SOLUN

			RANDIĆ-TURATO
.......................			RANDIĆ-TURATO

	THESSALONIKI WEST ARC COMPETITION 1997 PROJECT
	THESSALONIKI WEST ARC COMPETITION 1997 PROJECT
	The spontaneous growth of Thessaloniki has produced a successful matrix that contains high-density housing with appropriate supplementary programmes on the ground floor. However, extensive building of this model has reached capacity and the city is presently faced with serious infrastructure and ecological problems. The aim of the competition was to come up with a strategy for the new urban axis that runs through a series of yet unbuilt areas and to address some problems that the city has to confront. The project preserves the general characteristics of the original matrix and, with minimal interventions, aims to improve the matrix. Grey structure In the proposal, the traditional Thessaloniki block is modified by the insertion of a public green area that improves microclimate conditions and gives the opportunity to organize parking places. The original housing typology is preserved, and problems are addressed via the slight modification of the urban morphology. With this model, the entire footprint of the parcel remains possible to develop (as it is today), however, 30% green (public area) is added to the existing network. Green structure According the competition programme, areas along the new urban spine should enable realisation of commuting systems and provide space for public amenities. The existence of voids inside the dense built structure is accepted as an advantage that leaves opportunities for future growth. It is for that reason this area is not organised as middle-European ring city, but instead consists of connected sequences of green voids. The new street network is envisioned within this central landscape element; roads and tramlines cross each other. Inner islands contain public amenities such as parking places and sport facilities.





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