The Re-Think Athens Campaign

As I was walking out of the Syntagma Square metro station the other day, I came across a display—the last day mind you—of the “Re Think Athens” display. The goal of the competition was to create a new space by linking all of Athens’ main squares, creating more pedestrian-friendly space and, by extension, rerouting traffic. So, I took a look.

The winning architectural firm as well as the runners-up had their plans and models displayed. The first thing I noticed was too much: there was too much displayed. The huge room was broken up into a labyrinth so that all the plans could be displayed. Exactly what we were looking at was questionable, since these were architectural drawings. I can’t read an architectural drawing, and most everyone—like me—was looking at the ones with colorful drawings of people walking around the new areas. What I’m saying is that they probably should have been more selective in what they displayed, as there was way too much for anyone to completely digest in the small amount of time we usually allot to this type of public display.

It goes without saying that the models were extremely popular. Problem was that they were separated from the plans that went with them. The models were pushed together in the middle of the floor, with plans surrounding them as well as in the labyrinth aisles. It would have been much more helpful to have the models with their plans. I would have separated the models and put plans up around them. Since there were two or three models of the winning plans, these could have been spread out as well so everyone could see them. As it was, the models in the middle of the display were too far away for a good examination.

The winning plans are the creation of a green link between all the squares and a redesign of every one of them. Plans are for people to “adopt” parts of the squares, to create mini-meeting areas, to plant trees to offer shade (a good idea), and the complete rerouting of traffic so that only the tram lines cut through the areas is an interesting idea. There were also ideas to create BICYCLE PATHS, many of them elevated, so as to encourage bicycling. (To be fair, I did see FOUR people riding bicycles yesterday in Athens. I was impressed.)

Along with these new ideas was a proposal to create “new, stringent traffic laws” to allow the new areas to succeed. Now there’s a mouthful. I kept wondering, “Where are the motorcycles going to park?” Walking around the city yesterday (and did I ever walk, trying to find an English-language bookstore), I watched, as usual, the motorcycles and motorbikes sweep up into the pedestrian walkways as well as taxis and the occasional car. One motorcycle had to come to a dead stop because a gaggle of tourista were coming towards him in a very narrow walkway; he had to wait for them to file around him before he could proceed. I also watched motorcycles fly by places to eat, with people only being a foot or so away. Who wants to eat outside with any type of vehicles passing by that close? Ick.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’ll believe it when I see it. I applaud Athens for good ideas to create green space and new people-friendly areas, but I also wish Athens lots of luck in bringing about changes in attitude which will allow for these plans to succeed.