COASTAL DOMAINS attica seas

Edem, Palaio Phaleron, Attica

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Maria Alexiou, Iro Leventis


Palaio Phaleron (Gr. Φάληρο), situated on the east coast of the Phalerum Bay, is a municipality of Attica since 1942. Palaio Phaleron covers a surface of 4.8km2 and has a coastline of 4km. Due to its vicinity to Athens (approximately 9km) Phaleron’s importance goes back to Antiquity as the City’s first port. For centuries, the area used to be primarily farmland but gradually became urbanised in the first quarter of the 20th century. Today, Phaleron is densely built, with tall polykatoikias (Gr. πολυκατοικία, residential building) and considered an up-scale Athenian suburb.
An important environmental element of the area is the Pikrodafni stream (Gr. Ρέμα Πικροδάφνης), which springs from Hymettus mountain. Pikrodafni with a total length of 9,3km is one of the few remaining urban streams of Attica, which despite being subject to significant anthropogenic pressures -including uncontrolled building constructions and human interventions, illegal rubbish disposal and the destruction of its riparian zone- still retains some of its important hydro-morphological and biological features constituting a valuable opportunity for an environmentally friendly restoration and sustainable regeneration.
































































Locus amoenus
Edem, Palaio Phaleron, Attica, GR
Maria Alexiou, Iro Leventi


The project restores the physical environment of the sensitive ecosystem of the Pikrodafni stream but also connects people and districts along a linear park. The urban and ecological revitalisation strategy incorporates the coastal and river waterfronts into a new landscape, creating a vibrant recreational area for all. The new park will trigger different emotions and landscapes, rendering water an element to exploit, experience and explore.
The master plan can be implemented in phases, initiating with the restoration of the riverbed along the higher section of the Pikrodafni stream through the planting of purifying plants and the installation of water cleaning mechanisms (Vouliagmenis ave. - Aghiou Demetriou ave.). The purified water will gradually be used for irrigation creating thus an inviting vegetated area. At a lower section, a system of promenades will be running along and across the stream in the form of pathways, crossings, bridges, platforms and steps, interconnecting various structures and areas for resting and recreation while reorganizing pedestrian and vehicular flows.At the ‘isle’ section, the scheme foresees the creation of a multipurpose community centre, through the selective demolition and transformation of existing structures and buildings. At the lowest section of the stream, at its estuary, the park meets the spirit and vitality of the existing beach and waterfront promenade.
All in all, the ecological transformation of a degraded natural reserve will eventually render it a destination and landmark for Attica. It is a manifestation of empowering people and change through design.






































01/16 edem book



© COASTAL DOMAINS 2016-18