This diploma thesis focuses on the regeneration of the coastal waterfront of Volos, within the section extending from Kordoni to the commercial and passenger port. The main objective of the study is to recompose the relationship between the city and its maritime front through the redefinition of public spaces, pedestrian and cycling networks, and the overall improvement of the urban and environmental quality of the area.

 The proposal seeks to highlight the identity of Volos as a coastal city with a strong urban and cultural character, combining elements of its historical and industrial past with contemporary demands for sustainable mobility, tourism development, and social life. The study includes an analysis of the existing conditions, the identification of key problems and potentials, and a comprehensive design proposal that emphasizes the continuity of the waterfront, the creation of green and cultural routes, and the redesign of the city–port interface.

 The thesis aims to contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development by proposing a unified, contemporary, and functional vision for the waterfront of Volos, capable of enhancing the city’s attractiveness and overall quality of life.

Keywords: Regeneration, Waterfront, Sustainability, Connectivity, Floating

Supervisor: Trova Vasso

Reference Number: 1221

 This thesis explores the role of architecture as a means of therapy, through a therapeutic complex of artistic creation on the island of Paros, which is aimed at people experiencing mild to moderate forms of psychosocial stress, such as chronic stress, depression, transitional life phases, and mild addictive or compulsive behaviors.

 The treatment is approached as a spatial, social, and experiential process, without the need for medical practice, and is achieved by following the therapeutic community model, which is based on coexistence, collectivity, and participation. The complex, therefore, which is  dedicated to caring for both people and the place, which in recent years has been affected by increased tourist and construction activity, with serious consequences for the natural environment, approaches the island not only as a geographical condition, but also as a symbolic framework of isolation and reconnection. At the same time, both contact with the natural environment and artistic creation through the complex's workshops contribute to the healing process.

 The architectural composition is organized into low-scale, fragmented volumes, incorporating elements of traditional Cycladic architecture, as well as the landscape and climate of the area, such as the meltemia winds and natural lighting. The complex supports different degrees of privacy, as the presence of the canopy conceptually divides it into two degrees of privacy.

 Consequently, the proposal attempts to highlight the role of architecture as a tool for care, by proposing a non-clinical environment that promotes mental relaxation, reconnection with the place, and the collective experience of habitation, while at the same time proposing an alternative model of architectural intervention in Paros.

Keywords: community, connection with nature, meltemia, habitation, fragmentation of volumes

Supervisor: Manolidis Kostas

Reference Number: 1212

Nōdo is a small, agile hub that multiplies and is set up in the urban landscape, creating a space for those who want to exhibit their creations, while seeking visibility and an open dialogue. This proposal stems from my own personal experience in the exhibition space, but also from conversations with people I met there. Most people find a way through their creation to express themselves, but what they make remains locked in cabinets and warehouses, without being exposed to the public. I decided to design an open hub, where young creators and passersby are attracted to a core that is constantly changing and developing. Its architecture is based on the Japandi movement, in which Japan and Denmark meet. Its key characteristics are wood, light, fabric and transparencies, that let the eye wander, producing experiences. It adopts in its construction the traditional woodworking technique, Kumiki, which promotes ephemerality and leaves a zero footprint in the city. In Nōdo, every day, and every hour of it, changes the space. In this diploma thesis, a special reference is made to the example of Nōdo in the city center of Athens and specifically in Klafthmonos Square. Where thousands of people pass by every day, but no one stops to observe.

The application of Nōdo in the square creates a social and cultural capacitor, for meetings, synergies and small surprises that transform the “passage” into an experience. If anything remains, it is that the city can be more lively when it is given a reason to stop running.

Key Words:Unit Design, Exhibition Pavilion, Kumiki, Ephemeral Construction, Sustainability

Supervisor: Gavrilou Evelyn

Reference Number: 1207

 This thesis focuses on Metamorfosi Karditsa, a settlement that has been repeatedly hit by flooding, highlighting its particularly vulnerable position in the Thessalian plain. The extensive damage caused in 2023 led to the decision to relocate the settlement. However, before this could be implemented, some of the residents returned to the flooded area and began repairing their damaged homes.

 The proposal consists of creating an infrastructure network that extends along the axis connecting the existing settlement of Metamorfosi with the potential new settlement and aims to support the community in the transition process, treating "repair" not as an isolated act of restoration, but as a complex process involving both the reconstruction of social and economic relations and the weakened rural landscape. A central role in the project is played by the establishment of an agrotourism cooperative, which functions as the administrative, social, and educational core of the proposal. The proposed network is being developed both in rural areas and within the settlement, through permanent and temporary interventions, including the cooperative's central building, local product preparation facilities, agritourism accommodation units, cooperative shops, and complementary infrastructure that supports the operation of the network.

 The design of the structures aims to limit the risk of damage in the event of flooding. The basic spatial and construction logic is based on raising the buildings above ground level by adding an intermediate level between the flood zone and the roof. The main functions are developed on the intervention floor, while more temporary uses are located on the ground floor, allowing the built environment to adapt to changing landscape conditions.

 This thesis seeks, through a "bottom-up" approach based on field research and dialogue with residents, to support a community threatened with dissolution, strengthening its capacity for recovery and self-determination after natural disasters. At the same time, it aims to strengthen the community in the long term against broader pressures affecting the Thessalian plain, such as soil desertification, overpumping of groundwater, and an aging population, phenomena that lead to the overall abandonment of the landscape and the settlements that sustain it.

Keywords: Metamorfosi, Floods, Repair, Agritourism Cooperative, Thessalian Plain

Supervisors: Mitroulias Giorgos, Phokaides Petros

Reference Number: 1197

 The present diploma thesis investigates the design of a temporary, flexible preschool education unit, as a response to the increased needs that emerged following the implementation of compulsory two-year preschool education. The starting point of the study is the documentation of the existing problem of housing kindergartens, with particular emphasis on the use of container-type classrooms, as well as the analysis of the institutional and spatial constraints that determine their design.

 The thesis approaches the school not as an isolated building, but as a small-scale “neighborhood”, organized through distinct spatial units corresponding to the child’s fundamental experiences: the outer neighborhood, nature, play, learning, and the inner neighborhood. These concepts function as both conceptual and spatial tools, guiding the configuration of educational and outdoor spaces and facilitating the smooth transition of the child from the broader environment to the protected school setting.

 On a theoretical level, the study draws references from the architectural thinking of Takis Zenetos and Dimitris Pikionis, focusing on the notion of the school community, flexibility, and the experiential relationship with space. On a design level, a modular system of school classrooms based on standardized ISO container units is proposed, allowing for easy repetition, relocation, and adaptation to different sites and conditions.

 Within the framework of the study, individual design components of the school unit are examined in detail. Specifically, the classrooms are studied as the primary functional units, the façades as transitional filters between interior and exterior space, as well as the roofing and shading systems. Particular emphasis is placed on folding as a principle of movable shading, which allows outdoor spaces to adapt to changing climatic conditions. At the same time, the role of schoolyards is explored as an integral part of the educational process and the child’s daily experience.

 The study concludes with the formulation of an integrated school unit capable of horizontal and vertical expansion, incorporating outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces, courtyards, and shading systems. The aim of the proposal is to create a functional, human-centered, and pedagogically high-quality environment that responds to the contemporary needs of preschool education, while maintaining its temporary and flexible character.
 

Keywords: Mandatory education, container, facades, playgrounds, folding shade canopy

Supervisor: Vyzoviti Sophia

Reference Number: 1211

This thesis seeks to evolve the architectural framework of animal care facilities by proposing a new, specialized design language for companion animals. The objective is to create a model stray dog shelter within an active olive grove in the Volos. The inspiration for this project stems from the lived experience of adopting a dog from the Volos municipal kennel, an event that led to on-site observation and served as a catalyst for research into Greek shelters. Through this process, a significant "architectural void" was identified: while human habitation is governed by clear standards, there is a profound lack of corresponding architectural care for companion animals.

Existing shelters, despite being intended for animals, are designed based on anthropocentric criteria. Priority is given to operational speed, ease of cleaning, and the convenience of caretakers. The result is spaces that function as “cold storage units” characterized by smooth concrete floors, inadequate heating, and cramped cages arranged in rigid linear layouts. These conditions induce stress and institutionalization, reducing "animal welfare" to mere biological survival.

The current proposal seeks to overturn this conventional model by introducing a new typology that focuses exclusively on canine well-being through zoo-centric design. The study approaches space through the senses and needs of the dog, creating a stress-free environment centered on enrichment. The goal is to provide the animal with the space to express its natural behavior, explore, play, and essentially exercise its right "to be a dog".

An active olive grove in Volos was selected as the site, where the architecture follows a gentle pace, observing nature before intervening. The dog dwellings and the paths within the grove develop organically, avoiding strict geometries. The A-frame typology is chosen as the primary structural unit for all constructions, drawing inspiration from the archetypal form of the dog house - the classic gabled roof of a backyard kennel. These forms, constructed incorporationg upcycled materials, are positioned among the trees. They are supported by point foundations and are slightly elevated from the ground, fully respecting the natural grid and the root systems of the olive trees.

In this new framework, the role of the human is radically transformed. Architecture shifts from a logic of enclosure to a medium for coexistence. The central building is not merely an administrative shell, but the "heart" of a community of animal lovers- a hub of activity that fosters education and encourages volunteerism. Furthermore, the project’s innovation lies in combining an extroverted public character with high operational standards, where specialized staff and thoughtful design ensure that daily care and safety are never compromised. Thus, the shelter is evolved from a place of sorrow and isolation into a pioneering, visitable destination of life, joy, and meaningful contribution.

Keywords: Stray Animal Shelter, Coexistence, Architecture for Animals, Olive Grove, Volunteerism

Supervisor: Gavrilou Evelyn

Reference Number: 1206

 This diploma thesis examines the restoration and reactivation of a semi-rural area located north of Lake Marathon, which was affected by a wildfire in 2024, with a focus on its agricultural character and the potential for restoring its productive function. The study proposes the creation of an Agricultural Activities Learning Center as a tool for education, practical application, and collaboration, aiming to support post-fire regeneration through the active involvement of the local community.
 The study area is characterized by gentle topography, the presence of streams and seasonal watercourses that flow into Lake Marathon, and a strong agricultural past, primarily associated with olive groves and vineyards. Although agricultural activities continue to exist, they currently function mainly as a secondary source of income. The wildfire had significant impacts on the landscape, agricultural land, and social use of the area, limiting both productive and recreational activities.
 The proposed Learning Center is located in the northwestern part of the study area, on a site belonging to a poultry farming company that includes existing agricultural buildings. The project is based on the adaptive reuse of an abandoned building constructed of concrete blocks, integrating it into the surrounding agricultural landscape while taking advantage of the existing building stock. The design approach emphasizes reuse as a sustainable strategy and as a means of preserving the productive memory of the site.
 The building is organized as a multifunctional space for education, meetings, and hands-on training, serving professional and amateur farmers, students, volunteers, and local stakeholders. Through educational programs and practical agricultural activities, the project promotes continuous learning and active participation.
 By linking education with practice, this thesis proposes a model of agricultural regeneration that supports long-term recovery and sustainable development, contributing to the restoration of the productive, social, and spatial identity of the area.

Keywords: Adaptive reuse, Agricultural landscape, Restoration, Education, Community 

Supervisor: Micocci Fabiano

Reference Number: 1216

 This diploma project addresses the redevelopment of the former Agia Triada campsite in Thessaloniki (1960), a historically significant coastal site that once constituted the area’s most important holiday resort. Until recently, the campsite was under the ownership of TAIPED, remaining in a state of degradation and fragmented use. Drawing from the collective memory of the Aktion refreshment pavilion-an important landmark for both the campsite and the local community-and the organized beach, the proposal redefines the waterfront as a public, open, and active landscape. At the core of the composition lies the interweaving of sport and landscape, structured around a floating wooden platform for water sports and a network of soft pathways that connect athletic, educational, and collective activities. The proposal is based on reversible constructions, sustainable materials, and the adaptive reuse of existing structures, aiming to restore the relationship between land and sea, as well as the local habitat. The primary objective is to reactivate the site as a social and environmental hub, repositioning Agia Triada within the network of vibrant coastal places.

KeyWords: public reappropriation - sport and landscape - collective memory - local community - coastal regeneration

Supervisors: Kosma Anthi, Lykourioti Iris

Reference Number: 1223