A significant proportion of existing Greek buildings is made up of social housing scattered throughout the prefectures. The Greek state, in cooperation with organizations, was forced and decided from time to time to create complexes and regions of social housing. These would house refugee families, victims of natural disasters, workers and other vulnerable social groups. 

This project researches the question of the “Right on Dwelling” by examining two examples of social housing in the city of Trikala. This research presents the different circumstances that led to the creation of a housing area for earthquake victims in 1967 (based on a district called Seismoplikta/Agios Oikoumenios) and the complex of social housing in 2007 (based on the village called Sotira) and compares the urban, social and architectural characteristics of each design. 

The main questions that emerged during our research are mainly related, except from the “Right on Dwelling”, the social and planning sector, to the “Right on Intervention” and the appropriation of these spaces. Does the resident have the “right” to intervene in their environment/house? If not, what are the reasons that prevent this decision? But also, how is the user presenting their identity to the environment as a whole? Or even, how does the individual appropriate this space (public and private)? Does the public space also receive and identity where the users’ profile is reflected on it and defines specific characteristics? 

The goal of this research project is to understand how were these two complexes inhabited, the social relations and identities that were developed throughout the interaction of the inhabitants with each other and the built environment.