The present diploma thesis addresses the redesign of the living experience in Gerakas, Attica, proposing a mixed-use building that responds to both the housing and social needs of the suburb. The aim is to create a sustainable living model, where natural light and collectivity function as primary compositional tools.

The building program is organized vertically with a clear functional separation. The ground and first floors host uses that serve the immediate needs of residents and interact with the urban fabric: a preschool center to support working parents, a supermarket, and a gym with a café that enter into a dialogue with the neighboring Sports Center. The upper floors (2nd, 3rd) accommodate the residences. The central composition idea is the introduction of a system of atria that penetrates the building volume. The central atrium functions as a circulation core and entrance to the apartments, while smaller, private atria-one for each residence-ensure the necessary privacy and provide cross-ventilation and natural lighting for each unit individually.

The architectural composition is scientifically documented through an energy study (TEE KENAK) and extensive bioclimatic analysis using Climate Studio software. Morphologically, the proposal is characterized by the use of pressed cement screed in an earthy terra cotta shade, a choice that adds materiality and harmoniously integrates the building volume into the environment.

Keywords: Mixed-use, atrium, bioclimatic design, natural lighting, urban living

Supervisors: Kanarelis Theoklis, Tsangrassoulis Aris

Reference Number: 1217

Canter argues that the concept of the therapeutic environment carries a dual meaning: on the one hand, it refers to a space intentionally designed for therapeutic purposes, while on the other, it describes a space that has a healing effect without this being its original intention.

Foucault describes how, during the Middle Ages, the “mad” were crowded onto ships with unknown destinations, illustrating how mental disorder became synonymous with confinement, social marginalization, illness, deprivation, and mistreatment. He reveals how deeply a society founded on rationality is unsettled by the existence of the non-rational.

 In a world marked by fast-paced living, increasing socio-economic and political challenges, and unprecedented health and social phenomena such as the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions around mental health have been brought to the forefront, along with questions regarding how architecture is expected to respond to these challenges. The concept of self-care is increasingly adopted during periods of social and economic instability. While there is a noticeable rise in the number of individuals turning to psychotherapy and psychiatric care, long-term stabilized psychiatric patients often rely on small and frequently insufficient programs, offering limited opportunities for socialization, reintegration, empowerment, and the recovery of social skills. At the same time, mental health stigma continues to persist, despite significant efforts toward its elimination.

 This diploma thesis explores spaces for the healing of the psyche and the promotion of mental health through the proposal of a scenario for a Day Care Center for psychosocial reintegration, located at the old quarry in Goritsa, Volos. Through spatial and conceptual binaries such as mass–void, interior–exterior, light–shadow, private–public, and natural versus built landscape, the study seeks to examine and redefine mental health-related spaces free from asylum-like characteristics. The individual is placed at the center, in relation to others, the natural and built environment, at the threshold between city, hill, and sea.

key words : Healing, residual landscape , void–mass, porous, contrasting landscapes

Supervisor: Gavrilou Evelyn

Reference Number: 1202

 This thesis examines refugee settlements through an architectural lens. It treats camps not merely as temporary solutions, but as complex spatial systems that evolve based on their duration. The research focuses on the Dadaab refugee complex in Kenya, one of the world's largest settlements, and builds upon previous research that extensively analyzed the inhabitants' displacement profiles, local geographical context, and socio-economic background.

 The methodological framework is informed by a comparative study of 40 shelter typologies worldwide, as well as an analysis of bibliographic sources and audiovisual materials. The investigation revealed significant gaps in professional training and the urgent need for infrastructures that promote self-reliance. Consequently, the design proposal focuses on creating standardized vocational training units that function as an intermediary stage between emergency relief and long-term recovery.

Specifically, these are:

1. An agriculture unit,

2. A sewing and textile unit,

3. A construction unit,

4. A nursing unit

5. A teaching unit, and

6. A livestock unit.

 These units have a dual purpose, serving as both educational centers and collective production workshops. The architectural design utilizes local materials and low-tech construction methods to ensure environmental integration and replicability in other settlement contexts. This proposal's ultimate objective is to empower displaced populations, cultivate skills tailored to the local labor market, and gradually integrate refugees into the economy, thereby transforming the camp into a space of creative evolution and sustainability.

5 key words:refugee camps, displacement, standardized units, vernacular architecture, human-centered design

Supervisor: Psychogyios Dimitris

Reference Number: 1198

 An intercity bus station functions as a pivotal urban node that serves the commuting needs of the local population, the workforce, and visitors alike. It constitutes the primary mode of inland transportation between urban centers and remains vital for regional connectivity. Rhodes, as the largest island and the administrative capital of the Dodecanese, represents an essential transit hub. Its strategic role is further amplified by the presence of an airport and its maritime connections with the surrounding islands, making the establishment of a functional bus terminal a matter of paramount importance.

 The existing Intercity bus station in Rhodes is currently limited to a ticket office, whereas bus departures occur directly from the pavement of Averof Street. This arrangement significantly obstructs the city’s traffic flow and results in a lack of adequate waiting areas for the traveling public. Furthermore, a secondary critical issue involves the fragmentation of services, as departure platforms are scattered at locations distant from the central departure point. The fact that administrative offices are similarly detached further complicates operations. Resolving these multifaceted inefficiencies is the primary objective of this thesis.

 Regarding the siting of the proposed terminal, the building block situated between the ports of Rhodes, specifically at the junction of Australias and Canada Streets, has been selected. This thesis aims to design an integrated infrastructure that consolidates all necessary terminal functions into a unified building. The architectural synthesis draws inspiration from the Dodecanesian heritage, adopting the arch as the fundamental design element. This morphological feature is utilized in its various expressions, in both recent and older buildings.

Key Words : Transport Hub, Bus, Turning Radius, Dodecanesian Architecture, Arch

Supervisor: Symeonidou Ioanna

Reference Number: 1210

 This diploma thesis examines the student housing facilities of the University of Thessaly in Volos, focusing on shared spaces and their role in students’ everyday life. The main objective is the development of a housing model through selected plots that reflects the spatial organization of the university itself, characterized by its dispersed presence within the city. Particular emphasis is placed on one specific site, where a complete architectural design proposal is developed, highlighting communal areas and aiming to enhance students’ quality of life.

SHARED DAY-TO-DAY AFFORDABLE LIVING TOGETHER

Supervisor: Paniyiris Costis

Reference Number: 1194

 The focus of this thesis is on the design and development of a shelter and empowerment center for women who have been abused or who are in vulnerable social situations. It is composed of two buildings in the Aglantzia area in Nicosia, Cyprus. The study discusses the architectural and programme features of these two different spaces, based on the concepts of safety, collaboration, and solidarity. It also examines their local context, emphasizing the principal distinctions: the Shelter is designed as a safe temporary residence (safe house) providing protection, basic services, and psychological support to women victims of violence and, if needed, to their children. The Empowerment Center, however, is a place that's closer to the outside and more community-oriented, looking to provide education, professional training, and support to residents through counselling.

Supervisor: Phokaides Petros

Reference Number: 1199