Articles
The Green Line: converting the Athens rail network into a biodiversity corridor
Article number
1429_48
Pages
395 – 404
Language
English
Abstract
The present work is a proposal that concerns the design of a greenway in Athens.
The study area includes derelict parts of the railway network and linear spaces alongside it and spreads to neighbouring open spaces.
The railway network that runs through Athens has been a managerial challenge due to the spatial fragmentation it causes and the empty facilities and spaces decades-long construction works have left behind.
At the same time, Athens is directly confronted with the effects of the global climate crisis: extreme weather conditions and phenomena, pressures on urban biodiversity, aggressive spatial expansion, social and economic inequality and the rise of consumerism.
Thus, it seeks solutions for introducing green spaces in the few spaces left available due to the lack of environmental planning, in order to strengthen its resilience.
The aim of the design was to enhance urban biodiversity, reinterpret the historic railway landscape and introduce key sustainable strategies.
Pollinator mobility is encouraged through the creation of a continuous green space, the selection of Mediterranean plant species and the introduction of activities and urban amenities for pollinator care.
Historic disused railway tracks and railway stations are being brought back to life as public green spaces and open-air museums.
Finally, importance is given to the materials and techniques proposed for the constructional implementation of the design proposal, with these serving to improve the user’s external thermal comfort, mitigate the urban heat island effect generally act as a model for introducing bioclimatic and sustainable strategies in an urban environment.
The study area includes derelict parts of the railway network and linear spaces alongside it and spreads to neighbouring open spaces.
The railway network that runs through Athens has been a managerial challenge due to the spatial fragmentation it causes and the empty facilities and spaces decades-long construction works have left behind.
At the same time, Athens is directly confronted with the effects of the global climate crisis: extreme weather conditions and phenomena, pressures on urban biodiversity, aggressive spatial expansion, social and economic inequality and the rise of consumerism.
Thus, it seeks solutions for introducing green spaces in the few spaces left available due to the lack of environmental planning, in order to strengthen its resilience.
The aim of the design was to enhance urban biodiversity, reinterpret the historic railway landscape and introduce key sustainable strategies.
Pollinator mobility is encouraged through the creation of a continuous green space, the selection of Mediterranean plant species and the introduction of activities and urban amenities for pollinator care.
Historic disused railway tracks and railway stations are being brought back to life as public green spaces and open-air museums.
Finally, importance is given to the materials and techniques proposed for the constructional implementation of the design proposal, with these serving to improve the user’s external thermal comfort, mitigate the urban heat island effect generally act as a model for introducing bioclimatic and sustainable strategies in an urban environment.
Authors
N. Kogia, M. Papafotiou, F. Bougiatioti
Keywords
bioclimatic and sustainable landscape architecture, greenway, pollinators, railway landscape transformation, sustainable design, urban biodiversity
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