Housing for Homeless and Agricultural Park

Lately in Greece, the debate regarding the state-owned property has been intensified. That property, either concern pieces of land or building premises, located in various places of the country. In the case of buildings, unfortunately many of them are in poor condition due to lack of maintenance or complete abandonment. On the other hand as a result of the economic crisis, a large number of citizens are at risk of poverty, while the number of homeless people, especially in large urban centers, has increased dramatically according to recent statistics. The above reason led us to a conceptual design proposal, which is bounded on a plot of 105 acres, located on the edge of the suburban town of Agios Stefanos. The plot that is under the ownership of the Hellenic Radio Television is dominated by the structure of the radio antenna, which is deactivated for several years. The area is designed as a housing hub for homeless, as well as, an agricultural and leisure park with playgrounds, that will serve the region. The financial independence of the community will be based upon the sale of agricultural products cultivated on the site. Moreover, agriculturalists educate the homeless through rural activities towards their subsequent integration into the production process due to necessary reconstruction and further development of the rural sector in the country. The mega-structure of the antenna remains and is reinforced by additional metallic parts, up to the height of 50 meters above the ground. This serves as the major support element for the addition of prefabricated living units, in which homeless can stay. The antenna pole is framed by three new buildings circularly positioned around it, consisting of a covered flea market at the ground level, living, hygiene area and offices, on the first level, as well as dining-café, at the highest level. The aim of the design proposal is to create an impact with multiple benefits for the region and its citizens while, it is considered essential, the protection of people that are exposed under these difficult conditions.