The Ellinikon Park in Elliniko, Greece, is set to become a groundbreaking urban green space, transforming a former airport into a sustainable and innovative park. With over 30,000 trees and three million shrubs, it will be one of the largest urban parks in Europe, covering 200 hectares. This ambitious project aims to address environmental challenges and create a cooling oasis in a modern city. The park's design incorporates advanced technologies and sustainable practices, making it a model for future urban green spaces.
One of the key features of the Ellinikon Park is its focus on microclimate management. Digital simulations, thermal mapping, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were employed to create a network of 'cool routes' that can lower temperatures by up to four degrees Celsius compared to surrounding asphalted areas. This innovative approach ensures that the park provides a comfortable and shaded environment for visitors, even during heatwaves. Rest areas are designed with a high shading ratio, promoting natural air circulation, while vegetation enhances evapotranspiration, further improving thermal comfort.
Water management is another critical aspect of the park's design. The park will utilize a smart irrigation system that adjusts water volumes based on real-time data from weather and soil sensors, potentially saving up to 90% of water. A tertiary wastewater treatment unit will produce treated water for non-potable uses, including irrigation, ensuring a sustainable water cycle. Additionally, rainwater will be managed through green and blue infrastructure, aiming for 100% on-site handling and the restoration of natural flows, such as the Trachones stream, for flood protection.
The park's construction also emphasizes sustainability and local materials. Greek natural materials like Kavala marble, white Dionysos-Penteli marble, Karystos slate, and Mandras sandstone will be used for surfaces and pavings, contributing to thermal comfort and harmonizing with the Attic landscape. Former airport facilities are being repurposed, with concrete slabs used for retaining walls and crushed aggregates for gabions and backfills, reducing the environmental footprint of the project.
In terms of scale, the Ellinikon Park is a giant among urban parks. It surpasses iconic historic parks like London's Hyde Park and Berlin's Tiergarten in size. With its coastal location and direct connection to a two-kilometre seafront, it stands out as a unique and ambitious urban regeneration project. The park's design and sustainable features make it a potential model for future urban green spaces, addressing environmental challenges and creating a comfortable and resilient urban environment.
