RETHINKING PUBLIC SQUARES
ATHENS (GR) | 2023
Redesign proposal for Vathis square.
LOCATION
Vathis square, Athens
STATUS
Finished
OVERVIEW
Regarding Vathis Square, it was selected as a redesign site primarily due to the great potential of the entire urban block. The void space adjacent to the square, created by the intersection of the surrounding streets, presents a significant design challenge. A thoughtful transformation of this void could provide pedestrian-friendly pathways that create smooth connections to the square, while also reducing traffic and noise. In the next phase, the transformation of the square itself could incorporate elements of its history, surrounding buildings, and the desires of citizens, as reflected in the participatory planning questionnaires and interviews.
As the analysis maps depict, Vathis square is a small public square of Athens center in close proximity to several important toponyms. Marni Street connects Vathis Square to Karaiskaki Square and its Metro station (about a 9-minute walk), as well as to the Archaeological Museum and the National Technical University of Athens (around 8 minutes on foot).
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Pedion Areos Park is a 15-minute walk from Vathis Square, while Victoria Square and Victoria Train Station are a 12-minute walk away. Moreover, Liosion Avenue connects Vathis Square to Omonoia Square and the Omonoia Metro and Train Station, located about 7-9 minutes on foot.
Looking more closely at the surrounding blocks of Vathis Square, it is clear that the square is not only connected to central toponyms and public transport stations, but also to a variety of services and functions. The neighboring urban blocks are home to many hotels, hostels, and rental apartments, as well as a homeless shelter, and a wide range of food services and cafes. Some of these food services extend into parts of the existing square or the paved area across from it.
Additionally, a theater, a conservatory, a clinic, and various markets are located nearby. Furthermore, there are five parking lots nearby, marked with a “*P.”
Access to the square is difficult, as it is located at the intersection of wide traffic axes. This intersection creates an unfriendly, noisy, and unsafe crossing, with priority given to cars. Due to the large intersection that forms a busy and chaotic void, the challenge was to find a solution to the traffic issue in order to provide pedestrianized areas and create larger blocks around the square.
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A new and larger public square is now proposed. The new area, as well as the paths leading to the open space, are shown in grey. The new Vathis Square is divided by the main car-oriented street (Marni) into two main sections. The paths also function as part of the square, providing various functions. Area of the new square: 4,114 sqm. Area of the paths: 3,761 sqm.
