Complete Urban Renovation Of Roads And Open Spaces In The Municipality Of Kordelio - Evosmos

The project concerns the renovation of an extensive network of roads and open spaces. It includes some of the most important central roads of the municipality, which belong to the main road network of the Municipality, with a total length of approximately 8 km. The study includes the complete architectural redesign of the sidewalks of the streets, implementation of traffic regulations, design of new roundabouts, creation of a bicycle lane and low-traffic streets, redesign of open public spaces in contact with the sidewalks of the study and the design of a new organized green space of a total area of ​​5300 sq.m.

In the current situation, there is a lack of comprehensive planning. Both the appearance and the function of the sidewalks along the streets and the character formed by the built environment and functions are quite degraded, while the area falls short of basic accessibility infrastructure. The actual available space of the sidewalks for use by pedestrians is insufficient while the public spaces present an overall picture of degradation.

Approach

The project aims at the overall functional and aesthetic upgrade of a large area of ​​the Municipality through the reconstruction of the sidewalks, the arrangement of vehicle parking, the improvement of accessibility, the implementation of new plantings, the installation of new electric lighting, the implementation of appropriate urban equipment and the arrangement of traffic through new roundabouts at appropriate points.

The priority of the intervention is the return of the sidewalks to pedestrians, the restoration of the continuity of the route along the street, and its aesthetic and functional upgrade.

In addition, the principles of sustainable urban mobility are being implemented. In selected areas of the study area, a bicycle path is being created, roads are being converted into low-traffic streets and a pedestrian-walking zone is being created. Along one of the main axes of the study area, through the redesign of an inactive island, the conversion of a road to woonerf, and the implementation of traffic calming measures, a new park- zone is being created which will unify activity poles, serve different uses and needs of the residents and incorporate a cycling route. In addition, the creation of a second park in another part of the area will function as a green lung, as a space for recreation, cultural activities, walking, relaxation and social contact, as well as a sports area (walking, cycling, etc.).

One of the main objectives of the study is to ensure thermal comfort conditions for pedestrians and to contribute to the reduction of the urban heat island phenomenon. The above is ensured through the application of appropriate paving materials (cool materials) and appropriate planting.

In addition, the implementation of roundabouts is a key design tool, within the framework of the principles of sustainable mobility, with the aim of improving traffic service, reducing delays and better managing vehicle speed.

Benefits

• Given the importance of the urban axes in question, the project is an intervention with a very high impact for the wider area of ​​the center of the Municipality and will upgrade the image of the area, giving it elements of a new "identity".

• The functional characteristics of the area, the transportation arrangements of the roads, the accessibility of the public space and the microclimatic conditions are improved.