This is an architects' contest for the refurbishment and improvement of Freedom Square in a very populated district of Thessaloniki in direct proximity to the harbour and to the historical neighbourhood of Ladadika, with a considerable pedestrian network and nowadays an important tourist and recreation attraction. Its current use is that of a parking lot.

  

The first and foremost principle, from a functional point of view, was the maximum possible insulation of the square from the heavy traffic around it, so as to transform it into a real square providing recreation, rest and culture to the occupants. Thus, the first decision towards this end was to break the traffic loop around the area, which suffocates the square, by converting I. Dragoumi Street into a pedestrian street, attached to the Ladadika pedestrian network and so connecting the whole square with it. The second decision towards the same end was to create an artificial diagonal "hill" to protect the square from the traffic nuisance, heat and pollution produced on both Mitropoleos and Venizelou streets. The hill is proposed to be created by the product of the excavations. The slope serves as a relaxing area with a view to the sea, and creates space underneath where the shops are located.

 

Other functional principles applied to the proposal are: taking advantage of the sea view, managing the square to function as a “gate” to the city as well as emphasizing the historical value of the area. Therefore, the only “unprotected” side of the square is the one facing the harbor and the sea as the factor of the view couldn’t be neglected. Additionally, by extending the higher part of the hill towards the sea, a promenade is created at a higher level and space for the cafeteria is provided for the functional and financial revival of the area. The complex of the promenade and the slope create an amphitheatric arrangement with a possibility to host social and cultural events. The promenade creates morphologically a gate, which becomes the main entrance of the square. An information point is proposed at this location, essential for the project to act as a Gate to Salonika for visitors coming from the sea. Paying tribute to the memory of the approximately 50,000 Jews of Thessaloniki murdered by the Nazis during the Second World War, the project comprises an experiential monument. The monument is a ditch with a side wall decorated with the outline of the Star of David and inspired by the “Hebrew Wailing Wall”. It is also situated in the main entrance area marking the entry point while functioning, as a lighting element during the night.

 

From an aesthetic point of view, the old Chinese puzzle tangram in conjunction with a 9.00m x 9.00m module are used as a canvas for the floor design, which is composed of 3 different materials, namely hard surfaces, flowerbeds and green spaces. This gives a possibility of an infinite play of forms without ignoring the need for unity, which is obtained by the 9.00m x 9.00m canvas. In aesthetic cohesion, a moveable 1.50m x 1.50m tangram set is also designed for the benches, offering users multiple options of arrangements according to their needs. As a result, the thermal comfort band of occupants may increase substantially by giving them the option of where to sit.

 

The study aims to improve the microclimatic conditions of the area. Anthropogenic heat can be substantially decreased by removing the bus terminal. Additionally, thermal comfort conditions can be obtained, not only indoors by using passive systems, but also outdoors with the careful distribution of the greenery, the creation of multiple transitional spaces, the correct choice of the finishing textures as well as the direct evaporation through the fountain. Active systems, such as photovoltaic panels and LED bulbs, are provided to light up the outdoor space. Additionally, the recycling of pluvial water may be used for complementary irrigation of the greenery.

 

In conclusion, the whole design is based on the principles of "Design for All" and aims at the successful regeneration of the square giving it a new recreational, informational and monumental role and a character friendly and interesting for everybody.