Course Content
Introduction
Here you can get detailed information about the good practice example from Thessaloniki, Greece: Pavlos Melas Municipality Park
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Get to Know the Good Practice Example: Pavlos Melas Metropolitan Park 🏞️
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New European Bauhaus Integration
🏛️ Module 1: Political Dimension
In this module you'll understand the political dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation and heritage preservation through Pavlos Melas Example. The concepts you will learn are: Phased Urban Development, PPP Models, and Policy Alignment
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Key Political Concepts
đź’Ľ Module 2: Economic Dimension
In this module you'll understand the economic dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation and heritage preservation through Pavlos Melas Example. The concepts you will learn are: Sustainable Procurement, Circular Economy (CE), and Sustainability Assessment Tools
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Key Economic Concepts
🎓 Module 3: Educational Dimension
In this module you'll understand the educational dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation and heritage preservation through Pavlos Melas Example. You will learn about the concept of Living Labs and how can you create one in the context of green building transformation
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Key Educational Concepts
🫱🏽‍🫲🏼 Module 4: Social Dimension
In this module you'll understand the social dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation and heritage preservation through Pavlos Melas Example. You will learn about the concept of Stakeholder Engagement and Community Well-Being and learn about how to create a participatory design process step by step.
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Key Social Concepts
🌍 Module 5: Environmental Dimension
In this module you'll understand the environmental dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation through Pavlos Melas Example. You will learn about the strategies for creating climate-resilient buildings and adapting existing buildings to be climate responsive. This module will conclude with Key Principles for Adaptive Reuse.
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Key Environmental Concepts
Asssesment
Please review the Final Exam Instructions for detailed expectations.
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Final Exam
Conclusion + References
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References
GP3: Reclaiming Urban Spaces Pavlos Melas Park in Greece

 

Introduction

Discover the Pavlos Melas Metropolitan Park: A Good Practice in Action

Source: citymagthess.gr/citymagcat/long-reads/article/h-anoixi-erchetai-apo-ta-dytika/

The project is an excellent example of Beautiful Communities principles, specifically because it manages to balance heritage preservation with sustainability and social needs. The goal for this introduction is to understand the project’s scale and core objectives before diving into the specific dimensions in the later modules. Please watch above video Pavlos Melas Municipality Park-Connecting Nature. This video, along with the subsequent content below, provides the essential foundation.

HISTORY OF THE PARK

To create meaningful learning experiences, we must start with the story—

This site has witnessed profound historical transformations: from its origins as Ottoman military grounds in the 1890s, through its use by the Greek Army after Thessaloniki’s liberation in the 1920s-1940s, to its dark period as a WWII detention site in the 1940s. After complete abandonment in 2005, the real transformation began in 2013 when the community-led revival started…

Pavlos Melas site witnessed a rapid transformation throughout history

Development of the Project and Key Points

Political – Governance Aspect

The park’s development follows a carefully planned Phased urban development plan that you will explore later on in this course

Phase One: Infrastructure and Heritage

Phase One, with a 20-million-euro budget, focuses on critical infrastructure and heritage preservation. This includes comprehensive water supply, irrigation, and sewerage systems, alongside extensive green rehabilitation with new tree planting. Six new access gates and three refreshment kiosks will improve accessibility and visitor experience. Particularly significant is the restoration of the most emblematic building—Building A2—which will house the Museum of National Resistance, the Greek Refugee Museum, and display findings from the Thessaloniki Metro excavations. This demonstrates how adaptive reuse can preserve heritage while serving contemporary community needs.

Source: citymagthess.gr/citymagcat/long-reads/article/h-anoixi-erchetai-apo-ta-dytika/

The Façade of A2 Building Source: pavlosmelas.gr/ktirio_a2_video/

Phase Two: Community Spaces

Phase Two takes a more community-centered approach. Following a city council-approved design competition, three distinct spaces are being created:

“Memory”—a central square defined by two historic barracks for historical commemoration and reflection; “Spectacle”—an outdoor cinema and live event venue in the north; “Adventure”—recreational facilities and activity spaces in the south. This phased approach demonstrates strategic planning that balances immediate community needs with long-term vision.

Source: citymagthess.gr/citymagcat/long-reads/article/h-anoixi-erchetai-apo-ta-dytika/

 

Economic Aspect

Through a partnership between the National Defence Fund and Pavlos Melas Municipality, the land remains publicly owned while local management ensures community-responsive operations. The municipality pays 5% of net profits to the National Defence Fund, creating a sustainable revenue model supported by Ministry of Economy funding.

 

 

Environmental and Social Aspect

The park’s environmental features reflect both ambitious sustainability goals and genuine community engagement.

The planners aimed for at least 50% shade coverage through strategic tree placement, featuring over 5,600 new indigenous Mediterranean trees perfectly adapted to the local climate. The community-focused amenities tell a story of inclusive design: bouldering and children’s adventure areas encourage active lifestyles, while three canteens with full kitchen facilities support extended visits and potentially local food businesses. Solar-powered canopies and pergolas provide sustainable comfort, and memorial spaces honor the site’s complex history.

 

Next Lesson: New Bauhaus Integration

Now let’s examine how this project embodies the three core New Bauhaus Principles——sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion in tangible, measurable ways

 

 

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