In the announcement of seven open architectures contests ideas for the final shape that the three emblematic squares will take – after the completion of the Metro works Kolonakiou, Exarchion and Cellas well as the areas in front of the “Akadimias”, “Evangelismos”, “Alexandras” and “Dikastiria” stations, the Municipality of Athens, through “Anaplasi Athens S.A.”, is advancing.

It is the first time that, in the context of his work Subwayopen architectural competitions are held, with the aim of forming a unique aesthetic “identity” in each of the squares and stations that are created within the boundaries of the Municipality of Athens.

The purpose of the competition is to select designs with modern architectural approach which will ensure Functionality, aesthetics quality and manufacturing perfection with the aim of upgrading the urban public space, not only the station but also the wider surrounding area, based on modern requirements and the principles of bioclimatic – environmental planning.

Proposals should render the public space fully accessible to people with disabilityaiming to create a safe, accessible and enjoyable public space for all.

The competitions are in two phases – First plans for Exarchia, Kolonaki, Evangelismos

With the aim of greater participation, the best tender process, as well as the submission of proposals for each station, it was chosen to announce the tenders in two groups.

The first includes the three new stations “Exarchia”, “Kolonaki” and “Evangelismos”. The announcement of the competition takes place today, Monday 29/05/23.

In the second, the stations “Alexandras”, “Academia”, “Courts” and “Kypseli” are included. The announcement follows on 12/06/2023.

The criteria

The competition is classified in the category of the Competition of Ideas, with the aim of investigating the main parameters of the subject, their evaluation, highlighting the basic synthetic idea. It includes architecture, environmental, urban planning study, as well as traffic regulation study.

The architectural approach, regarding the general conception, idea and approach, the shaping of the urban landscape and public spaces, as well as the highlighting of the historical character of each square area, in combination with the originality of the design, as a parameter that strengthens the identity of the space and at the same time satisfy the users.

The technical approach for the technical documentation of the proposal, as well as the applicability of the proposals, the ease of implementation with the main criteria being the duration, durability and sustainability of the proposal.

The public outdoor environment – environmental approach to fulfill the goal of creating green spaces, utilization of climatic conditions, adoption of space energy management methods integrated into the landscape architecture, choice of materials, bioclimatic approach of the whole proposal, taking into account the green balance, choice with planting documentation.

The special design for the service of people with reduced mobility.

Transportation approach with regard to the design quality of point interventions in public space (in terms of architectural resolution, the creation of pedestrian-friendly accesses, the service of the disabled, as well as in terms of the interconnection with existing or new poles, green spaces and public spaces), accessibility, the achievement of sustainable urban mobility, the necessary traffic arrangements (to achieve the above), as well as the documentation of proposals regarding the possibility of implementing traffic interventions, the creation of recognizable accesses for the best inclusion, promotion and service of the new functions.

The new Metro Line – 15 underground stations – 341,000 passengers per day in 2030 – The benefits

Metro Line 4 is the largest public project implemented in the country, with a budget of 1.2 billion euros and the most important project of the 20 years in Athens, as it will change the daily life of the citizens in the basin and give a huge boost to the economy.

The under-construction section A’ of Line 4 is approximately 13 km long and includes 15 underground stations -Alsos Veikou, Galatsi, Helikonos, Kypseli, Dikastiria, Alexandras, Exarchia, Akadimia, Kolonaki, Evangelismos, Kaisariani, University, Ilisia, Zografou and Goudi. – and is expected to serve at least 341,000 passengers per day for the year 2030.

The redefining of the way citizens move, with the penetration of the Metro as a means of a fixed trajectory and in general with the reorganization of Mass Transport, aims to attract as many passengers as possible who currently move to and from the center by different means of transport.

The reduction of car traffic, which will lead in the long term to a reduction of traffic congestion in the wider area, aims at a better distribution of traffic loads, the reduction of total travel time and air pollution, as well as the improvement of the acoustic environment, with the ultimate goal the general improvement of the quality of the environment and the life of citizens.