Master's thesis Katharina I. Theochari: THE REGENERATIVE TOWN

THE REGENERATIVE TOWN
An Alternative Master Plan for Kriaritsi

On the Sithonia Peninsula in Greece, approximately 11,500 residents currently live, resulting in a very low population density of around 22.5 people per square kilometer. For centuries, the Kriaritsi region was left to nature, consisting of an expansive pine forest that extended to the coastline and beaches. Its biodiversity and ecological richness mirrored the rest of the peninsula, which hosts several protected areas. A unique feature of Kriaritsi is its habitat for numerous wild sheep. The name "Kriaritsi" was informally derived from the Greek word Κριάρι (Kriari), meaning ram. However, in the late 1970s, several wildfires devastated much of the natural landscape, and the area was subsequently designated for development.

In 1978, three cooperatives expressed interest in the region and, by 1981, had signed a joint purchase agreement for Kriaritsi. Architect Ioannis Dragkos was commissioned to design a master plan envisioning Kriaritsi as a vacation destination for northern Greece. By the early 1990s, after nearly 15 years of planning, the construction of the new town was approved. Spanning a total area of 1,324.4 hectares and featuring over 3,000 plots, Kriaritsi was poised to become the largest city not only on the peninsula but also in the broader Chalkidiki region. To this day, it remains Northern Greece’s most extensive development project, led by the company Grekodom Development.

The project was initially met with enthusiasm by residents of nearby villages, offering hope for improved infrastructure and economic opportunities in the region. The new town promised significant economic benefits and had the potential to foster social cohesion by providing spaces for daily activities.

By 2008, after the road network, sidewalks, sewage system, electricity, and water supply were completed, construction unexpectedly came to a halt. Despite the completed infrastructure, building permits for the houses were not granted due to environmental protection concerns. Additionally, disputes arose over the boundary between buildable land and protected forest areas.

Today, Kriaritsi is primarily a labyrinth of roads, often referred to as a ghost town.

This master’s thesis critically examines the existing state of Kriaritsi and the cooperative’s development plan. It questions the necessity of a project of this scale and its design, which consists predominantly of single-family homes with gardens spread over a vast area. The extensive distances residents would need to travel daily and the reliance on motorized transport as a fundamental planning concept contradict the European Union's climate goals for 2030. Moreover, the plan raises questions about societal affluence and spatial demand, which result in a significant environmental impact.

While some holiday homes have been built in Kriaritsi in recent years, a unified plan is now required to provide clear structure and prevent uncontrolled sprawl. This thesis proposes an alternative master plan that builds on the existing infrastructure and emphasizes significant densification of the area.

The alternative plan acknowledges that tourism has influenced the region for decades. However, the area still lacks essential services such as shops, medical care, cultural venues, and recreational facilities, placing significant burdens on local residents. The goal is to create a settlement that not only benefits the peninsula’s residents but also remains connected to nature and respects the location’s unique value. The unused potential of the site lies in its open landscape, offering opportunities to create high living standards through contact with nature. Such connection is vital for human existence and contributes significantly to health and well-being. Rethinking tourism toward health-consciousness offers a promising avenue for sustainable development.

The proposed approach aims to create a healthy, therapeutic environment that fosters satisfaction and well-being while managing natural resources responsibly and sustainably.

The ancient healing center of Epidaurus and its alternative therapeutic practices are analyzed as part of this thesis. These practices focused on the relationship between various factors and human health, such as the connection to nature or the social environment. The built environment also played a crucial role, as architecture often dictates behavior. The concept of Epidaurus as a healing center sets a high standard and serves as inspiration for the urban design proposal.

The Croatian island of Lošinj is examined as a modern example of a health-oriented destination, highlighting the positive effects of its climate, natural landscape, and proximity to the sea.

Environmental destruction and climate change are fundamental topics in urban planning. At the same time, awareness of the relationship between human well-being and the natural environment is becoming increasingly central to the discourse.

The overarching question is: Can a sustainable city also be a healthy city? And can a therapeutic environment be truly sustainable?