The Philippi Peatland, world-renowned for its features, its composition, and its natural beauty, has nested people's homes, culture and history for 8,500 years. Located in the heart of the prefectures of Kavala, Drama and Serres, in northern Greece, it is a rare environmental phenomenon.
For the design of this agro-cultural environment I utilized concepts of landscape architectural design, citing successful cases from international literature, mapped and recorded the current state of the landscape, performed field visits and consulted experts in the region.
I was able to draw substantive conclusions predominantly related to the social isolation of the landscape and its burden on agricultural activity. This led me to propose the re-development of the area and its water canals. By focusing on the regions strengths, the aquatic element, flora and fauna, and aiming to synergistically conjoin three pillars; entertainment, education and agriculture, I have proposed solutions to create a harmonious relationship between the local community and the natural environment.
I have chosen three intervention areas, in the northeast of the region. The goal was to engage with residents and visitors, through creating recreational, sporting, alternative tourism, and gastronomic activities. My suggestions where to enrich the abundant vegetation, expand and exploit the existing canals as an alternative means of transport, establish cycling routes, hiking, paddling and rest stops. In other words invest in the creation of elements that contribute to a positive human psyche and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
I imagine the natural landscape of Philippi Peatland, the beating heart of the Philippi cultural landscape as a place that will combine the production of high yield and nutritious value farming products, the entertainment of both locals and visitor while at the same time educating the youth and promoting a healthy lifestyle for all ages. I dream of a vibrant, sustainable place enriched by the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
