Second Prize in Open Architectural Competition
In collaboration with Christina Zaromytidou, Eleni Laloumi, Elisavet Pefani, Yota Piperidou
Consultant: A. Koytamanis
MEP Design: A. Argyriou
Landscaping Design: I. Lolidis
The area is dominated by fragments: parts of a continuous but often invisible spatial and historical network; dynamic elements that emerge now and then throughout the city centre and converge towards Eptapyrgio. Around them shreds of urban tissue, products of anarchic building and historical circumstance. The austere prismatic geometry of the ancient fortifications rises on the natural curves of a humble hillock, defining loci and developing deep, long shadows that attract. To these two connecting and organizing systems are added:
- Hill walk: a circulation system, at a respectful distance from the monument, attaching itself functionally to the landscape, determining transitions, deflecting attention and discretely reminding boundaries and directions.
- Wall walk: a recognisable network of loci directly on the monument allows visitors to approach it and discover rare views and vistas of the city.
The geometry of the design follows the principle of fragmentation by means of elements that both touch and penetrate: prismatic, often pointed forms (reminders of the fortifications as well as of the fortress history) form part of the landscape without imposing on the monumental elements. Arranged in acute and obtuse arrangements they direct movement or allow for escape towards places of rest and view. Vegetation is geared towards defining a natural landscape that promotes the monumental elements.
