatum

Cyclamen graecum

Verbascum undulatum

Cypressus sempervirens

Juniperus communis

Erica manipuliflora

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Scale 1:100

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/ REFERENCE WORK / Firebreaks Sparse veg Medium veg

Compressed soil Gravel layer Stone retaining boundary

Protection zone of no or low veg Wall from fireproof materials

Main wind direction

Firebreak type A: Footpath with wall Compressed soil Gravel layer Water runoff channel Soil mound

Firebreak type B: Dirt road for firetrack access

Scale 1:100 Existing soil Excavated rock

In the Mediterranean sometimes firefighting bodies corporate with forestry services to create linear strips, that cut through the landscape in order to create firebreaks. These strips are cleaned from any type of vegetation and their width can vary, depending on the location and accessibility. In most cases, they run parallel to the contour lines, but sometimes they can be encountered as vertical cuts.

In ember fires, these breaks need to be 300 m at least (Kinias, 2022). In creeping and canopy fires the width can be shorter. The main purpose is to provide easy access to firefighting services. However, these firebreaks have negative visual impact, especially in forest regions, as well as create habitat discontinuity (Fernandez et al, 2019).

Firebreak at Mount Ymittos

Scale 1:100

Studio SWA responds to California’s initiative called the Green New Deal by developing a strategy that responds to wildfires, in and around the city of Paradise, which suffered severe losses at a fire event in 2018 (GNDsuperstudio, 2021). Their work focuses in understanding the causes of ignition and respond to them using ecological schemes inspired by indigenous principles.

Leisure route

Mechanical thinning

Thinning by grazing animals

Prescribed burning

Prescribed burning techniques are combined with firebreak strategies to propose post-disaster solutions, taking in consideration the need of recreational, financial and residential uses. A major firebreak runs along the power infrastructure and is maintained by both grazing and mechanical thinning.

It also acts as an leisure infrastructure for the region.

Firebreak SWA: Clearing the path of electricity towers

Topic Research

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/ REFERENCE WORK / Sculpting

Woodden piles to hold trunks in place Trunks reused from the burt trees of the hill Excavation creates a basin where runoff soil is held in place

Erosion control on Slope in Olympia

Scale 1:50 Earthworks create basins that hold material and water Soil partly covers the fence to hold it in place Boards were made from wood found on site

Branches are placed in front of the fence for extra support

Erosion control on Gorge in Olympia Cast concrete base Hand cut granite paving Gravel layer Large pebbles finish fill

Path and staircase adapted to the rocky terrain

Scale 1:50

Granite stones Bedding Existing rock (granite)

In 2007 a wildfire destroyed the landscape surrounding the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia. Kronios Hill, where ancient Greeks used to light the sacred flame in the beginning of the Olympic Games, was burnt to the ground. Archaeologic and Environmental authorities immediately begun to intervene on the emblematic hill, in order to avoid soil erosion and desertification. The trunk of the burnt trees was reused on site to create terraces that hold soil and water in place. Small-scale earthworks carefully planned, assisted in holding the soil in place. The work was successful, and the Hill’s habitat flourished within only a year from the catastrophic event.

Punta Pite is a sculptural landscape intervention designed by Teressa Moller in the coast of Chile.

In native language it means ‘place of the winds’ (TMLS, 2005), which accurately describes the rocky terrain that has been eroded by the winds and the waves. The design implies circulation and resting areas between the rocks and invites visitor to explore the site. Hand cut freeform granite is used as the main material in order to completely unite with the geology and texture of the existing landscape.

Interventions are squeezed between the cliffs and constructed only where necessary to assist safety and circulation purposes.

Scale 1:50

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/ SITE MATERIALITY / Stone processing methods Sculptures Monolith furniture Volumes

Paving Wall coating Finishes

Plates Mortars Building material enhancement Marble Quarry, Dionisos, Attiki, Greece

Dust / Powder & CaCo3

Chemical uses Gabion wall Base substrate (roads, foundations)

Aggregate

Cement

Fillings Gravel Lime

Substrates Limestone Quarry, Filiatra, Messinia, Greece

Sand

Building materials

Interior / Exterior Paving Hand cut processing Monoliths Wall coating

Free standing walls

Plates Schist Quarry, Kavala, Greece

Topic Research

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Paving

/ SPECIFICATIONS / Material information & Characteristics Marble (varies) Type: Metamorphic Rock / Transformed Sedimentary Local category: Calcitic mylonites Visual characteristics: Mostly white coloured with grey veins.

Recognizable, clean cuts in the landscape.

Softly eroded edges.

Construction characteristics: Compression: 75-240 N/m2 Frost resistance: No Permability: 0,1-3% water mass Tensible bending: 3-19 Mpa Abraision resistance: 15-40 cm3/50cm2 Thermal conductivity: 3.5 W/mK Processing: Soft and sculptural material, a variety of finishes and textures available Local use: In antiquity, the white-grey marble of Mount Ymittos was used for the construction of temples and artworks (Attica 2020). Later, marble from Penteli Mount was used, so quarries on Ymittos were abandoned, leaving traces still visible today.

(Transformed) Limestone Type: Transformed Sedimentary Rock Local category: Dolomitic marble Visual characteristics: Raw, porous texture with rough edges.

Colour varies from beige to crimson brown.

Construction characteristics: Compression: 75-240 N/m2 Frost resistance: No Permability: 0,1-3% water mass Tensible bending: 3-19 Mpa Abraision resistance: 15-40 cm3/50cm2 Thermal conductivity: 2.3 W/mK Processing: Variety of textures available Local use: Material extracted in quarries for construction uses, such as aggregate, gravel and concrete.

Mica Schist Type: Metamorphic Rock Local category: Athinaic Schist Visual characteristics: Sheet-like layered rock with visible traces of minerals. Pieces sparkle up close. Rock formations are distinct due to rectangle shaped layers.

Construction characteristics: Compression: 75-240 N/m2 Frost resistance: No Permability: 0,1-3% water mass Tensible bending: 3-19 Mpa Abraision resistance: 15-40 cm3/50cm2 Thermal conductivity: 3.5 W/mK Processing: Only shape can be adjusted

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A bench assembled from hand-cut rocks found on the surroundings.

Author’s archive, February 2022

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PROJECT REALISATION Section 03

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/ DESIGN STRSTEGY / Intervention layers Landscape Patches Patch 01 Fire corridor Patch 02 Phrygana Patch 03 Garrigue Patch 04 Maquis Patch 05 Coniferous

Interventio

n edge

Reforestation zones Zone 01 Soil & gravel Cleared vegetation Zone 02 Irrigated low veg.

Slow burning Zone 03 Occasional irrigation Prhygana & garrigue Zone 04 Native Maquis Thinned & maintained Zone 05 Native Coniferous Thinned & maintained

N 0

100

500 m

Diagramatic plan of proposed landscape patches

The main path acts as an important firebreak between the city and the Mount.

It crosses different existing biomes, as well as the analyzed typologies. The proximity of the intervention area with Hellinikon Metropolitan Park is evident in the perspective view. The existing landscape is patched into different succession stages, to assist pyrodiversity. Below the main path, the design focuses on fireproofing the boundary with the city and welcoming everyday visitors, while above the main path the intention is to enhance biodiversity and create fire corridors that diminish the intensity of wildfire. Indigenous practices are translated into the Greek landscape.

Int

er

Perspective view of intervention region

Specific Drawings

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ve

nti

on

ed

ge

Reforestation plantations Maquis and overgrown garrigue Gorges with phrygana Olives with grasses Past excavated quarry Urban grid Hellinikon metropolitan park Main path

/ REALIZATION STRATEGY / Stakeholders & Maintainance Public utility ownership

Environmental job opportunities

Bottom-up decision making

Hiking expeditions

Mechanical thining

Bouldering expeditions

Controlled burning scheduling

Wildlife education & observation

Maintenance training

Camping regulation

Product exchange opportunities

Beehiving permits

IND IVI

DU AL

Pile burning events

Defensible space (city boundary)

Firefighting water access

Animal grazing permits

Participation in basic training Climate change policy

MU NIC

PS

Voulunteering groups & Scouts

GR IPAL SOCIAL

OU

Encroachment protection

RY STATE PERIPHE

The maintenance of this pyrosymbiotic landscape requires a new paradigm of coordination between existing stakeholders. Decision-making should happen as a bottom-up process, where social groups of local municipalities are in charge of important responsibilities. The state should support and coordinate these, while the inhabitants on the periphery of the Mount should be adequately informed regarding the ongoing processes.

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BARC0111 - SUBMISSION B

/ FIRE PATCHES / Controlled burning layout

Coniferous - Wildland

Maquis & Olives - Kunarka

Garrigue - Manguu

Phrygana - Nyukura

Sprouting grass - Waru-waru

Fire corridors - Nyurnma

Oct - Dec

Specific Drawings

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Simple earthworks create boundary for safe burning.

Shrub thining of dry branches to prepare for safe patch burning.

Autumn rain increases humidity in the soil and grasses and herbs begin to sprout

On low shrubland, the rain assists edible weeds to grow.

In Greece, this is considered an excellent salad and it is very common to see people searching for these plants.

Mountainous, rocky terrain is an ideal location to search for these weeds. This collection also assists in thinning the patch.

Edible weeds can also be collected from this patch.

Mechanical thinning is needed in certain plants.

This dense habitat requires careful mechanical thining of dried branches to avoid fuel accumulation.

In coniferous woodland branch thinning is essential to avoid creeping fires to climb on the canopies. Dry needles should also be gathered.

/ PHASING / Succession stages & Rotation July - Sept

Grazing can be introduced to these patches.

Greek sheep farming is seen as an environmental distraction, but in the case of patching, it can help in the maintenance of the landscape, together with financial benefit.

In spring, together with sheep, other grazing animals are drawn to this grassland. If the patch had not burnt earlier, such grasses would be difficult to find.

As the animals feed on fresh grass, they trim the landscape and compact the soil. Thus, they create an efficient fire break. Also, their manure assists in soil regeneration.

Phrygana during the winter provides aromatic herbs that are used in greek cuzine. Also, it is a landscape that is sparse enouph to stroll at.

In spring, phrygana is a highly pollinating landscape.

Beehives can be placed there, to harvest honey of exeptional quality.

In summer phrygana dry out, and offer refuge to insects. It is a highly aromatic landscape, characteristic of greek summer. It burns fast, but as it is low, it can give only creeping fires.

In winter, certain mushrooms can be found under the bushes.

In spring certain shrubs attract pollinators and insects.

In summer plants that create essentials oils mature. Their fruit or branches can be collected for use.

Thus, the landscape is thinned as well as it provides financial or personal benefit.

Collected fuel can be burnt in pile burning events, organized by municipal social groups.

Migrating birds find a home in the thick canopy of trees and shrubs.

Collected fuel can be burnt in pile burning events, organized by municipal social groups.

Woodland provides a home to migrating and predator birds.

Dense, tall shrubs welcome small bird species

In summer plants that create essentials oils mature. Their fruit or branches can be collected for use.

Pollinators are also attracted by the pollen of the vegetation, giving a different type of honey.

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7 day site rotation for 3 years 5-7 years later 5-10 years later

Participants observe the burning closely, for safe and accurate results.

3 years later

As the landscape resprouts, it provides an efficient fire break, as fuel is already burnt. Reptiles and small animals appear and nest.

5-7 years later

April - June Burning changes the chemicals of the soil and releases nutrients from the flora. Carbon is also stored in the form of coal or ash. The ash layer on top of the soil helps cleanse the acidic rain water.

The microcliamte created by the thick shade is ideal in the summer heat for both animals and humans.

Protected stable patch

Jan - March Patch buring is conducted by trained ‘fire-lighters’ teams of both professionals and traning volunteers.

BARC0111 - SUBMISSION B

/ GORGE / Upper part In typology 01, construction techniques are focused on preventing soil erosion and stopping falling debris. Depending on the proximity of each location with the city, different strategies are applied. Depending on the proximity of each location with the city, different strategies are applied.

Interventions are reshaping the existing terrain and use local material to create walls, aggregates and gravel. At the same time, it is intended to prevent the flames from accelerating, in the event of wildfire.

The Greek traditional typology of pezoules is used (short retaining stone walls).

Soil mixture 50% sand 20% compost 30% topsoil Gabion block Overflow control

Perforated pipe Gravel bed

Aggregate collected on-stie

Thin gravel path 8 cm

Drainage membraine

Aggregate base course Wooden frame

Typology 01 / Key Section Gabion wall modules are the first line of defence in areas that are difficult to access and thus, intervene.

They hold soil and debris in place, and can be created on-site, by existing aggregates from the rocks.

Detail 01.A / Scale: 1/25

The existing rock is sculpted to create ‘pockets’ that can catch falling debris and eroded soil. Extracted material forms freestranding pezoules (Greek stone walls) that provide stabilization.The pockets are planted, as in a pot, with added topsoil.

A retaining wall created by stones collected on-site can prevent large debris from accelerating their fall.

Also, it created a firebreak that prevents creeping fires from expanding uphill.

Material from thinned vegetation, such as dry branches and trunks, can be used as an erosion control intervention.

Bioengineering slope securing methods are used. Excavated ditches are filled with a branch net and gravel (created on site).

An irrigation channel can be added, if necessary, to guide the water to desired places.

A gravel path with wickerwork edges provides stability to the soil.

The wickerwork net can be created by branches from thinned vegetation.

A gravel layer is added on top of the existing terrain to prohibit underfloor vegetation. In the event of fire, the flames will not be able to climb to the tree canopy.

Next to th resting ar sculpted marble be plates can standing p needed.

D. 04.B

70%

Extracted material can be distributed where needed

Point firebreak

Firebreak opening

15%

Existing terrain

Point firebreak

Firebreak opening

Sections on Typology 01 / Scale: 1/250

Specific Drawings

/ 23 /

Firebreak opening

Primary f

/ GORGE / Lower part

Limestones collected from site Marble dust compacting material Load-bearing course (cement) Compacted soil Drainage Geotextile Backfill Topsoil

Wooden piles collected on-site Compacted soil Gravel backfill Topsoil Existing terrain Native low pollinating vegetation

Gabion curb filled with thick gravel collected on-site

Detail 01.B / Scale: 1/50

he main path, reas can be out of the existing edrock. Schist n create free pezoules, where A compacted stone wall assists both in stabilization and in preventing fire from climbing uphill.

The terrain is terraced by wooden pile fencing (similar to Olympia’s hill solution). The soil is stabilized and falling debris cannot accelerate their fall.

A gabion wall creates a more stable zone, where needed.

Gabion walls prevent erosion and debris. The existing vegetation in this zone should be thinned and irrigated before during the fire season.

On the edge with the city, the underfloor should be cleared from vegetation and covered with gravel.

A pedestrian path with resting spaces invites the resident to everyday use.

Zoning with low stone walls separates the vegetation into gardens which are irrigated and maintained regularly.

Gravel paths in the gardens invite the residents to an everyday escape. Below, the irrigation infrastructure is placed. When necessary, urban swales accompany the path and hold water and soil runoff. The vegetation in the second zoning should be irrigated and thinned occasionally.

D. 01.B D. 01.A

17%

firebreak

Fireproof boundary Zone 3

Zone 2

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Zone 1

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/ RINGE / Upper part Typology 02 is the most vulnerable terrain in the event of wildfire. Due to steep and exposed slopes, the flames crawl fast towards the top and spread the fire to both sides of the hill. After burn the soil erodes fast, and the landscape is threatened with desertification. Thus, the interventions need to prohibit flames from accelerating, as well as use bioengineering techniques to create vegetation pockets. The underlying rock is exposed and sculpted to assist those needs and to create a distinct landscape character.

Typology 02 / Key Section A stone path creates a shortcut that unites the existing firebreaks. This creates a smoother hiking route that cuts through the landscape. As in Punta Pinte, the existing rocks are exposed and cleared and the staircase rests on top of them, using the same material. The boundaries of the path are filled with thin gravel.

Stone edge

Thin gravel fill Aggregate extraced from site

Joint mortar Cast concrete leveling base

Stone collected from site with the same texture as surroundings

Detail 02.A / Scale: 1/25 The underlying marble rock is cleared from soil and its surface is smoothened, as in the case of a sculpture.

Every few meters, pockets are cut that host aromatic phrygana species. These interventions help the plants grow and prevent erosion.

Such paths allow people to reach parts of the landscape that are currently inaccessible due to steep terrain. Together with giving an immense experience, they provide quick maintenance and firefighting access.

A net of entangled branches from thinned vegetation (brushmattress) is places on slope and sown with grasses.

After growth, grazing animals can use it as a crossing or feeding ground. A stone wall creates a terrace that holds falling debris and created a safe passage for humans.

Bushmattress solutio are used to regenera vegetation and preve desertification. Low grasses and meadow grow there. A geotex provides support to t topsoil. On its low ed ditch with gravel help the installation in pla

D. 04.C

D. 02.A

D. 02.B

35%

23%

Primary firebreak

Firebreak opening

Firebreak opening

Sections on Typology 02 / Scale: 1/250

Specific Drawings

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Primary firebreak

Point firebreak

/ RINGE / Lower part

Live stake Wire securing the brushmattress Entangled branches from thinned vegetation Dead wooden pile Cleared & smothened rock Geotextile Bundle from live branches Aggregate filled with thin gravel

Detail 02.B / Scale: 1/50

ons ate ent shrubs, ws can xtile the dge, a ps hold ace.

Cleared exposed rock with pockets of low vegetation created a buffer zone next to the natural maquis.

This assists in fireproofing the uphill in the event of wildfire. Creating short firebreaks along the ringe instead of one large cut, assists in habitat continuity and prevents soil erosion.

A retaining fixed wall is placed on the edge of the steep slope to hold the terrain. A brushmattress above it extends the erosion preventing zone further uphill. The dense existing maquis are protected from climbing flames.

The sharp existing cut of the terrain is softened by stepped cuts. The existing bedrock is exposed and shaped into shallow ditches that can catch falling debris.

These are then planted with low vegetation, as if they were cast planters. The firebreak of the main path is reinforced, as fire cannot cross it.

The material extracted from the other side of the path fills gabion curbs to create a terrace. As ringes have panoramic views, a belvedere resting area is created.

The installation surrounds an existing tree and protects it from both soil erosion and fire, while it highlights it as the central element of the balcony. The verticality of the gabion curbs and the offset from the main path add an other layer of fire protection.

70%

D. 04.D

Material

reuse (b

ranches

)

Existing terrain

Material

Firebreak opening

Firebreak opening

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reuse

Primary firebreak

Point firebreak

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/ REFORESTATION / Upper part Typology 03 focuses on studying the reforestation zoning. As it forms the threshold between the city and the Mount, certain maintenance is required to prohibit flames from harming properties. Irrigation allows ornamental species, such as Prunus dulcis, to survive creating an everyday escape garden on the city’s edge. Gravel paths and steps separate vegetation into planters and assist circulation. Drystone walls and aggregate mounds aim to prevent crawling fires to expand and are used to bring irrigation channels to the site.

Erosion matts and vegetation pockets are placed where needed to allow planting.

Typology 03 / Key Section

Dry wooden foundation pile Wickerwork bundle from thinned vegetation

Geotextile

Root ball in existing soil

Detail 03t.A / Scale: 1/25

The upper edge of the reforestation should be thinned occasionally to reduce the risk of fire expanding to the forest. A free-standing wall should separate clearly the reforestation from overgrown surrounding vegetation.

When topography changes, there is high fire hazard, thus it should be easily accessible by firefighters.

Gravel steps allows descending to the ravine for both leisure and maintenance. To prevent erosion, brushmattress can be used to hold soil and to plant low flowering plants.

Point firebreak

In reforestations, the preferred plants are usually the most aesthetic native species. Cypressus sempreviens, Prunus dulcis, Olea europea, Lavandula angustifolia and even oak species create an ornamental garden for everyday escape. They should be thinned regularly to prevent overgrowth.

Reforested plants are planted very young, to lower the cost. Their small size deceives untrained volunteers, who don’t leave enough space between them. The gravel mounds guide the plantations and can bring irrigation infrastructure on-site. Also, they prevent overgrowth and provide enough space for the trees to grow.

Gravel to follo them w mound suppor mound growth as they

6%

46%

Firebreak opening

Sections on Typology 03 / Scale: 1/250

Specific Drawings

Topsoil cover

Sculpted existing rock

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Point firebreak

Fireb

/ REFORESTATION / Edge to the city

Thin gravel Base course Leveling course Irrigation & infrastructure Aggregate mounds from extracted material

Thin gravel Topsoil Existing soil / bedrock Reforested plant Irrigation Aggregate gradient mound Wire tree anchoring

Detail 03.B / Scale: 1/50

l paths provide a variety of routes ow within the reforestation. Framing with gravel gardens and aggregate ds create a short firebreak. Wire rt can be compacted to these ds, assisting the trees during early h. Wooden piles should be avoided y are fire hazard.

The existing path is widened to allow firefighting vehicles to move easily. The extracted material is moved to the other side of the path to create a terrace. The wall both secures the path and the soil and stops the flames.

On steep slopes close to the main path, the existing rock is exposed and sculpted to host vegetation pockets. A freestanding wall prevents erosion and flames spreading. A ditch catches falling debris and water runoff before they fall to the main path.

In reforestations, the preferred plants are usually the most aesthetic native species. Cypressus sempreviens, Prunus dulcis, Olea europea, Lavandula angustifolia and even oak species create an ornamental garden for everyday escape. They should be thinned regularly to prevent overgrowth.

D. 03.B

D. 03.A

D. 04.Α

40%

Material reuse

break opening

Material

Point firebreak

Firebreak opening

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reuse

30%

Primary firebreak

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/ MAIN PATH / Stretegies on schist & limestone

OUtflow channel Existing terrain Marble finish Free standing bench from local material Outflow channel Thin gravel Compacted soil Aggregate leveling course Framing pile Hand-cut stone colelcted on site Joint compound Thin gravel Base course

Free-standing retainning wall Thin gravel fill Wooden joist Foundation Compacted soil Backfill Aggregate gadient mound

Detail 04.A / Scale: 1/50

Hand-cut stepping stone path Leveling course Compacted soil Existing soil/ bedrock

Outflow channel Cleared, smoothened exposed rock Live branches bundle Pile foundation Topsoil Root systerm on stake Hand-cut natural stones collected on site Joint compound Cast concrete Gravel leveling course Stone frame Thin aggregate fill

Detail 04.C / Scale: 1/50

Specific Drawings

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/ MAIN PATH / Strategies on marble & dolomite

Backfill Free standing retainning wall Thin gravel fill Sculpted bench from exposed marble rock Cleared, smoothened exposed rock Outflow channel

Thin gravel Gravel Leveling course Base course Wodden pile foundation Wickerwork made from thinned vegetation Compacted soil Thin gravel cover layer Existing soil / bedrock

Washed cocrete surface Leveling course Base course Irrigation & infrastructure Stone frame Compacted soil

Detail 04.B / Scale: 1/50

Sculpted planters from exposed marble rock Cleared, smoothened exposed rock Low flowering planted species Topsoil Aggregate Outflow channel Existing terrain Cast concrete Leveling course Base course Existing soil / bedrock

Detail 04.D / Scale: 1/50

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/ BIBLIOGRAPHY / ARTICLES Bird W. Douglas, Bird B. Rebecca, Codding F Brian, Taylor Nyalangka (2016). ‘A Landscape Architecture of Fire.

Cultural Emergence and Ecological Pyrodiversity in Australia’s Western Desert’, Current Anthropology, (Volume 57, Supplement 13). Available at: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/685763 (Accessed: 1 December 2021) Christensen L. Norman (2005). ‘Fire in the Parks: A case study for Change Management’, Fire management, (Volume 22, 4). Available at: http://www.georgewright.org/224christensen1.pdf (Accessed: 30 November 2021) Fernandes M. Paulo, Rego C. Francisco, Rigolt Eric (2010). ‘The FIRE PARADOX project: Towards science-based fire management in Europe’, Forest Ecology and Management, (14 December). Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112710007279 (Accessed: 25 November 2021) M. J. Coleman1, D. A. Schneider1, B. Grasemann2, K. Soukis3, S. Lozios, M. S. Hollinetz (2020).

‘Lateral Termination of a Cycladic‐Style Detachment System (Hymittos, Greece)’, Tectonics, (18 August).

Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343950095_Lateral_Termination_of_a_Cycladic-Style_Detachment_System_Hymittos_Greece (Accessed: 19 January 2022) Nicola Jones (2018). ‘Redrawing the Map: How the World’s Climate Zones Are Shifting’. Yale Environment 360.

(23 October). Available at: https://e360.yale.edu/features/redrawing-the-map-how-the-worlds-climate-zonesare-shifting (Accessed: 27 January 2021) Pyne J. Stephen (2020). ‘Our Burning Planet: Why we must Learn to Live with Fire’, Yale Environment 360, (20 October). Available at: https://e360.yale.edu/features/our-burning-planet-why-we-must-learn-to-live-withfire (Accessed: 29 November 2021) Philodasiki (2018). ‘Aesthetic forest of Ymittos’ [Αισθητικό δάσος Υμηττού]. e-kaisariani. Available at: https://www.e-kaisariani.gr/χρήσιμες-πληροφορίες/αισθητικό-δάσος-υμηττού/ (Accessed: 25 January 2022) Struzik Ed (2020). ‘The Age of Megafires: The World Hits a Climate Tipping Point’, Yale Environment 360, (17 September). Available at: https://e360.yale.edu/features/the-age-of-megafires-the-world-hits-a-climate-tipping-point (Accessed: 29 November 2021)

BOOKS Keeley, J. E., Bond, W. J., Bradstock, R. A., Pausas, J. G. and Rundel, P. W. (2011) Fire in Mediterranean Ecosystems: Ecology, Evolution and Management. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/ CBO9781139033091.

Pyne J. Stephen (2021). The Pyrocene: How We Created an Age of Fire, and What Happens Next. Seattle: University of Washington Press USDA (1996). ‘Chapter 16’, in Engineering Field Handbook. Kentucky; Natural Resources Conservation Service Watson Julia (2021). Lo-TEK, Design by Radical Indigenism. Germany; Taschen GmbH Zimmermann Asrid (ed.) (2011). Constructing Landscape. Germany; Birkhauser Verlag GmbH

INTERVIEWS Kinias Spyros (2022). Interviewed by Souvatzi Alexandra, as the principal of South Ymittos Management Service (S.P.A.Y.). 5 February 2022 (online), London.

REPORTS IPCC (2021). Climate Change 2021. The Physical Science Basis. Available at: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/download/ (Accessed: 20 October 2021)

Bibliography

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LECTURES Dr. Dimitrellos George (2021). ‘Impacts of forest wildfires on the environment. Forest fires ecology.

Management of burnt areas.’ [GR:Επιπτώσεις των δασικών πυρκαγιών στο περιβάλλον. Οικολογία δασικών πυρκαγιών. Διχαείριση καμένων εκάσεων.], Department of Biology. University of Patras. (unpublished) Spring Creek Project (2022). Tim Ingalsbee: “Greenfire Revolution: The Ancient/Future Paradigm of Ecological Fire Management”. [Online video]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REePVsjte8E&list=PLuUz-6in-Awowro2KTTVhu709rh_WX1ZD&index=5 (Accessed: 11 February 2022) Spring Creek Project (2022). Margo Robbins presents “Climate Change and Native Knowledge”. [Online video].

Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5BslpWORwI&list=PLuUz-6in-Awowro2KTTVhu709rh_WX1ZD&index=3 (Accessed: 24 January 2022)

ORGS / WEBSITES Ε.Μ.Υ. (2021). ‘SIGNIFICANT WEATHER and CLIMATIC EVENTS in GREECE’. Available at: http://www.emy.gr/emy/ el/pdf/heatwave_2021.pdf (Accessed: 30 November 2021) Geothymiki (2019). ‘Attica’s streams’ [Τα ρέμματα της Αττικής]. Available at: https://geomythiki.blogspot. com/2017/06/blog-post_18.html (Accessed: 20 January 2022) NASA FIRMS (period 01-14 August 2021). Available at: https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/map/#t:adv;d:202108-13;@23.7,38.4,10z (Accessed: December 2021) S.W.A. (2022). ‘The edge of Paradise. Landscape stratefies for living with fire.’, Green New Deal Superstudio.

Available at: https://www.swagroup.com/idea/edge-of-paradise/ (Accessed: 2 February 2022).

Teresa Moller Landscape Studio (2005). ‘Punta Pinte’. Available at: https://landscapeasurbanismamericas.net/ wp-content/uploads/2016/09/TeresaMoller_PuntaPite_2005.pdf (Accessed: 5 April 2022)

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/ APPRENDIX / Site visit path & Understanding site qualities Inside View - Cliffs

Steep Gorge - Gravel debris

Edge condition - Phrygana vegetation

Dense reforestation - Accumulated fuel

Apprendix

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Emerging independent archietecture

Inside view - Hill - olea & grasses

Framed view - Hellinikon

Insite view - Coniferous woodland

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Collected rock samples & notes from site visit

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Vegetation samples & habitat textures

Apprendix

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Map an analysis from sketch to digital drawing

List of Figures

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Exposed soil l& rock layers

30 cm Moist topsoil

50 cm Soil blended in the bedrock

Eroded soil exposes its layers

50 cm Gravel mounds

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20 cm

Exposed topsoil

150 cm

Exposed bedrock

40 cm

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Exposed rocks as an insipation

The soft materiality of the site’s bedrocks erodes easily, creating pockets of emerging vegetation.

How could this typology be implemented at a larger scale, exposing the geological texture and allowing vegetation to grow whithin it?

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Exposed bedrock fills the space with its texture and colour, giving a distinct landscape character to the site.

How can these geological formations be highlighted and inform the design?

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