Master's Thesis AR · Winter Semester 2021 · Spyridon Koulouris 

AAthens is a polycentric city that is no longer defined by a single urban centre. Its growth is based on the repeated reproduction of generic urban structures, extending into the periphery and creating a diffuse, low-hierarchy urban fabric. Against this background, the thesis investigates the potentials and challenges of Athens' suburban areas across different spatial scales. Its objective is to develop multifunctional concepts that combine ecological, economic, architectural, and urban design strategies. In doing so, the project addresses challenges such as the urban heat island effect, the overbuilding of historic watercourses, and the dominance of motorised traffic.

The thesis is based on the observation that Athens' largely built-up urban fabric requires strategies that can be applied generically to its diffuse suburban structure. Drawing on a SWOT analysis, the project first develops a planning "toolbox" comprising a range of strategic interventions. Suitable locations for applying these tools are then identified through a detailed analysis of the urban fabric. This process reveals a network of elongated, narrow spatial structures—so-called "strips"—that offer significant potential for intervention. Located between residential neighbourhoods, these strips function as connective elements within the urban fabric.

Using the suburb of Neo Irakleio as a case study, the thesis spatially integrates three complementary design strategies:

1. The transformation of the strips into green corridors that reconnect the buried watercourses. At the regional scale, this creates continuous ecological links between existing open spaces.
2. The reorganisation of the urban fabric through the creation of new public spaces as well as residential and employment areas. At the metropolitan scale, these interventions establish new relationships and strengthen Athens' polycentric urban structure.
3. The redesign of the existing street network and mobility hierarchy. This creates the conditions for a continuous walking and cycling network while reducing dependence on private motorised transport.