All pictures in this post by EPFL

On May 31st and June 1st, lapa (EPFL’s laboratory of architectural production) presented the results of this semester’s work: a range of projects which aim at improving the quality of urban life by addressing the issues of immigration, scarcity of means and reversing the urban decay that has marked Athens' center in recent decades. Each project is located on a different site and also aims at revealing the potential of Athens' urban fabric.



OLIAROS supported this research project, realized in two semesters: “Athens: City of Immigrants” (fall semester 2010) and “Athens: Architecture of Integration” (spring semester 2011). Final reviews in Lausanne included presentation of students’ research projects following their visit in Athens last November, during which the symposium “Athens in Crisis” also took place.



Research areas included main districts of Central Athens and students were invited to present their work under six main topics:

1.CIVIC LIFE
Multi-confessional site, Votanikos
Community house, Kerameikos
Public Admininsiration Center, Pireos Steet



2. THE CITY CENTRE AS HABITAT
Social Housing, Votanikos
Housing for Immigrants, Exarxeia
Temporary Housing for Immigrants, Psyrri

3.INFRASTRUCTURES OF THE METROPOLIS
Covered Market, Exarheia
Transportation Hub, Kolonos
Preventive Center, Evangelismos



4. EDUCATION IN THE CITY
Workers University, Kerameikos
Apprentice School Pireus Street
Language School + Sports Center, Exarxeia

5. ADAPTING THE NEOCLASSICAL
Theatre School for Children, Kerameikos House of History, Monastiraki
Bengali Social Club, Petralona



6. REVERSING URBAN DECAY
Votanikos Village, Votanikos
Ludoteque, Kerameikos
Varvakios Room, Gerani