The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified 6 of the 7 species of sea turtles as endangered. Out of all species, 3 are regularly found in Mediterranean waters with the Caretta Caretta turtle being one of the most emblematic species of the Greek seas as most beaches that are responsible for its reproduction are to be found in Greece (ARCHELON, 2020). The main threats sea turtles face in Greece are the ecological degradation of the ecosystems, the trapping due to fishing gear, the injuries from speedboats and the deliberate killing of fishermen (WWF, 2020).
The Sea Turtle Rescue Center has been operating since 1994 in Glyfada, Attica and was founded by the non-profit organization for the Protection of the Sea Turtle «ARCHELON», with the support of the Municipality of Glyfada and the Ministry of Environment. Most of the infrastructure of the Center is housed in old train wagons provided by the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) and in outdoor or semi-outdoor constructions, resulting in inadequate service due to the stature of the current facilities. The difficulties are mainly related to operational issues, most importantly the lack of full housing in an enclosed space protected from external factors. Moreover, the different altitude level of the wagons in relation to the ground as well as the need to create some additional usable spaces are some of the other difficulties.
The current thesis project negotiates the presentation of a proposal for the redesign of the «ARCHELON» facilities. The proposal concerns the design of a building that will emphasize its role as the only Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Greece and at the same time one of the most important in the Mediterranean. Furthermore, these new facilities, redesigned based on the needs and difficulties of the existing ones, aim to upgrade the facilities for treatments and care of the sea turtles, facilitate the work of volunteers and strengthen the information and awareness of the public through interactive spaces that help in understanding the work of the Center and finally emphasize the importance of donations.