Athens Refilled: Where Water and Geology Shape Public Space
Fall 2024
Athens, Greece, faces a pressing water crisis, with growing demand driving the city to source water from increasingly distant reservoirs. However, the city's ancient water systems—wells, cisterns, and aqueducts—offer a historical precedent for a localized and sustainable approach to water management. This project, Athens Refilled, proposes a reimagining of these ancient systems to create new public spaces that address water scarcity, urban heat, and ecological degradation.
By mapping Athens' subsurface geology, particularly permeable limestone pockets, over 60 vacant lots were identified as prime sites for water collection and storage. These underutilized spaces become hubs for groundwater recharge, public gathering, and environmental stewardship. Three typologies of intervention were developed: mid-block lots, corner lots, and street-to-street connections. Each site integrates wells inspired by ancient parapet designs, symbolizing Athens' historical connection to water while serving a functional role in replenishing the aquifer.
The wells feature modernized elements like dry misters, which provide cooling with minimal water usage, and traditional centrifugal pumps to manage water flow. By incorporating native trees, permeable surfaces, and shade structures, the interventions increase thermal comfort, reducing heat stress for Athenians. Calculations using the UTCI tool indicate a potential increase in "thermal comfort days" by over 15%.
Three case study sites illustrate the project’s potential: a mid-block oasis with multi-level gathering spaces, a street-to-street passage connecting neighborhoods, and a prominent corner lot that bridges the city to a neighboring park. Each site demonstrates how water, geology, and public space can converge to form oases of resilience and cultural significance. Athens Refilled not only addresses a critical environmental challenge but also revives a symbolic and material relationship with water, promoting a more sustainable and storied future for the city.