Architecture for Humanity Athens is participating in the Ecoweek 2011 Conference in Thessaloniki,GR by organizing a workshop for design students and young professionals.
For information about Ecoweek:
http://ecoweek.netfirms.com/ecoweek.gr/ecoweek2011/index.html
Workshop brief:
The workshop will focus on Menemeni area, which is located on the western side of Thessaloniki's urban complex. The observation of the participants of the workshop and their intervention will touch the issue of the street market, which occurs in a weekly basis.
Based on the observation of the street market (operating hours, variance of events, preparation process, interaction with residents, garbage collection etc.) and the analysis of the characteristics of the urban environment of Menemeni area, the workshop participants will be asked to propose a model unit (prototype) for small traders, integrated into a general design proposal for the street, where the market is developed.
The proposals will tackle multiple issues, such as the design of urban furniture with an ephemeral character, their assembly and disassembly, the waste management and the reconfiguration of the existing urban fronts of the intervention area in order to improve both the working conditions of the small traders and the living conditions of the residents. What is more, the proposals are expected to assess the importance of the street market based on both its social significance, as it derives from the concept of the market as a meeting point and the way it develops in Thessaloniki's multicultural environment.The market, in all its forms, has always been a reference point for the various groups living in Thessaloniki.
At the same time, the participants will examine the possibility of exploitation of the proposed structures on a daily basis, in order to create a meeting area for the community.
Last but not least, emphasis will be given to the environmentally friendly design in both the overall design proposal and in particular to the materials used.
