The subject of this diploma thesis is the sanitation of an abandoned industrial building at the Ietionia Coast, on a symbolically tense spot in the harbour of Piraeus and its reuse as a Museum of the Emigrant Hellenism, with the utter ambition to constitute a cultural centre, a vivid and active communication channel between the Greeks here and those that have been disseminated.

The Museum will be focusing on the social phenomenon of immigration in an anthropological manner, inviting the visitor on a journey through the eyes of the Greek Immigrant. This journey will be starting on the harbour of Piraeus, point of separation and departure for numerous harbours of the world and will have as destination the constantly changing present. The spectrum of the thematology will be covering the conjuring up of the harbour of Piraeus at the times of the massive migration waves, the first discomforts and torments of the journey and the arrival, the first shy steps and the gradual integration of the immigrant Greeks in the society, their lives and their activity up to today, always in reference to the person and the feelings. In addition to the museum, other adjacent uses, such as lectures, temporary expositions, projections, a library with studying space, administrative offices and a restaurant will be completing the spectrum of uses.

The study includes the proposal for the transformation of the warehouse and the designing of a new building, were all adjacent uses will be accommodated. For the designing of the new building certain general principles are being followed, as to the geometry and the characteristics of the existing building, which are being translated into a contemporary architectural language.

The connection and the aesthetical unification of the two buildings is materialized through a central vertical node of auxiliary operations and exterior staircases, which are being connected via oblong aisles running along both buildings. These aisles a triple importance, as they provide horizontal communication, shade to the immediate lower glass surface, while intensifying certain poetic characteristics of the existing building.

The museum will be connected to the city of Piraeus through the road arteries of the city and the proposed reuse of an old small train, which will be reaching the Electric Railway terminal. As far as the surrounding space is concerned, parking spaces will be designed and the sum of the jetty will be subjected to landscape designing, in order to be attributed to the public.

Throughout the researching, the studying and the designing, the primary concern and a fundamental value which formed a sort of axis were the elevation and the establishment of the identity, certain characteristics and qualities of the building, as well as the surrounding space. Yet, the motivating thought and the utter goal of this degree thesis is the exploitation of existing while abandoned building reserve in vital spaces, in even seemingly caressed places, for the accommodation of demanding, as far as space is concerned, in a way that will not worsen the already stifling nature which conditions the average big Greek city.