As part of the Cooling Athens programme of the City of Athens, an event was held on Friday, 24 October, at the Kypseli Municipal Market, focusing on innovative proposals to reduce heat stress and improve the city’s quality of life.
The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, emphasized that “Athens stands on the front line of the battle against the climate crisis,” highlighting the need for green and creative interventions in a city with limited open spaces. The purpose of the event was to present the work of students from Harvard University, who came to Athens with their professor Bas Smets, at the Mayor’s invitation.
During the event, two proposals for the “cooling” and revitalisation of Athens were presented by the internationally renowned landscape architect and Harvard University Professor Bas Smets:
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Plaka Green Canopy: Creation of natural shading along the narrow streets of Plaka through a network of climbing plants.
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Varvakeios Urban Forest: Transformation of the existing parking area above the Varvakeios Market into an elevated green park that will function as an “urban forest” and microclimate cooling zone.
In the discussion on highlighting and protecting the historic center, participants included representatives of the ELLINIKI ETAIRIA – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET): Mr. Vaggelis Marinakis, President of DAEM S.A., Assistant Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and Chair of ELLET’s Energy Council, as well as Prof. Eleni Maistrou, Emeritus Professor at NTUA, Chair of ELLET’s Architectural Heritage Council, and Scientific Coordinator of the Europa Nostra’s Athens Heritage Hub.
The ELLET representatives underlined the importance of of protecting cultural heritage through strategies for climate change adaptation. They presented ELLET’s initiative to assess the impacts of climate change on historic centres and archaeological sites, carried out within the framework of the European program LIFE-IP AdaptInGR.
Special mention was also made of the contribution of the Athens Heritage Hub, which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices among cities and civil society organisations across Europe.
Ms. Maïstrou, referring specifically to the students’ proposals, highlighted the importance of engaging the new generation of scientists in designing projects that mitigate the effects of the climate crisis in cities. She also noted the benefits that can arise from collaborations between foreign and Greek students and professors on related issues. Finally, she expressed ELLET’s readiness to provide advisory support on matters concerning Plaka.
Mr. Marinakis emphasized that cooperation between local government, the academic community, and civil society organizations is crucial for cities’ adaptation to the climate crisis. “Initiatives such as Cooling Athens demonstrate how greenery, water, and natural materials can improve the microclimate and quality of life without sacrificing our historical and architectural heritage. As shown by recent interventions by the City of Athens, such solutions can indeed reduce the perceived temperature.”
Agenda of the event: ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ_COOLING_ATHENS
