And now, WHERE ARE WE GOING TO LIVE ? Effects of gentrification in the city of Athens
The project aims to provide a possible answer to the issue of gentrification in the district of Gazi with a design proposal that is the the result of the investigation and understanding of the site. The intervention aims to maintain an original image of the urban block, characterized by a cluster of several buildings.
Local
Greece
District of Gazi, Athens, Attica
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
As an individual
{Empty}
Yes
New European Bauhaus or European Commission websites
The following work deals with the area of Gazi, a district of Athens that has been affected by a strong gentrification process. The work explores the outcomes and effects of this phenomenon of urban transformation on the socio-spatial fabric of the district. Having introduced the subject of gentrification, historical data have been collected, reaching a critical analysis of the final framework of the current state of the area. Initially it is aiming to present the most important events that led to the gentrification of the environment of Gazi therefore the timeline as well as the actors that are included. Moreover, the research moves on to a more detailed analysis of the current state of the selected project site. The analysis of the urban fabric was acomplished via a methodical work involving the depiction of the buildings that exist in the district and analysing their characteristics.
Furthermore it proceeds with a possible answer to this issue with a design proposal that is the the result of the investigation and understanding of the site. The intervention aims to maintain an original image of the urban block, characterized by a cluster of several buildings. The project introduces a set of higher buildings to deal with the growing population on one side, and keeps a more traditional low rise building system on the other. The two are put in relation with a semipublic garden that is placed in between and together with the ground floor level creates a continuity between the surrounding public space and the private one.
Gentrification
Urban Transformation
Social transformation
Urban Block
Affordable Housing
The key objectives of the concept in terms of sustainability are
Environmental protection: To maintain the health of the area and protect its natural resources, such as air, water, and soil, for future generations. This can be achieved through reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity, and reducing waste and pollution. Aditionally the urban garden that is created inside the project is a green oasis for the inhabitant of the site as well the whole district, with it’s unique microclimate of green areas and vegetation that allows the residents to interact with nature and cultivate even their own produce in a highly dense urban environment.
Economic development: To promote economic growth and create job opportunities while reducing poverty and income inequality. This can be achieved through sustainable production and consumption patterns, investments in renewable energy, and a transition to a green economy. Specially the creation of such a project would translate in the creation of many job opportunities for local workers.
Social well-being: To improve the quality of life for all, including access to basic services, health care, education, and social protection. This can be achieved through inclusive and equitable policies, empowering communities and addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality. Most importantly the population will have access to affordable housing for everyone with reasonable prices. This is a solution to the problem of gentrification of the area that pushed the local population to cheaper areas further from the city centre.
To achieve these objectives, a combination of policy and market-based solutions, technological innovations, and behavioral changes are needed. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable future.
This intervention is aimed at balancing the need for increased housing and population density with the preservation of the original character and architectural style of the urban block. By introducing taller buildings on one side and maintaining low-rise buildings on the other, the project is able to accommodate the growing population while preserving the existing character of the area. The semi-public garden serves as a transitional space between the public and private areas and helps to create a sense of continuity and connection. By preserving the existing architecture and integrating new development in a thoughtful and sensitive way, this project is aligned with the principles of sustainability, which seek to balance environmental, social, and economic goals.
The key objective of the project is to provide a solution to the problem of gentrification that is rather evident in the district. As an uprising district with an ex industrial past it is recently transformed into a trendy downtown area that attracts the affluent population of the city. The local residents had to be evicted as they simply could no longer afford to live there or they did not approve of the new lifestyle that the district is representing. The project provides a solution for both categories. The high-rise buildings of the project house a a great number of apartments that can accommodate many residents while the other side of the block is aimed at a more private low-rise housing system that is reminiscent of the old traditional houses that are found in the area. Both of these systems are in their essence rather simple constructions allowing for a low construction cost which makes them affordable for people in need. They do not try to impress the visitors with their impressive architecture but rather to create a safe environment for everyone. This can be a great example especially for the city of Athens as it is a way to rei-invent what is already existing and is a working model, one of these typologies is the Athenian apartment building which is local called ‘’Polykatoikia’’ meaning multi-housing, a model that has been adapted on the project in order to create large apartment buildings that can accommodate a great number of people.
The concept of creating affordable housing in a district affected by gentrification is innovative in several ways. The block aims to provide a high quality of living and preserve the history of the district by incorporating three main parts: high rise buildings that can accommodate a large number of residents at an affordable cost, low rise houses that reflect the district's history, and an urban garden that provides access to a green space in the heart of the city.
The impact of this concept on citizens and the wider community has been significant. Local residents, who were pushed away from the city center due to gentrification, are now able to access affordable housing within the city center. The urban garden provides residents and the whole community with access to nature, improving air quality and offering a sense of connection with the environment even in a densely urban setting.
Additionally, the ground level of the project is designed to serve the public, providing spaces that can be used by the community for workshops, offices, or recreational areas. This further strengthens the involvement of citizens and civil society in the project, creating a sense of community and promoting a collaborative approach to addressing the issues caused by gentrification.
In conclusion, the innovative character of this concept lies in its holistic approach to addressing the problems of gentrification and providing affordable housing. By incorporating elements such as high-quality housing, preserving the history of the district, and promoting community involvement, this concept is poised to have a positive impact on citizens and civil society, creating a more livable and sustainable urban environment.
The concept of the project did not involve any stakeholders in the design and development process. On the contrary the selection of the location was based on the contribution of public stakeholders, such as the government and the city council, and private stakeholders, such as developers that resulted in the situation od the district today. These stakeholders were responsible for the unregulated building codes that were implemented in the district, such as the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), which allowed for the construction of tall buildings in a historical district. This resulted in the alteration of the appearance of the area. The private stakeholders were also responsible for the gentrification process in the district as they saw the opportunity in the upcoming and trendy location and created housing for the affluent population, pushing the local residents out and making it difficult for them to continue living in the area.
The design and development of the concept was influenced by multiple disciplines and knowledge fields, including history and architecture. The history of the district was considered very crucial in the design process, as understanding the different stages the area has gone through over the centuries helped create a project that is unique to the district. This was achieved by thoroughly researching the history of the area and drawing all the buildings in the district, which helped in a great extent to understand the aesthetics of the area and the atmosphere that one perceives when visiting.
In addition to history and architecture, the field of sociology and economics was also crucial in understanding the issue of gentrification and how to solve it. To analyze the reasons behind the phenomenon and provide a project that addresses it, representatives from these fields were involved in the design and development process.
The interaction between representatives of these different disciplines and knowledge fields was key in creating a holistic and well-rounded concept. By bringing together experts from different fields, the added value of this process was that they were able to bring diverse perspectives and insights to the table, which helped create a more comprehensive and effective solution. The result was a project that not only preserves the history of the district but also addresses the issue of gentrification by providing affordable housing to local residents and creating a community space for all.
The innovative character of the concept lies in its approach to addressing the problem of gentrification in densely urban environments. The concept is unique in that it focuses on creating a prototype block that can house a large number of people instead of a single building of great proportions. This approach is more sustainable and allows for greater community involvement, as residents are able to live in a densely populated area while still being connected to nature.
The concept also re-invents local architecture to better meet the needs of the community, as opposed to using a one-size-fits-all approach. This approach allows for a more sustainable and customized solution that can better address the issue of gentrification.
The inclusion of a large green space within the block also sets this concept apart from mainstream actions, as it allows residents to be involved with nature even in a densely urban environment. This not only improves their quality of life, but also helps to mitigate the effects of gentrification.
Finally, the concept avoids extravagant architecture and instead focuses on simplicity in order to provide a good quality of life for residents. This approach is more cost-effective and sustainable, and can result in a more livable and equitable community.
Creating a prototype urban block that can accommodate a large number of people is one of the aspcects of this project that can help other places that are under the a gentrification process. Some of the elements that can be applied for various places facing the same problem are the following
Density: By increasing the density of the development, it is possible to accommodate more people within a given area. This can be achieved through the use of multi-story buildings and efficient use of space.
Housing mix: A mix of different types and sizes of housing, such as apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes, can accommodate a wide range of needs and preferences.
Public spaces: The inclusion of public spaces, such as parks, plazas, and community gardens, can provide places for residents to gather, socialize, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Sustainable design: Incorporating sustainable design features, such as green roofs, energy-efficient building systems, and water-saving technologies, can reduce the environmental impact of the development and make it more livable for residents.
Affordability: The cost of the housing must be affordable for the intended beneficiaries, which can be achieved through a combination of government subsidies, innovative financing, and cost-saving measures in the design and construction of the housing.
Community involvement: Community involvement is essential in the creation of affordable housing. Engaging with residents, local organizations, and community leaders can help to ensure that the housing is relevant, appropriate, and responsive to local needs and circumstances.
Sustainability: Sustainability is important in creating affordable housing that provides a good quality of living. Incorporating sustainable design features, such as energy-efficient building systems, water-saving technologies, and access to green spaces, can reduce the environmental impact of the development and improve the quality of life for residents.
The concept is addressing the issue of gentrification. Gentrification is a process by which a neighborhood, traditionally occupied by lower-income residents, is transformed into a more affluent neighborhood. This often occurs as a result of new investment, increased property values, and the influx of higher-income residents. While gentrification can bring new amenities and improved infrastructure, it also leads to the displacement of long-time residents who can no longer afford the rising costs of living in the neighborhood.
Gentrification can have a number of negative impacts on the affected communities, including the loss of affordable housing, the erosion of cultural and social diversity, and the displacement of low-income residents and small businesses. This can result in further social and economic inequality, as well as a loss of community cohesion and cultural heritage. In short, gentrification can exacerbate existing social and economic problems and further marginalize vulnerable populations.
To address the issue of gentrification, a number of solutions have been proposed, including increasing affordable housing, protecting renters' rights, and promoting community land trusts. Additionally, planning and zoning policies can be used to regulate development and ensure that new growth is inclusive and equitable. Overall, addressing gentrification requires a multifaceted approach that takes into account the needs and perspectives of both current and future residents. This project at a scale of one urban block has been created as a concept model for the district and it can be adapted in other cities as well.
