South Park Patras Redevelopment, Urban Design, Patras, Greece, George Genovezos & Thanos Prentzas

In Ishigami’s Art Biotop, we were interested in the surreal landscape created by the coexistence of man-made ponds with trees that cannot survive in water, resembling a natural landscape. From OAB's West Beach Promenade, we draw inspiration from the isolation of the road from the beach through three transitional levels.

Observing the map, we identified two grids: one from Voulgaris' original design and the newer one. We extended these grids until they reached the water, redefining the city's relationship with the sea, as the sea boundary also becomes the city's boundary. The two grids intersect and conflict with each other. By extending them, this conflict continues into the water. This aims to redefine the relationship between the city and the sea, seeking to restore their connection. As the city’s organizational system flows toward the sea, the proposal's zones are shaped accordingly.

The main circulation runs linearly parallel to the water, connecting the lighthouse to the hill, altering the coastline. We created a square as a counterpoint to Agios Andreas, attempting to reinterpret the parish square beside the water. Arcades frame the square and create visual escapes toward the landscape. The atmosphere we want to create is a translation of the urban square beside the water. Following the city’s organizational system, we developed a sports area and enhanced the activities of NOP (Nautical Club of Patras). In the urban void created by the undergrounding of the road and railway, we placed an enclosed garden with pavilions. To meet the needs of NOP, we designed a building on the water.

In the enclosed garden, a closed pathway leads visitors to the pavilions, which host temporary exhibitions. Beyond the sports zone lies a complex of hills with artificial ponds, culminating in the large hill. The hill serves as a release point for our proposal and the entire coastal front of Patras. It is designed to host various cultural events while also functioning as a gathering and relaxation space. The geological elevation of the hill serves to isolate it from the port and the section of the road that remains above ground.

Thanks to the undergrounding of Akti Dimeon, it is possible to extend the urban fabric to the water. The central coastal circulation is divided into three lanes: one directly by the water, one elevated, and a bike path. The key design moves are the extension of the grids, the redefinition of the square beside the water, and the coastal circulation connecting the lighthouse to the hill. Our proposal aims to restore the city’s urban front beside the water as an organizational system and redefine its relationship with the sea.