OSC1) From Abandon Airport To A Multi-Billion-Dollar Mega City: The Ellinikon Project In Greece

 From Abandon Airport To A Multi-Billion-Dollar Mega City: The Ellinikon Project In Greece

 

 

Are you ready to witness the future of urban development? The Ellinikon project in Greece is poised to metamorphose a former airport into a vibrant, sustainable, and innovative city. From cutting-edge green technologies to a new university campus, sports complex, and waterfront promenade, this project encompasses it all. Join us as we delve into one of Europe's most ambitious construction undertakings.

Welcome back to our channel, where we spotlight the most innovative mega-building projects worldwide. Today, we focus on one of Europe's most ambitious construction endeavors—the Ellinikon project in Greece.

This colossal redevelopment initiative, spearheaded by Lambda Development, aims to transform the 6.2 million-square-meter site of the former Athens International Airport, which shuttered its doors in 2001. The project is set to create a mixed-use development featuring residential, commercial, and recreational areas.

The project unfolds in multiple phases, with the initial stage envisioning the construction of over 2,000 homes, a marina, and various parks and green spaces. Subsequent phases will focus on developing commercial and recreational zones, including a new casino, shopping mall, and cultural center. The final phase will culminate in the construction of a new business district, complete with office buildings and hotels.

A distinctive feature of this project is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Environmental-friendly elements like solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems will be seamlessly integrated. The development emphasizes public transportation options, including a new metro station and bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, to alleviate traffic congestion.

This project is crafted from the ground up, enabling the seamless integration of cutting-edge, sustainable smart city technologies. It aspires to be a true smart city, employing novel technologies to enhance residents' quality of life and minimize environmental impact. Sustainability is at its core, with recycling and repurposing being of paramount importance.

The builders are dedicated to reusing 100% of the material excavated during the airport's demolition. For instance, park benches will be created from excavated cement, reducing waste and contributing a unique and innovative aspect to the city's landscape.

This project will feature a state-of-the-art waste management system, ensuring proper sorting and recycling of generated waste. Additionally, a robust water management system will recycle gray water and rainwater for irrigation, decreasing the demand for potable water.

These features and technologies collectively position this project as a standout model of sustainable urban development—a true smart city that embraces innovation and environmental responsibility.

Utilizing sustainable technologies and embracing a recycling and repurposing approach will conserve resources, minimize waste, and infuse a distinctive and innovative element into the city's landscape, rendering it an appealing place to live, work, and play.

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The Ellinikon project anticipates creating over twenty thousand new jobs and the generation of an estimated two billion dollars in economic activity, providing a much-needed boost to the Greek economy, which has faced challenges in recent years.

Beyond the construction of homes, a marina, parks, a shopping mall, a cultural center, and a business district, this will include the establishment of a new university campus.

This campus, a collaboration between the Greek government and a leading international university, will offer diverse undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, business, and environmental studies. It will also house state-of-the-art research facilities, serving as a hub for innovation and technology.

Representing a multi-billion dollar investment in Greece, the first phase of this ambitious development encompasses two hotels, seaside villas, condos, shopping and dining establishments, a residential high-rise, a 400-berth marina, and a public beach, with an estimated cost of 2.56 billion dollars.

A notable feature is the Marina Galleria, a shopping area designed by the renowned Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma and Associates, featuring storefronts for high-end international retailers and well-established Greek designers. His project will also boast a massive retail park comparable to Costco and Walmart.

In total, the city will see the addition of 10,000 new residences, including rental apartments, seaside villas, and the first residential high-rise in Greece—Marina Tower, designed by Foster and Partners. 

The athletic precinct will house various sports facilities, including tennis courts, training halls for gymnastics and fencing, basketball courts, and Olympic-sized swimming pools intended for both professional and amateur sports, as well as concerts, exhibitions, and other events.

The development will also feature a high-rise office tower, incorporating a hotel for business travelers, a mixed-use tower with office space, and low-rise offices, making it the tallest commercial building in Greece. Additionally, it will have connections to two metro stations and a new tram line.

The 200-residence Marina Tower, masterfully designed by Foster and Partners, has already been completely sold out in pre-sales. This exceptional structure includes 115 Cove residences and 27 Seaside Villas, with a total value of approximately 1.02 billion dollars. Hard Rock International is gearing up to introduce the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Athens to the site by 2026.

This establishment will boast 200 gaming tables, 2,000 gaming machines, and a tower with over 1,000 guest rooms. The venue will also feature a convention space, high-end shops, and the highest rooftop terrace in Athens.

Part of this project will be irrigated with recycled wastewater and collected rainwater. Strategically placed sensors will monitor the need for street and path lights throughout the grounds, working towards energy conservation.

The Ellinikon project will introduce a new waterfront promenade connecting the development to the nearby coastline, creating a fresh destination for residents and visitors alike. This inviting promenade will house restaurants, cafes, shops, bike paths, playgrounds, and other recreational areas.

More than a mere construction project, his initiative is a comprehensive urban development plan poised to transform the city of Athens and its surrounding areas. Beyond new homes, businesses, and recreational spaces, the project will incorporate new infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation, enhancing connectivity in the area.

The development is meticulously designed to meet the needs of individuals with mobility issues and disabilities, featuring ramps, wider paths, and accessible dimensions for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Dedicated parking spaces, elevators, and other accessibility features will be integrated to ensure inclusivity.

The project is also designed to harmonize with existing neighborhoods and communities surrounding the former airport site. Community engagement initiatives, including public consultations and community workshops, have been implemented to ensure the voices of residents are heard and their concerns are addressed.

To provide detailed insights into this project, this Experience Center has been established in a former airplane hangar designated as a modern monument by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The center spans 4,800 square meters and comprises five thematic areas and over 22 exhibits, offering a dynamic, interactive experience.

Visitors can explore the project's evolution from an airport and air force base to one of the world's most innovative and ambitious urban development projects. The center showcases how the project shapes a global agora and a new model of residential, commercial, retail, recreational, and hospitality spaces.

Labeled as the largest coastal park in Europe, this project unfolds various groundbreaking aspects through different thematic areas. The "Living a New Era" section guides visitors through the historical evolution of the site, providing insights into its transformation over time. "Living in Nature" spotlights the sustainable features, encompassing green roofs, solar power, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Offering a sneak peek into the future of urban development and the innovative technologies employed, "Living the Future" captures the essence of forward-thinking approaches. The "Living Smart" section emphasizes implementing innovative city technologies, while "Living by the Sea" showcases the Waterfront Promenade and Marina, poised to be a significant attraction for visitors and residents.

However, challenges have accompanied the Ellinikon project. The cleanup of the former airport site, with several contaminated areas, including those with hazardous materials, has been a significant undertaking. Executed in compliance with environmental regulations, a team of experts meticulously supervises the cleanup process to ensure safety and suitability for redevelopment.

Additionally, preserving the cultural heritage of the area has posed another challenge. Situated in a historically rich zone, the project team collaborates closely with archaeological experts to safeguard significant historical sites and artifacts.

Despite these challenges, this project is progressing and is slated for completion by 2028. Expected to boost the economy significantly, the development will create new jobs and opportunities for Athens residents and surrounding areas. Serving as a prime example of large-scale redevelopment, the project is set to transform the city, offering new opportunities for its residents.

The Ellinikon project is not just about constructing new buildings but also crafting a new community equipped with essential amenities, infrastructure, and opportunities for its residents. The emphasis on sustainability, community engagement, and cultural heritage preservation sets a commendable example for future projects.

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