REUSE OF WESTERN SHIPYARDS IN HERAKLION, CRETE, GREECE

ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION

 

PROJECT MANAGERS

PANOS KOUNTOURAS, LIDA DITSA,

YIANNIS DITSAS

 

PROJECT TEAM

PANOS KOUNTOURAS, LIDA DITSA,

YIANNIS DITSAS

 

PROJECT INFO

 

USE: CULTURAL

LOCATION: HERAKLION, CRETE, GREECE

OWNER: MUNICIPALITY OF HERAKLION

TOTAL AREA: 13.000 M²

 

STUDY: 2010



DESCRIPTION
Intention of the proposal is a solution that differs itself from the existing shell, keeping a distance from the monument, in order to protect the monument and to distinct the different chronological eras of the site. Also, seeking a solution that carries symbolism and conceptual meaning was regarded as important for the monument’s new role.
It was decided that a series of platforms would be proposed to be created inside the shipyards, orientated towards the sea. Those platforms in the archetype form of a ship’s frame, based on a metal backbone reaching to the water, is today’s version of the ships which were situated once in the site.
The scale of those structures was chosen so that they divide the shipyard’s height in two, leaving free the ground floor level without obstacles, ensuring communication between the arcades.
The metal platforms are firmly based on the ground, however have a light sense and they are intentionally left unfinished to imply the tendency to the sea.
The materials selected for the platforms are painted and oxidized metal, intended to combine contemporary architectural technology along with materials that carry the patina of time.