Initially, the historical direction of development of the city of Thessaloniki is remarked, as a pattern of transporting and commercial crossing through land and sea (through terrestrial and marine paths). Morphological transformations of urban map are indicated during several historical periods in relationship with political, social and financial dominant conditions.
The reforms (Tanzimat) that took place in the 19th century, the consequences by fires in 1890 and 1917, the causes from lack of generalized practice of Hébrard’s drawings and the new reality of the refugees’ arrival from 1922 to 1928, are underlined. The reasons and the consequences of the overall urban design abandonment are revealed, as a result among others the tragic shortage of places of social infrastructure and parks.
Specifically, some general and specific intentions of the 1985 regulatory plan in each of his sectors and its choices are mentioned. The references to military camps of Thessaloniki urban area that are the only available free unbuilt spaces inside the urban plan, and their role are examined.
Military camps inside Thessaloniki urban area (15), their characteristics, their spatial size and the general urban plan dimensions are counted. The legislative frame of military camps’ removal, the problems that the latter creates, the attempts for their obtuseness through a system of exchange are into research.
Military camps’ role and practice of institutions of self government and other institutions for their accession are into complete examination, pointing series of several differential aims. The necessity to change choices is required; concerning land use, that has been provided for military camp places, because of conditional modifications and mostly, because of the fact that city needs places of social infrastructure, free unbuilt spaces and parks.
After approaching a general consideration into the issue “urban parks” (urban green) relatively to: firstly, everyday living conditions in Thessaloniki, secondly, emissions in the atmosphere, thirdly, what does cause them, and finally, several methods for their elimination, a joint planning framework for military camps is organized.
The generalized plan is based on standards of green development, ecology and sustainability. Viability of Thessaloniki urban area overall represents its purpose.
It is recommended the characterization of military camps of Thessaloniki urban area, that are not built, into urban green areas or parks, keeping only the remarkable buildings that could accommodate/host social activities.
Especially as far as the military camps are concerned:
Northwest are Ziaka (municipality of Menemeni), Papakyriazi (municipality of Evosmos), Alexander the Great (municipality of Ambelokipoi), Pavlos Melas (municipality of Stavroypoli) and Karatassoy (municipality of Polixni). It is recommended to become an arch of free unbuilt places, through urban and circulatory interventions.
In the center are Kapetan Kotta (former 424 military Hospital) and Field of Mars, (municipality of Thessaloniki), that are suggested to be transformed into a Metropolitan Park and incorporated inside the Cultural Metropolitan Center.
Southeast are Farmaki (municipality of Thessaloniki) and Kodra, Dalipi , (municipality of Kalamaria), as autonomous cores.
From general to specific and from Thessaloniki urban area with its military camps to Kalamaria area with Kodra camp.
Apart from the initial settlement of refugees inside Kodra and after the creation of Kalamaria are, the ownership status of a camp is quite interesting.
Approaching the general urban plan of 1987 and 1999 for Kalamaria area, the cancellation of the latter by the Greek Council of State, and mostly the cancellation reasons, that protect the use “green area” from accompanying activities, such as sports and culture, that cancel the primal use, are into research.
Repeated street plans of Kodra area, regulations from the Ministry of Culture and their relation with today (Cultural Capital, Olympic Games) are recorded.
The architectural Competition of 1994 is introduced from the announcement to the rewards and design studies, giving also some important reasons that canceled its realization. Furthermore, the relative views from the Municipality of Kalamaria are marked too.
Based on a joint planning framework and intervention for the military camps of Thessaloniki urban area, a specific planning framework and intervention for Kodra camp is created, which concerns institutional and methodological options for regulations at the site.
The design proposal is organized after a list of preserved buildings and some chosen for preservation and also subsequent rates calculations for operations and building holding, so as that they would be less than current.
The proposal concerns the values of urban design and is placed between the joint planning framework and intervention for the military camps from Thessaloniki urban area, and the specific planning framework and intervention for Kodra camp, with the aim of sustainable development
Moreover, fundamental principle of the proposal comprises a green park creation, as lung life, with paths-routes for walking, relaxation and pleasure, an artistic and cultural place with environmental sensitivity.
Basic purpose is that Kodra camp remains without buildings, accessible and indivisible. Therefore, it is recommended to maximize its planting surface, away from reconstruction views. In addition, the preserved buildings, that have historical and architectural value, have to become productive, as modern history monuments of the city and the site.
Every spatial formation comes to light from detailed research and exhausting study of current situation, existing green area, mapping, lining, river trace and archeological site. After many different diagrammatic experimental efforts, little by little, piece by piece, the proposal becomes final, deciding on new paths-routes, squares, plateaus, pond (lake), enforcing flora zones, defining again the relationship between man and nature, man and green-water element.
It is decided to organize separable green zones. The transitional zone joins – limits – separates the park from streets, with copse, small wood (forest). The centre of the park that constitutes the base of the green area lung and also has scattered service installations, is modified with low flora (bushes and flowers).
It is about areas of low vegetation into linear orders, copses, river and pond with aquatic plants, open places – squares with stands and pavilions with kiosks, living rooms for stop, relaxation, rest, games, cultural activities. The archeological site is reclaimed and accessible.
The entrance receptions of the park are organized and the areas of culture and relaxation are scattered little by little inside. The different green zones are traced with pedestrian zones and bicycle paths created with natural materials. Vehicles for maintenance and emergency can use these routes. All the other vehicles are rejected completely from the interior of the park.
Apart from the conventional project drawings and the diagrams, there has been experimentation with a variety of alternative ways of expression, based on values of handmade, craft, patchwork, fabric, collage, layers, part object and fragment.
To conclude, Kodra camp has been formed as green area with the character of an urban relaxation park, enriched with plenty of light activities, which will not harm the environment. Ultimately, a metropolitan urban park turns up, a free space flexible to use and friendly to citizens.