The abandonment of buildings constitutes a widely prevalent issue in urban centers worldwide and has engaged many researchers. Some define the concept of "abandoned building" as structures that pose a risk to public health and safety. In Greece, the problem of building abandonment is particularly significant and has been exacerbated in recent years due to economic recession. Although systematic studies to document the exact number of abandoned buildings have not been conducted, it is observed that this number is high. The rates of building abandonment in Greece are primarily attributed to urban sprawl, deindustrialization, and economic recession, while inheritance issues and high property taxes contribute to worsening the problem.
This thesis focuses on creating a multisensory experience through the reuse of abandoned buildings in the center of Volos, utilizing the city's existing building stock. The aim is to create a unique environment that blends mythology, architecture, and modern technology, highlighting the relationships between fantasy narrative and architectural design.
After studying a broader area, the focus is on a complex of abandoned residences. Each building is transformed into a space reflecting a different thematic inspired by myths such as Theogony, Titanomachy, Chiron and the Centaurs, the Argonaut Expedition, and the Wedding of Peleus and Thetis. Through interactive projections, augmented reality, sensors, and other technologies, textures, sounds, and scents, visitors interact with the environment, experiencing an iconic blend of contemporary vision with the magic of ancient myths.