Dionysiou Areopagitou St.
Creation and landscaping of a network of pedestrian walkways, and public outdoor spaces in the Acropolis region.

Project by the "Unification of the Archaeological Sites of Athens S.A." (UASA), 1997-2002

Architects:
(a) "PLEIAS – D. Diamantopoulos & Associate Architects Co. Ltd.", D. Diamantopoulos, O. Vingopoulos, K. Giouleka,
(b) Anastasios Zervas
(c) Kalliroe Palyvou
(d) "M. Kaltsa, D. Panagos, V. Papandreou, Commercial Partnership"



This study received first prize in the relevant architectural competition held by the Ministry of the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, and in 1997, the newly constituted UASA ("Unification of the Archaeological Sites of Athens S.A.") was awarded the project.
The main purpose was to upgrade the natural and constructed environment both functionally and aesthetically, so that the region could constitute a connecting link, the "backbone" as is it often called, of the unification of the archaeological sites. It was, in other words, to function as a factor unifying the fragmented historic landscape. The long-term goal was to create a general pole to attract the population in their leisure time.
A significant parameter in the planning was the demand for an area that could be crossed by public transport, which in the first phase would be in the form of a mini-bus, with provisions for the possible installation of a tram in the future.
The main objectives of the proposals contained in the design were:
- To demonstrate the unity of the historical, archaeological and natural landscape.
- To provide a distinct transition from the controlled archaeological site to the open public space, and to create the feeling of an archaeological walk in a harmonious interface with the open spaces of the district.
- To serve the functional needs of the urban surroundings, of visitors and of the archaeological sites.
- To seek a plan that will serve unity, that will set off the environment, so as to suggest an atmosphere of calm and cultural edification, rather than imposing its own presence.
- To use a modern but simple stylistic vocabulary and with respect for the existing Pikionis landscaping.
- To select strong natural materials, simple and durable structures and to "recycle" existing marble features.
The project contained the following individual studies:
Town planning organisation of the region. Recording and recreating the façades of buildings. Street lighting and urban equipment. New networks for fire prevention, drainage of rainwater, infrastructure to serve the unified archaeological sites and replacement of the utilities networks.

TRANSPORTATION