Eco-Neighborhood in Heraklion

Students: Katergianaki Evgenia, Moustafatzi Vasiliki, Tzirali Anna-Maria
Instructor: Grafakou Margarita
Advisor: Aleksandrou Eleni
School of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens
Presentation date: 14 March 2013

Sustainable development is rapidly becoming part of contemporary societies. It suggests a new development model that takes care of human needs, along with preserving natural resources and protecting the environment. In composing cities, smaller city units -neighborhoods- in harmony with bioclimatic criteria becomes essential. The challenge of this thesis was to design a neighborhood by simultaneously taking into consideration both ecological elements and architectural principles.

The site under study is located in Heraklion, Crete. The main parameters that defined the neighborhood design were its geomorphological landscape, the protection of its resources and character, together with direct connection to the city-centre.

The study's focal points were the development of a housing complex with extensive green spaces, meeting points, renewable energy sources and green roofs that will eventually result to improved quality of life. Furthermore, the creation of a linear park along the stream "Marathitis", the design of a pedestrian walk on top of the roofs of commercial buildings and a central square facilitating various services, including cultural and commercial uses along with recreation activities.

This Thesis scope was the extensive implementation of sustainable development principles in designing a neighborhood in the area under focus, by increasing the ecological consciousness, without compromising on what architectural design imposes.