Ellinikon Masterplan | Foster + Partners

The Ellinikon Masterplan seeks to create a new vision for the future of Mediterranean coastal development in Greece. It takes a restorative approach to the management and design of existing natural and built resources to breathe life into the Athenian coastline. It establishes a new paradigm for integrated and sustainable living, transforming the site of a former airport into a vibrant district. It will feature several diverse neighbourhoods that bring together residential, shopping, working, leisure, entertainment and cultural activities around the largest coastal park in Europe.

The site lies close to the heart of the city on the Athenian Riviera and is serviced by metro and tram lines. The restorative approach of the masterplan builds on the history of the site and enables the repurposing of existing infrastructure. It seeks to transform the site into a polycentric district of several walkable and mixed-use neighbourhoods that benefit from their proximity to the Aegean Sea and the large metropolitan park. Each neighbourhood is self-sustaining and integrated with the urban fabric via a series of green pedestrian connections. A smooth transition in building form and height allows for compatibility with the existing vernacular. 50 percent of the area of each neighbourhood will be given back to local communities as social infrastructure and welfare or cultural facilities, paving the way for commercial development with unprecedented social and cultural value.

The design introduces a new standard of sustainable living, integrated with nature. The metropolitan park will increase the allocation of open space per Athenian resident by 44%, playing an integral role in the greening the city. The design is optimised in terms of views and orientation, transport links, environmental and social impact, and integration with local communities. The masterplan also seeks to reconnect the city with the sea by creating subterranean connections tunnelling under the main avenue that currently traverses the site. The masterplan is enabled for smart applications, aiming at delivering an innovative and future-proof framework for the future growth of Athens.

Situated at the heart of the masterplan site, Marina Tower embodies its core principles to create a sustainable exemplar for contemporary living. The design draws inspiration from the ecological and cultural elements of the Mediterranean landscape and from Athens’ vernacular architecture to create an innovative design approach. The tower’s massing has been designed from the inside out to celebrate its unique location, immersed in nature. All apartments have dual aspect and enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the coastline and incorporate naturally ventilated interiors.