Reuse and Upgrade of a Barracks Building – Creation of a Park For The Culture Of Nutrition

The study is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the former "Alexander the Great" military camp in the Municipality of Ampelokipi-Menemeni, with the goal of transforming the area into a metropolitan hub of greenery, culture, and social solidarity structures. Located in a densely populated and environmentally degraded area, the project focuses on the restoration and enhancement of a two-story building that once housed soldier dormitories. This building, positioned centrally within the former military camp, is one of five structures forming a larger architectural complex.

Design Approach
The study concentrated on restoring and upgrading the building while redesigning its interior to accommodate a new function: the creation of an innovative themed Nutrition Park dedicated to highlighting the Mediterranean diet. The redesigned space includes cooking workshops, a television studio, a library, an exhibition and screening area, a food market, a patisserie, a dining bar, and various auxiliary facilities. The project also involves the full restoration of structural wear and tear, energy efficiency upgrades, and the implementation of accessibility features for people with disabilities.

Significant emphasis was placed on repairing all building damages and creating a welcoming, sustainable, and modern environment. The surrounding landscape was redesigned to improve accessibility for visitors while incorporating outdoor rest areas, recreational spaces, and green zones that complement both the building’s new function and the former military camp’s role as a public activity space. Additionally, an urban vegetable garden was introduced, seamlessly integrating into the site’s overall design.

Impact and Benefits
Transforming the building into a Nutrition Park provides multiple cultural and social benefits. By promoting the Mediterranean diet, the project reinforces the region’s gastronomic heritage while also offering educational and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The restoration of the building and the repurposing of the former military camp contribute to the broader urban renewal efforts, enhancing green spaces, sustainability, and the overall quality of life.

Furthermore, the introduction of new functions within the site generates employment opportunities and supports local businesses, establishing the park as a cultural and innovative hub for nutrition, while the inclusion of educational and experiential spaces fosters community engagement. Through this approach, the creative reuse of the former barracks serves as a model of sustainable urban planning, playing a key role in the regeneration of the Municipality of Ampelokipi-Menemeni.