The subject of this diploma project deals with the site of the former Spiroudi military Camp in the Municipality of Ayia Paraskevi in Athens. Situated in the north-eastern part of the area, at the foothills of mount Hymettus and between the apartment blocks around it and the mountain forest, the field currently accommodates the Municipal Art Workshop of Ayia Paraskevi, as well as various sports clubs, by mainly reusing the already existing infrastractures of the former military camp. The main topic and goal of this project is the improvement of the site by maintaining and further upgrading its existing functions through the introduction of a greater art and culture centre, also containing sports facilities and having both local and hyper topical importance.
This 40 acres study area has a very distinct character, with a variety of spatial environments and functions within its space. The apparent contrast between the almost entirely deserted central part of the site and the northern and southern portions of the field which are fully reclaimed, weakens the dynamic and interest of its current function and therefore creates the need to approach this space quite differently. The stress on arts and culture, which already represents the central aspect of the site’s character, could also become the core of an extended intervention. By reclaiming the preferential position of this space within the urban tissue and transforming its weaknesses like its spatial discontinuity and increased ground inclinations, into decisive advantages, the concept of an extended building complex clearly related to artistic and cultural activities is suggested, with a more multifunctional character.
As a result of this prospect/expectation is the composition/introduction of an educational campus containing 4 bubble-like shaped glade areas surrounded by trees. Each one of them emphasizes a different cultural activity, exploiting the location of the site on the borderline separating the city from the mountain forest and smoothly incorporated in a demanding environment.
