Here is our proposal for the Hellenikon Metropolitan Park and Urban Development Ideas Competition.
The following persons participated in the effort::
Athanasios Zoulias, Architect - Planner
Spyros Linos, Architect
Nicholas Mantzaris, Environmentalist - City Planner
Yorgos Voulgaridis, Land Surveyor
Anastasios Tserpelis, Landscape Architect
Stathis Alexandros Zoulias, Architecture Student
Tonia Kourouvani, Designer

The publication of this material is for informational reasons only. Any use of this material or of our ideas is not allowed.

1. INTRODUCTION
Our proposal for the plan of the Hellenikon Metropolitan Park aims not simply to the creation of a substantial addition to the urban infrastructure of the southern suburbs of Athens, but also to the functioning of a new vital pole that will contribute to the economic and social development of the area based on this space's natural characteristics.

But, above all, it is guided by the realization of the fact that this plan, due to the scale of the task, as well as to the symbolic and historic value of the space, will draw public attention and inevitably act as a guide for the development of urban space throughout Greece.
It is therefore necessary that it sends the proper messages for a kind of design and planning that will take into account environmental parameters, will offer a high standard of living to the city's residents and will boldly embrace any architectural proposal that contributes to the finding of creative solutions.

2. OVERALL CONCEPT
The basic principle on which our proposals are based is that of sustainability. In our case it is expressed through the incorporation of existing elements (buildings, natural characteristics, airport corridors, etc.) into our plan as well as through the use of local vegetation. Our plan also supports the re-establishment of ecological corridors that will connect Attica's remaining natural areas.
We organize the park into 5 thematic zones (Natural Park, Activity Park, Islands and Cultural Park, The Village and The Agora), each with its own distinct, clear characteristics. New spaces are created and new uses are encouraged, of the kind that do not so far exist or are rare to be found throughout the Athens Metropolitan Area. We put special emphasis on the creation of large, natural-like, open spaces suitable for passive recreation, at the borders of which we place cultural, sports and game facilities. Even more, we believe that this thematic organization of the park will enhance the visitors' ability to easily find their way around and thus encourage them to further explore it.
We create bikeways passing through the park with the potential of expanding and connecting them to a wider bikeway network that will reach throughout the Athens Metro Area. We link the light rail ("tram") and Metro systems, at the same time servicing the Exhibition & Conference Center and Hotel. We create mixed-use areas so as to discourage unnecessary trips.
We take special care of planning with the issue of safety in mind given the large size of the area.