Architectural Study of the Redevelopment of Urban Squares in the settlement of Marathon, D.E. Nea Makri Marathon
HEROES SQUARE

PROJECT LOCATION
The project concerns "Heroes Square", the central square of Marathona settlement, D.K. Marathon of the Municipality of Nea Makri, which is located at the junction of Marathonos Street and Vasileos Georgiou Street (E.O. Athens Oiou Rafina) and is close to the central Church of Agios Ioannis.

EVALUATION OF CURRENT SITUATION

The negative - problematic characteristics of Heroes' Square include, first of all, its relatively outdated design logic, which results in an unnecessary structural and constructional complexity, with multiple "contusions" of its surface (to form terraces, flower beds and steps - stairs, in combination with sloping surfaces), elements that on the one hand act as obstacles for the unified functional and aesthetic perception of the square but also for the unhindered movement of people, often creating dangerous points with increased chances of accidents, especially
on rainy days (a fact that is confirmed by the personal opinions of several residents of the area with whom the members of the study group came into contact). To these we should add the often problematic drainage - runoff of stormwater, after periods of intense rainfall, as well as the increased levels of temperature and photoreflectivity - glare observed during the summer months.
Positive elements certainly include the presence of several heavy planting elements - tall trees, which can naturally be maintained, enhanced and further enriched through the strategic placement of additional tall, medium and low planting elements. As an additional positive element, the strong centrality of the square itself could be considered, both in terms of centrobaric position and in terms of functionality, with the simultaneous presence of multiple urban uses and corresponding spaces (worship, administration, leisure, meeting, gathering and collective memory, characterized by the presence of the Heroes' Monument), a fact that largely justifies the criticality of its reconstruction.

Architectural Study for the Redevelopment of Urban Squares in the settlement of Marathon, D.E. Nea Makri Marathon
ATHINAS SQUARE

PROJECT LOCATION
 The project concerns Athena Square, located at the junction of Marathonos Street and Athena Street (about 200 meters south of the central Heroes' Square)͘. It is a small-medium scale square (surface area approx. 850 sq.m.), with a local character - address (neighborhood square), surrounded mainly by two-story buildings (and in some places one-story or even three-story), in a relatively quiet area, characterized by the presence of a refreshment stand - traditional coffee shop (on the west side, opposite Marathonos Street).

EVALUATION OF CURRENT SITUATION
In the field of Athena Square, the negative elements concern the outdated logic of planting in flower beds with perimeter terraces that act as obstacles for the unified functional and aesthetic perception of the square, limit accessibility and visual comfort, but also create dark spaces in places, with the known accompanying problems (health - bad breath, feelings of insecurity, etc.). In addition, the negatives should include the extensive damage to key elements of the equipment (mainly in the seating areas of the central diagonal zone) and to the flooring materials, as a result of the growth of the root system of the adjacent trees, but also the natural wear and tear of time, in combination with insufficient maintenance interventions.
On the positive side we include the interesting existing diagonal floor pattern, combined with the configuration of the small theater
in the north-eastern part of the square, which can be preserved and enhanced by acquiring enhanced functional and aesthetic importance.
PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

The redevelopment proposal aims at the Functional, Environmental-Bioclimatic and Aesthetic upgrading of the square, with the main intention of its re-appropriation by the local community and its emergence as a point of reference for it, alongside the performance of a special architectural character capable of giving it wider significance and identity, with a supra-local or even international scope.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL
Basic Design Principles - Criteria - Directions

The proposal starts from the definition of the basic synthetic manipulations - rules, which concern the combined placement of point elements, line drawings, surface formations, oncoplastic arrangements, the definition of floor layers (the direction and rhythm of their grouting, the alternation between hard and soft materials etc). The criteria for this determination concern a) the smooth integration of the configuration into the surrounding area and the wider area (buildings, accesses, visual escapes, etc.), b) the restoration of the aesthetic unity of each square, c) the best functional activation of, with the possibility of forming individual thematic sub-units, d) ensuring accessibility for the disabled, as well as e) the performance of a special architectural character, in a perspective of synthesis of local characteristics with international standards.