Municipality of Acharnes Conclusion

What are the effects and possible consequences of a new development ίη the outskirts of the metropolitan area of Athens?

Playing host to the athletes of a mega-event

Table of contence

1. Introduction

2. Objectives

2.3 2.4

3. Analysis

3.1 3.2

1.1 1.2 1.3

Structure of the paper General statement Introducing to where the paper wants to go

2.1 2.2

METROPOLITAN AREA - OFFICIAL OBJECTIVES ATHENS2004

2.2.1 Pre-Olympic Objectives 2.2.2 Post-Olympic Objectives

MUNICIPALITY OF ACHARNES CONCLUSION

Α critical reading of the Municipality of Acharnai Analyses of the impact of the Olympic Village from and toward major projects

3.2.1 The metropolitan area 3.2.2 The Municipality of Acharnai 3.2.3 The different relations concerning the Olympic Village

4. Post-Olympic Scenario's

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

Things to take into account from the analyses Themes to work on Assumptions to make Scenario's to develop Conclusion s. Final conclusion

5.1 5.2 5.3

Appendices References a b c

Importance of a new development in the outskirts of the metropolitan area

1 1. INTRODUCTION

In this report we are trying to analyse some of the impacts a major event, such as the Olympic Games, can have on new developments on the outskirts of a metropolis. Ιn this case the metropolis in question is Athens. We have mainly focused our work on the municipality of Acharnai where the Olympic Village has been built.

In the first section, we will give a general overview and present the characteristics of the locations, looking first at Athens, the host city. Then we will introduce the area of Menidi and at lastly, the Olympic Village. Ιn the second part we will look at the objectives for the Olympic Games through the eyes of Athens 2004 Organizing Committee and the municipality of Acharnai.

Having presented the facts, we will be able, in the third part, to analyse the correlations existing between the different factors we considered important to look at and that play an important role iπ the study area, in terms of socio economic and environmental impacts. This analysis will allow us to establish three post Olympic scenarios according to certain assumptions that need to be acknowledged. The conclusion of this work is not supposed to give an answer to the complex situation that Acharnai has to face but simply presents, on the same level, the strengths and weaknesses of this municipality and the actions we regard as necessary to undertake in order to reach a certain balance inside of the municipality.

1.2 GENERAL STATEMENT

Since Antiquity, Athens is the symbol of the Olympic Games. In 1896, when the Olympic Games was re-established and modernized, Athens was selected to hold these games. Today, in 2004, the Olympics are going back to their birthplace and it is a big challenge for Greece to honour this event.

1.2.1 The Olympics are going back to their birthplace

As the host country of the 2004 Olympic Games, Greece has invested a lot and expects substantial returns in the economical, financial, and social aspect as well as in the physical plan. This mega event has been a good opportunity for Greece to lead its capital city: Athens on the way to becoming an international city.

According to the Review of Athens: Assessment and Recommendations (22 October 2003), Athens and its metropolitan region represent one third of the population of the country and provide about one third of the Greece's GDP.

On the country scale, these observations are of major importance, however, οπ a macro economic point of view, Athens would need complete regeneration to be able to compete with other international cities such as Mexico, Montreal, or Moscow.

Regarding to this emergency, the 2004 Olympic Games have been seen as the unique chance for the country to overcome the current situation in terms of transport infrastructure, public facilities, environmental issues and housing.

At less than three months from the beginning of the Games; Athens is going through a dynamic process of re-structuring. One of the main investments that will have an effect in the long term may be the new transportation network. This one integrates, between others, the Kimis Highway that is the basic link between the Olympic Village (located in the municipality of Acharnai) and the Olympic Complex via the Olympic ring and, the Attica Road as a connection between Athens and Piraeus and, the new airport in Spata.

1.2.2 The municipality of Acharnai

Amongst the several Olympic facilities being constructed exclusively for the games (such as stadium, swimming pool...), we will focus our work on the Olympic Village (OV), which has been built in the municipality of Acharnai.

According to the economic theory of space, the identity of a place, such as Acharnai, can be defined by geographical, demographical and economic variables. Bearing this in mind, we will observe that Acharnai presents several characteristics that are important to consider when analysing the "Post Olympic era".

_a) Geographical variables

Acharnai is the biggest municipality in the whole Attica. Its total size is 150,000 acres from which 40,000 of these are built-up.

It is located in the northern part of the metropolitan area of Athens, at the foot of the Mount Parnes

The mountain bordering Acharnai is a national park protected by the European Union.

(cf: appendice no1 ρ.: Basic transportation Infrastructure, 1991; this map give us a genera/ view of the location of Acharnai related to Athens and the αν related to Acharnai)

_b) Demographical variables:

Between 1961 and 1991, the population of this region has increased a/though at a decreasing rate. However, with a growth rate reaching 70.1 % during the decade 1961 - 1971, compared to the rest of the Attica (25.5 %) and the whole country (4.5 %), it is easy to notice the economic potential of Acharnai according to certain assumptions.

Also, the community of Acharnai remains one of the most dynamic populations with 61,350 inhabitants in 1991 and 79,000 in 2001 according to the national census. Today, the legal population reaches 120,000.

The population of Acharnai is highly segmented in terms of the social class, which the people belong to. At the foot of the mount Parnes, live a small proportion of very wealthy people; this area is called Thrakomakedones. (cf: appendice no 2 ρ. Socio-professional typology of housing area, 1991). In the major part of the municipality, middle class people are living. Neighbouring these, we can find seven major "camps" where people, victims of the 1999 earthquake are still living in containers. These people are very poor and continue to live in these "ghettos" where, according to them, their standard of living has been increased.

These three c/asses of people we have mentioned are the 120,000 legal inhabitants of the municipality. Next to them, mainly gathered in two zones (on the western side of the αν and on the south-western part of the municipality), we can find a high concentration of gypsies. These are part of the 40,000 estimated people living illegally inside of the municipality.

The area is victim of a fragmentation that prevents the different class of population from a social integration process. In order to solve this problem, the municipality should undertake a complete regeneration of the area starting by controlling this illegal growth. This is not an easy topic knowing that the population always tends to create enclaves according to their class. The main obstacle to this is the lack of financial ability, as we will see later.

_c) Economic variables:

It faces an important problem of unemployment (cf: appendice no3 ρ. : Unemployment level of economic active population). Due to the national situation of the labour market, the number of unemployed people is constantly growing. Add to that a substantial immigration flow of refugees from the former Soviet Union, Southern Albania or from Eastern and Middle East countries that exacerbate the crisis. Most seriously affected are women (cf: appendice no4 ρ. : proportion of women - men economic active population 1991).

The municipality constitutes one of the major poles of industry and manufacturing for Attica). Although, the existing installations remain small and very poor from a technological point of view. Once more, we have noticed the high potential of this area interms of labour force.

Αll these criteria, taken together, act as an obstacle to the development of the municipality. Τhe problems that the municipality has to face are major; they are linked to the lack of decision-making power, the lack of financial means, the cohabitation of totally opposite classes of people with different needs and finally, the lack of land to offer to potential investors. Taking all these observations into account, it is important not to forget the correlation that can exist between two or more factors. For example, even if the municipality were able to offer land to attract investors, would the investors be tempted to move into such a fragmented area? .

Τhis fragmentation problem is a real one, because for any development project that the municipality would like to undertake, all the classes of population concerned must agree to prevent conflict.

As we will see in the second part, the authorities expect a lot from the impacts that the Olympic village will have on Acharnai. Having said that, after describing the Olympic Village, we will demonstrate that this p\ace is not the main zone to look at when ta\king about the future economic expansion of Attica through Acharnai.

1.2.3 The Olympic Village

Τhe Olympic Village has been designed to welcome 16 000 athletes during the Games with a total surface of 1.240 hectares divided into two main zones: a residential zone, and an international zone.

The residential zone consists of 366 blocks of 2.292 apartments of an average size of 130 square meters. After the games, these blocks will become social housing for 10 000 workers' families. Τhe total liveable surface area equals 250 000 square meters. During the Olympic Games, the residential zone will also provide different services such as restaurants, religious facilities, and recreational centers, meeting rooms, a polyclinic and a Transportation Mall. After the games, the polyclinic may be transferred to another place but this possibility has not yet been confirmed. In the western part of the village, in the international zone, there will be shopping centers, the Olympic museum and the amphitheatre. Τhe main problem concerning this zone is that noone real\y knows what will happen there after the Games. Α bid to attract investors has already been launched but there was very little interest, except from retailers and food suppliers. As a result the international zone will now be 100 % public property. What we do already know is that two main public offices will locate there: the ministry of Labour and the National Institute of Mineralogy.

Of course, our following works will not only focus on the Olympic Village and what wil1 occur there after the games. What we would like to emphasize, is the huge opportunity that arises in this municipality in terms of economic expansion. This hypothesis is based on several observations: The canter of Acharnai is the location chosen by the authorities at which two main highways of the country and the railway following the same trajectory meet. The Railway Center of Acharnai (SKA) is the biggest national nodal network, where long distance suburban lines and the urban railway meet. This project ensures the connection of Menidi with the regional center of Attica, the airport of Spata, the urban network and the underground network of the capital city; creating a positive prospect for the economic growth of the region. (cf: appendice no1 : Basic transportation Infrastructure 1991)

The SKA project is classified in the Α category of work. Its strategic situation will facilitate the transportation flow, decreasing the pressure on the circulatory network, on the need for parking space and on the need new uses of land. This will positively encourage the region to undertake new development actions. .

1.3 The importance of a locality in a city

When we search for the explanation of the new developments in the municipality of Acharnai it is not such a difficult task to do. It is not only the Olympic Village, but also the new infrastructures of the highway and railway that attract a numerous of people. We also can't forget about the earthquake of 1999.

The mayor infrastructure works seems to have land there by accident. You would almost think that they have put the most important nodal point on a large-scale level in a municipality that is well known for their 'marginal' character.

It is a municipality that has received flows of people, and became, also by accident, a multicultural society. Τhis social mix - as well from origin as from income class - can mean different things. We can think of a scenario where the balance between poor and rich eνolνes in another direction. Α wealthier municipality also means a higher income for the municipality. We could ask the question of social sustainability. If we think on a European leνel and consider the present multi-cultural society in which we are living, the European Union would plead for a preservation of this cultural mix, With the preservation of this social mixture we mean more than just the tolerance of it! They should get a place within the municipality, be accepted, getting answers to their questions, an adoption on their way of life, education... This means that it could be a cognisance of a pollcy to seek for a certain balance, without creating an overbalance. With the current new developments it seems that on a long term the municipality could be faced with social suppression.

Α responsible choice - on the basis of a social study - could be to make a definitive end to the illegal housing problem, transfer the gypsy's in a 'multicultural policy' whereby an improvement of their quality of life would be put on the agenda of the municipality. Also trying to find a solution for the people still suffering from the earthquake and living in containers.

This is easier said then done. We will try to find some answers during this paper.

Before analysing this global situation, it is important to know what were the official purposes of Athens 2004 and the municipality of Acharnai when entering in such an infrastructure development program regarding the Olympic Village and the interchange facilities.

2 OBJECTIVES

It is necessary to highlight the objectives of the various interested parties regarding the location of the Olympic Village before identifying possible opportunities or problems

2.1

METROPOLITAN AREA - OFFICIAL OBJECTIVES

- a/ objectives

Overall it can be said that the broad aim of the metropolίtan area of Athens is to regenerate the city. The aim is to achieve the following:

• the renewal of the image of the city • advance the international role of Athens and attract an international range of activities. increase the competitive position of the country ίπ the international and European setting.

..- b / strategy

Α clear strategy onachieving these objectives is not immediately clear. We discovered no documents belonging to the municipality that explicitly referred to the way objectives were to be achieved. The only obvious possible strategy is the forthcoming Olympic games. It seems Athens is placing a great deal of hope on the use of mega-events as catalysts for urban development and renewal. Indeed part of this strategy of holding the Olympic games has resulted in placing powers for planning and development for facilities almost entirely ίπ the hands of the Olympic Games Committee 2004.

- c/ actions

As a result of the Olympic Games various actions are taking place such as the redevelopment and implementation of a much:-needed integrated and sustainable transportation system, the creation of an improved city fabric for Athenians, the attraction of major international investors, the restoration of a lost tourist trade and promoting the image of Athens as the Olympic City.

2.2 ATHENS 2004 SA

Athens 2004 SA is the corporate body operating as a private company that attempts to ensure the objectives of the IOC and the Olympic games are upheld and that the implementation of the Games is a success.

In terms of planning for the infrastructure to support the games, the 'extraordinary law' passed in 1999 handed over complete control of planning, design and organization to the 2004 SA. Hence there is a top-down decision making system in which the company is able to surpass formal state jurisdictions and is able to accumulate resources such as land autonomously. The level of importance placed on the Olympic works has resulted in essential modifications to the Master Plan, and the establishment of a procedure that grants the necessary permits for all host sites.

2.2.1 Pre -Olympic Objectives

Τhe decision οπ where to locate the Olympic Village was therefore based primarily οπ the objectives of the 2004 SA. These objectives were

• to provide a secure environment for the athletes, • to provide efficient links for the athletes from the village to the Olympic Complex, • to take into account environmental objectives set by the IOC.

_a/ strategy

In many ways the strategy to locate in Acharnai meets these objectives, with its proximity to the main road into Athens and the location of the military airport nearby that offers the opportunity for vip flights for athletes or the media. Furthermore official documents state that the location, as a transition zone from the built to the non-built environment could protect the vulnerable habitat of Mount Parnitha (Mont Parnes) thus upholding the environmental values of the IOC.

_b/ actions

Τhe Olympic Committee also played a major role ίπ finalizing plans for the village. Απ initial proposal was approved for the 2004 bid, and a revised proposal drafted and approved.

However, upon its formation the 2004 SA then decided for a radical revision of the design and held two Architectural competitions, the first of which was cancelled. Furthermore the final three winning designs from the subsequent competition however served as just a blueprint for the eventual plan. Τhe implementation of the program by the Workers Housing Association bears little resemblance to any of the preceding plans or designs. Τhe 2004 SA therefore had eventually exercised supreme control over the design and planning of the village based οπ its own and the IOC's objectives. Here is an example of the 'extraordinary law' in action.

2.2.2 Post Olympic Objectives

Τhe main post-Olympic objective for the Olympic Village in the eyes of the SA was

.to take advantage of 'the opportunity for the private sector to develop the area and to meet Athens's growing urban needs'.

However, feasibility studies focusing on the viability of the scheme for private investors argued that it was necessary to involve the public sector in the development process and that the role of the private sector in redevelopment was hard to define. Additionally, local state investment in infrastructure, environmental improvements or urban renewal schemes in the surrounding area was slow. With a consequent absence of positive external effects on land rents there was declining interest from private investors.

_a/ strategy

As a result the government appointed the Workers Housing Association (a public institution operating as an autonomous entity with a mission to provide housing for wageworkers) as the core implementation and funding institution in charge of the Olympic Village development. From the initial objective of securing private investment a shift has occurred to virtually an entirely public strategy. Τhe Post-Olympic uses for the International zone suggest a mixed-use strategy. Already it is planned for two public institutions to locate there. Τhe rest of the area is set aside for private investment such as retail services to serve the 10,000 inhabitants of the village.

_b/ actions

Ιπ February 2001, a private statute company was established, controlled by the Workers Housing Association, to undertake the implementation of the Olympic Village. Τhe setting up of Τhe Olympic Village SA followed this. Its main functions involve project formulation, the administration of architectural and construction bids and the management of construction assignments through self-financing or co-funding schemes.

2.3 MUNICIPALITY OF ACHARNES

Τhe municipalίty, which played no role in choosing the location of the Olympic village, nevertheless has its own objectives for the municipality as a whole in which the Olympic games, or more specifically, the Olympic Village plays a key role.

_a/ objectives

Currently the area suffers from a number of issues as highlighted previously. With the high level of unemployment despite the large number of economically active locals, approaches to previous investment programs, such as job creation schemes, have been scattered and disorganized. Τhe 1999 earthquake, which destroyed 275 buildings in the municipality led to a further increase in unemployment.

Τhe area is made up of disproportionately lower income population and with a highly fragmented society with problems such as illegal housing that sprawls up the mountainside, a settlement of gypsies perceived as anti-social and a large number of earthquake victims still living in temporary accommodation.

Even before the decision to locate the Olympic village in Acharnai, the municipality's objective was to tackle these issues. Τhis is emphasized in the Athens Regulatory Plan that designates Acharnai as an area of supra-local importance. Taking advantage of plans for decentralisation of the metropolitan area the municipality aimed:

• to put themselves onthe map • no longer be considered as a 'marginal municipality' or 'the dustbin of Athens'.

_b / strategy

Strategies to pursue these objectives revolve around development. Τhis includes looking to:

• promote economic development, • improve the physical infrastructure • improve environmental conditions for the municipality In pursuing these strategies, Acharnes hopes to take advantage of the fact that Acharnai is the only municipality within the Athens area with the possibility to expand significantly.

_c/ actions

The actions the municipality hopes to make focus around three interlinked, key areas:

• The Interchange Α major part of the economic development program has focused around the major transport interchange located towards the south of Acharnai. The aforementioned Athens Regulatory Plan provides for the development of a nodal transport interchange. It is hoped that the prime location and excellent connections will stimulate investment and attract business to generate employment in the development of a new central core. The winning of the Olympic bid ίπ 1996 has surely added extra impetus especially with the addition of a suburban railway and tube ίπ the future.

• The Olympic Village The municipality sees the construction of the Olympic village in Acharnai as a further potential for economic gains and improved physical infrastructure. The municipality hopes to integrate the Village into the rest of Acharnai and to other areas of Athens. The aim is that after the Olympics the Olympic Village will function as a connecting element of the municipalίty and not as a separate town. The success of this integration depends upon the municipality's ability to attract employment to the area that will cater for the 10,000 new inhabitants and to 'achieve a degree of social integration.

• The National Park Απ important factor for the municipality is the National Park to the north of Acharnai. This could play an important role in the attraction of investment to the municipality, through either the promotion of tourism or as a further incentive for investors, promoting quality of life for those who locate in the area.

2.4 CONCLUSION

As we can see there are a variety of objectives at stake here. There are three main institutional stakeholders. Their overall approaches, although sharing a common theme and ίπ many ways similar could clash due to the variety of needs and interests of each group. Achieving a balance and the optimum solution could be diffιcult. The following section analyses the complex interrelationships between three key areas that we identified: the Olympic village itself, the interchange and the National Park. As shall be revealed, the various differing interests could prove problematic in the future development of Acharnai.

3 ANALYSES

Within the analyses we would like to make a distinction between a critical reading of the wider study area and a more [7] analyses. Within the first part we shortly look at the current situation of the Metropolitan area of Athens and the Municipalίty of Acharnes. In the second part of the analyses we take these considerations ίπ mind and try to formulate the positive and the negative impacts on as well the physical and the socio-economic level.

3.1 Α critical reading

3.1.1 The Metropolitan Area of Athens

[Abstract scheme of the compact city faced with problems of urban sprawl]

Four mountains and the sea enclose the metropolitan area of Athens. Geographically speaking this means that on a certain time there will be hardly 'room to move”. The metropolis is already far spread out and the problem of urban sprawl is a real one ίπ the case of Athens. Illegal as well as legal housing seems to be climbing up the mountains. The suburban area of Athens is a good example of the not coordinated decentralization. And it even seems that the policy-makers are even confirming [7] the problem; referring to the Olympic Village. The necessity of finding an answer to the question “In which way does the metropolis wants to expand?' is high, but falls unfortunately outside the contence of this paper. We could keep following [citaat] in mind:

It seems excessive/y forced to think of a repetition of the traditional/ processes characterized by improvement of urban centers, contrasting with the proliferation of peripheries 'without quality'. It is better to think in terms of a progressive convergence with the most advanced mode/s in the North American cities and which increasing/y affect the European cities. The thesis enunciated by Κ. Τ. Jackson do not appear out of step, ίin this sense, in which the argument is made 'that sub urbanisation can best be seen as of urban growth developmental model...'

In this case the assignment is clear, it is better to have a global strategy than just let everything happen.

[Acharnes: the houses climbing up the mountain]

3.1.2 The Municipality of Acharnes

The municipality is overrun by contradictions; one has the feeling to fall from one world into another. Concerning the Olympic Village we could say that the institution of Athens2004 just added another total different world. The environment of the houses/buildings is a perfect reflection of the dissimilar conditions where in people live. We could for example notice a link between the function and the state and scale of the road.

The sketches beneath try to show the relation between housing typology and the scale and state of the road. In the whole of Acharnai we find a mixture of mega infrastructures, asphalt roads with a line of trees along the side, roads that. are in a bad condition until roads of earth that seem to never stop. The contradictions even get worse [gain interest] once you find out that the scale of the road does not concur with the use. For example, in the upper-class enclave, Thrakomakedones, we find wide asphalt roads spoiled with a lot of green and only give access to a few villas also hidden in the green environment. They enjoy their view on the hills [mountains] of the metropolis and contribute in the same time to the urban sprawl.

The opposite experience we had when we were driving through a road of earth with illegal housing along the side. The amount of cars trying to drive through the road confirms that this road makes a much more important connection with a kind of secondary road with economical developments along. As mentioned before, the Olympic Village attends to an extra dimension inthe fascinating story of this municipality in the suburban area of Athens.

Some pictures show what we tried to eχplain;

Α new scale is inserted, namely the one of the 'super-scale' or the 'super-scale'. Also here it seems that the future functions of the buildings do not correspond with the future use of the superposed roads and the public spaces or open spaces inside the Olympic Village.

[Differentiation and over dimensioned public spaces inside the Olympic Village]

We could almost be sure that the 'village' will never function as a village, unless there will be some adjustments made. There is no adaptation between function and use. For example, the size of the area in between the 'urban villas' is hard to find inside Athens, a capital city who could use such a huge public space.

We could wonder about many questions in which way they have tried to take into account the future use after the Games. But one thing is sure, the Olympic Village will function during the Games, they surely have all the conditions to have a luxury staying, and a good and direct connection with the highroads, or the V.I.P. airport in case of emergency.

3.2 Searching for impacts from and toward the Olympic Village

3.2.1 Introduction

"The Athens Regulatory Plan (Law 1515/85) designates Acharnai as an area of 'supra-local importance" (Delladetsima, Ρ 69) In ουr opinion, there are three crucial urban features that are fundamental to this:

• .he Metropolitan Nodal Transportation Center (MNTC) • Τhe National Park (ΝΡ) • Τhe Olympic Village (OV)

- a) Metropolitan Area

In terms of infrastructure, there are two primary infrastructure highways (Attica Road and National Road), and a railway that connects the rest of the metropolitan area of Athens with Acharnai.

In terms of geographical characteristics, this metropolitan area is surrounded by four main mountains: Imitos mountain, Pendeli mountain, Aigaleo mountain, and Parnitha mountain. The OV is located nearby at the foot of Mount Parnitha.

- b)j Municipality Area

As far as infrastructure is concerned, there are some secondary infrastructures that connect Acharnai with the rest of the Metropolitan Area. These include the Kimis highway links to the National highway, and the Attica Highway. Furthermore there are national and suburban rail links that connect the municipality with the rest of Athens and Greece.

3.2.2 Physical and socio-economic impacts

Ιπ order to determine a better post-Olympic use for the ον, it is necessary to understand what the positive and negative impacts will be as a result of the ον locating ίπ Acharnai. Τhis analysis involves investigating fully the complex interrelationships within the municipality. Το simplify this procedure, we have analysed the relationship between the ον and the other key features one by one. Το conclude this section all ουr observations shall be drawn together.

1- The interaction between the OV, MNTC, ΝΡ and Municipality

_a) The interaction between the OV and MNTC

_a1/ Τhe effect from the OV on the MNTC

Physical impacts

Through our analysis, there is no obvious positive impact from the OV. However negative impacts were identified, including traffic and parking issues. Τhe MNTC will become the central transport interchange; therefore, it will improve accessibility and convenience for the local people. Conversely, it may cause traffic congestion problems, a lack of parking space, and environmental pollution.

Social-economic impacts

Here we have identified both positive and negative impacts. Once the MNΤC has become the central transport node, there is potential for the area to provide improved recreation facilities, quality public space and shopping opportunities.

Τhis will inevitably attract more people to the area as consumers or employees as industries and services develop. Τhe OV, home to 10,000 residents would provide a large workforce and potentially cheap labour, which would be a major attraction for potential investors.

_a2/ Τhe Effect from the MNTC towards the OV Physical impacts

As regards the physical impacts, there is on direct positive impact, but there are some negative impacts, which mainly include the possible destruction of the natural environment, due to more people using the ΝΡ to entertain themselves and enjoy nature.

Social-economic impacts

Contrary to the physical impacts, there are on direct negative impacts. However some positive impacts are obvious. The αν may be able to provide substantial investment to maintain the natural condition of the ΝΡ, as a larger number of people will use it and could contribute financially towards its maintenance.

_b2/ The effect of the ΝΡ on the OV

Physical impacts

It is obvious that the ΝΡ does not have direct negative impacts on the αν, but it has direct positive impact on the αν through providing a natural environment for residents nearby.

Social-economic impacts

Similarly to the physical impacts, the ΝΡ will only have positive impacts on the inhabitants of the αν. The ΝΡ provides people with an entirely natural environment, providing opportunity for an improved quality of life. Furthermore there could be a positive effect on the property market, as potential buyers search for a natural and green environment. Finally, the ΝΡ provides a good atmosphere to educate people about local archaeology thus playing a vital role ίπ maintaining and promoting the unique culture of this ancient area and possibly creating a sense of local pride for the area.

_c/ The interaction between the OV and the Municipality

_c1/ The effect of the OV on the Municipality

Physical impacts

With regards to the physical dimension, there are both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the potential for improvement of the infrastructures. The OV itself is expected to provide different kinds of public services if such as shops I schools and sport facilities and these public services if made accessible to the rest of the in the municipality through road improvements could benefit the area. These services may also play a role in combating unemployment by providing diverse opportunities for local people both in terms of employment and training.

However, there are several negative impacts. For example, the αν represents the expansion the urban sprawl something that the metropolitan area of Athens and the municipality were hoping to limit. The αν itself is somewhat cut off from the rest of the municipality as infrastructure improvements on minor roads have not been done. It is essentially forms an enclave, somewhat closed off from the rest of Acharnai. Moreover I even thought the build- quality of the OV is fairly high, if the αν housing is converted to social housing, and the future residents and the municipality cannot afford to maintain the infrastructures and public facilities put in place, the quality of the environment may decrease.

Social-economic impacts

If integration with the rest of the municipality is not adequately improved a major negative impact the αν could be the location of a potentially deprived enclave of predominantly poor people in the municipality, cut off from the rest of the municipality.

However, several positive impacts have been recognised. For example, the αν will provide around 10.000 people with high quality new houses. Furthermore 10% of the future residents will be the victims from the earthquake in 1999 currently living in the container sites around the municipality. This goes some way to resolving some of the social housing problems in Acharnai. Also, the new residents in the αν after the Olympic games will fill υρ some workforce vacancies in the municipality. As a result, it will increase the total income as general.

_c2/ The effect from the Municipality on the Oν

Physical impacts

Aside from the fact that the municipality provides the αν with excellent accessibility to the main highways, there are some negative impacts. These could include the reduction of the quality of the αν and poor maintenance of the site. This is largely down to finance. The municipality is predominantly made uρ of poorer people refugees in illegal housing and gypsies who don’t always contribute financially to the municipality. The OV is expected to house a further 10,000 low income residents. Therefore funds available to the municipality to maintain the houses, public space, and infrastructures through taxation will be considerably lower than other wealthier municipalities, yet maintenance costs will increase. Τhis could result in a form of cycle of poverty in the future whereby the area is poorly maintained and in poor condition and as a result wealthier residents do not want to move in.

Social-economic impacts

Because the highways of the municipality closely connect the metropolitan area and the αν, the αν could attract more people who live in Athens to the area. As a result, more investment and employment opportunities will be created, and the housing prices will increase. These positive impacts will change accordingly to the level of the transportation capability.

However, a negative impact could relate to outside perceptions of the municipality. Τhe current situation of a fragmented society with a number of culture differences, a large proportion of lower income groups, a gypsy population and seven container-home sites may act for some as a deterrent to investment. Τhe αν would equally suffer from this negative perception and lack of investment. Therefore measures need to be taken to improve the image and identity of Acharnai.

2. The OV within itself

Physical impacts

Certainly the αν have many positive impacts. Through reading and site visits, it can be seen that the housing is built to a high standard. Τhere is sufficient pleasant open public space and green areas and provision of public services, such as schools and sport facilities.

However, in our point of view, these public spaces are of inappropriate scale and not user- friendly. Τhere is a considerable amount of negative space. Additionally there is not private open space for residents, for instance, a small garden or backyard. Τhere may be a long- term difficulty in the maintenance of public services as well as private facilities. For example, the elevators set up in the 2 or 3 storey houses represent potential unnecessary cost

Social-economic impacts

Τhe positive physical aspects could benefit the OV in a socio-economic dimension. Τhe existence of services nearby and public space could realize potential for building a sense of community. These key areas are places where interaction between residents is encouraged, places to meet and to socialize. Τhis, in the long term could contribute to an eventual sense of vibrancy and unique identity.

Conversely the design of these buildings is traditionally unpopular in Greece. Flats are considered undesirable, and the majority of people want to live in villas with a private garden. Τhis suggests that the αν remains destined to stay as housing for lower income groups. Although this is not necessarily a bad thing in that there is a supply of quality housing for these groups, there is the potential for social problems. Τhe αν could become stigmatised as an undesirable area. Τhis could result in the OV becoming unstable transitional neighbourhood, for which people have no pride, leading inevitably to the decline of the area as only the poorest section of society stay.

4. POST OLYMPIC SCENARIO'S

The analysis has revealed that the developments in Acharnai could lead to several different outcomes. In this section, we shall draw together ουr observations from the analysis, identify the key themes at stake whilst acknowledging the assumptions that shall be made in forming a scenario. Finally we shall present the different scenarios.

4.1 Summary of analysis

Our investigation aims essentially to encourage the positive impacts and avoid the negative impacts.

The analysis in many respects demonstrated the possible contradictory nature of the so-called positive or negative effects. What could be positive in an economic sense could conversely bring about negative implications for the physical environment and vice versa. Το add further complication, what could be a positive development for some in an economic sense could actually result in negative effects for others. The same is so in the physical dimension.

Ιπ the scenarios that follow later in this section, we will take these into account. Fundamentally the aim is therefore to attempt to achieve a balance between the positive and negative impacts.

4.2 Key Themes to work απ

_a/ Power to implement planning policy

This is a major issue for the municipality. There have to be made great changes within the policy model of decision-making in the case of Greece. Currently there is a lack of power for the local authority. In many ways this lack of power and resources means that the municipality is unable to take advantage of the benefits the OV may bring. Α well balanced 'subsidiary system' could bring an amelioration. Though we have to take into account that the global expansion of the metropolitan area of Athens can't be directed by individual choices of the different local authorities.

Case study Maroussi_Acharnes

As απ example issue coυld make a comparison between the municipality of Maroussi and the Municipality of Acharnai. If we only look at the demographical variable related with the income of the people who are living in the municipalities, we could make some conclusions. As mentioned before the majority of the people of Acharnai are from lower income classes with different backgrounds together with the presence of illegal housing on their property it is impossible for the municipality to raise (?) high taxes. For the reason the income and the ability to do something – for example: regenerating public spaces – is low. Through, this is not the same an not having the possibilities of a policy level. In this regard we would like to refer to the Municipality of Maroussi who are housing more wealthy people and also attract a lot of economical developments. This municipality has put some things on their agenda they want to realise. They’ve made plans to upgrade some of their roads: less cars, less parking space, larger pedestrian area, etc. For sure, there are still many problems that have not taken into account, but it seems to be good starting point. _b/ Social Sustainability

As mentioned in the introduction of this paper we could think of a scenario where the balance between poor and rich evolves in another direction. In oour case we choose to strive for social sustainability. With the preservation of a social mixture we mean more than just the tolerance of it! They should get a place within the municipality, be accepted, getting answers to their questions, an adoption on their way of life, education...

_c/ Provide public spaces and services

_d/ Provide a fully integrated transport network

_e/ Attract economical development - industry

_f/ Attract economical development - offices and commercial functions

4.3 Some assumptions to make

In this part we are taking some assumptions upon which the following scenarios are based.

_a/ The concept of enclaves and the affirmation of it

_a1/ The municipality

As mentioned many times before in this paper, the municipality of Acharnes is one of contradictions, as well in a environmental point of view as an socio-economic point of view. We want to accept the concept of the different enclaves and ghettos. We do not want them to only coexist but also to embed them in the municipality itself. a2/ case study \ enclave: The Olympic Village'

On the first view they have created an enclave or perhaps a ghetto - one more in the row - that gives immediate connection with one of the most important highways of Greece. The most dramatic about this enclave compared to other enclaves is that this connection is the only one. Through a small road the municipality can be reached, but not directly from the village itself.

The images above show a part of the plan of the Olympic Village. And although it seems like there is a connection between the mayor road and the right hand side, in reality none of them are realized, and even if they would be realized the road forms a major barrier that cannot easily be crossed by pedestrians.

The first task seems in our opinion to make a good connection between the centre of Acharnai and also with the transportation nodal point that is under construction. But this connection is certainly not the only project that has to be taken into account; many other projects are waiting for a good start. One thing is clear the role of the municipality will gain interest. The major infrastructure works with a so-called replacing of the centre announce a potential new future, but a tricky one.

The major task now is the need for an analyses οπ the present situation and lineυρ a scenario for the future. We will need to search for some strategies to find out, formulate certain actions and putting priorities.

_b/Time as a factor in development

Assuming that new infrastructure creates potential for investment one could also consider time as a variable in the success of new development.

For instance if installation or upgrading of infrastructure was realized within a short time- scale there would be great potential for fast private development, which would result in a quicker return on public investment which in turn would be distributed among local authorities.

Slower development of infrastructure could result ίπ more fragmented and less desirable investment for instance manufacturing industries rather than tertiary or service industries.

We keep this way of thinking ίπ mind when we are formulating the scenarios.

4.4 'Possible' scenarios

4.4.1 Worst scenario

Repetition of enclaves model

The area of Menidi's municipality as we've seen above, it's characterized by the presence of small enclaves, each of which is representing of different cultural, economical end social background. One case study would be the repetition of these enclaves, as the Ο.ν. may not be well connected to its surroundings, due to lack of main roads leading towards it. Enclaves can also be resulted from the social and economic disparities that may still exist, no matter what the development of the Olympic village and Railway center will be, as people of the enclaves won't be interested in reducing the "distance" between the enclaves, or due to ineffective actions of the local authorities regarding the unification of the social parts.

Physical decline of the structure

From the very first minute after the end of the Olympic games, all the illegal citizens of the area could use the uncultivated land (big empty spaces) and the houses in an unintended way.

The first task seems in our opinion to make a good connection between the centre of Acharnai and also with the transportation nodal point that is under construction. But this connection is certainly not the only project that has to be taken ίinto account, many other projects are waiting for a good start. One thing is clear the role of the municipality will gain interest. The major infrastructure works with a so-called replacing of the centre announce a potential new future, but a tricky one.

The major task now is the need for an analyses οπ the present situation and line up a scenario for the future. We will need to search for some strategies to find out, formulate certain actions and putting priorities.

_b/Time as a factor in development

Assuming that new infrastructure creates potential for investment one could also consider time as a variable in the success of new development.

For instance if installation or upgrading of infrastructure was realized within a short time- scale there would be great potential for fast private development, which would result in a quicker return or public investment which in turn would be distributed among local authorities.

Slower development of infrastructure could result in more fragmented and less desirable investment for instance manufacturing industries rather than tertiary or service industries.

We keep this way of thinking in mind when we are formulating the scenarios.

4.4 'Possible' scenarios

4.4.1 Worst scenario

Repetition of enclave model

Physical decline of the structure

From the very first minute after the end of the Olympic games, all the illegal citizens of the area could use the uncultivated land (big empty spaces) and the houses in an unintended way.

Foreign incoming

Because it's not linked with the surroundings, due to the wrong choice of Iocation and the low density architecture, that is not commensurate with the existing housing type.

4.4.2 Intermediate scenario

Logistics

The metropolitan area of Athens in general concentrates a lot of commercial centers, each one of them has high demand for transportation of goods from their warehouses. As far as the Railway center of Acharnai is concerned, it is situated in an ideal location from which anyone can reach any part of the whole metropolitan area. Train in general can provide transportation of goods in comparatively low prices, combined with the fact that the train station can be reached by Attica Highway, but also is very closed to the National Highway. This gives the chance for logistics companies to have their facilities placed within the municipality, which can on the one hand have effect on traffic of the region, but also provide the opportunity of economic development.

Multicultural labour combination...

..will remain as it is, with the cohabitation of the different socio economical classes, maintaining the cultural diversification without conflicts. Each of these classes contributes to the local economy improvement.

4.4.3 BEST SCENARIO all the house inside the OV are inhabited ....

...this produced a good maintains of the house and the relevant spaces, again news houses will be built in the suburbs and will be constructively integrated with the all type surroundings.

Right use of the green area....

.that produced improvement of the quality of life, in order to used in a sustainable way. Creation of new public installation such as, playgrounds, public spaces for sport facilities and recreation areas, can attract investment from the surrounding municipalities. Public areas usually attract the investment of private companies, by creating headquarters ίπ areas with generally improved quality of life.

Connections by underpass way with the surrounding...

... so that not only by car but also pedestrians could move towards the other side of the ον, first of all, and than it could be the chance to reach also old city center and generally the center part of the municipality.

Substitution of the first residents...

...as after a short period of time, social houses will be owned exclusively by the beneficiaries of Labour Housing Organization, and from this point they will be able to rent it and sale it to medium class new inhabitants. This can give the opportunity to the municipality, apart from being the biggest in size of all Athens, to concentrate more income and increase the land value. In this way the municipality can be more competitive to the rest municipalities.

CONCLUSION

Το conclude, we shall present a short summary of ουΓ findings highlighting the issues facing the Olympic Village within Acharnai.

Drawing on these findings we shall attempt to give a reflection upon the initial question presented at the start of this project: What are the effects and possible consequences of a new development in the outskirts of the metropolitan area of Athens?

From ουr reading and from the lecture by Mr. Ν.Μ Georgakopoulos in Acharnai we discovered that the municipality has no power of decision-making regarding the αν. The municipality has hardly any resources to integrate the αν with the rest of the municipality. Even though there are major infrastructures within the Acharnai, such as the MNTC and the ΝΡ, the municipalίty does not have the power to form a coherent strategy to attract investment. Indeed it was revealed that the municipalίty has no clear idea on what the post Olympic use for the International zone will be.

As far as the αν is concerned, if it is assumed that the current plans and policies for future use remain the same possible direct negative impacts will overwhelm the more ambiguous positive impacts. This can be analyzed from two main aspects.

In terms of urban planning, the development of the αν represents an expansion of the urban sprawl, which has been a serious problem in the metropolitan area. The αν worsens this existing problem.

Architecturally speaking, even though the actual build quality of the αν is relatively high, we believe that it will become a burden for low-income people. There is the issue of maintenance, the fact that the housing typology is not the ideal model for Greek people and the user-unfriendly public space..

According to the official plan, the αν will be converted into social housing, and accommodate 10,000 people with low-income. This could imp/y that the municipalίty, which is already poorly financed, will have the issue of lack of money exacerbated due to the lack of funding that the population can provide. The municipality could then become stuck in a cycle of deprivation.

Furthermore, the costly high-quality housing accommodating poor people will worsen serious social unbalance. And this phenomenon has presented for a long time. 50, it might be a better idea to use the same amount of money, either to invest to build more fairly standard social housing to solve housing problem in this municipalίty, ΟΓ to regenerate a certain urban area.

In short, without enhancing the whole municipality area, it cannot take the greatest benefit from this significant locationη, where the ΝΡ and the MNTC are placed; and it cannot achieve the ideal model of social balance and social sustainability.

Through reading and further analysis, we believe some issues needed to be integrated in order to achieve ουr objective "social balance". The main points are as follows:

.The importance of urban planning and urban design in the short-term and long-term consideration. .The importance of an idea of where to go with the "image" of the municipality in order to create "identity” Importance of the decision-making process. For example the division of the power of decision-making between the State, prefecture and municipality. The local authorities have a certain power they have certain responsibilities to take care of. Α well balanced “subsidiary system” could bring an amelioration. Though we have to take into account that the global expansion of the metropolitan area of Athens can’t be directed by individual choices of the different local authorities. The importance of a balance between the functions and partners. For example the relationship between a variety of infrastructures and the public and private sectors The importance of promoting an image

"..We would like to make some remarks on the ουr work. Without the help of the crew of the IP-programme and the invited tutors ουr work could not have come to its current shape. However due to the limited time and inadequate information collection some aspects have not been pointed out and studied further.

Finally we can say that due to the location of the Olympic Village in the municipality the municipality has recognized the potential for development for upgrading and regenerating the area. It presents the opportunity for Acharnai to shake off the image of being 'The dustbin of Athens. An initial land use plan has already been drafted indicating the key zones for expansion. However they should seize the opportunity to form a coherent strategy. This would highlight priorities and formulate the necessary long and short term actions that would allow Archarnai to play a major role within the metropolitan area of Athens.