ek magazine 292 | November 2024

Without Rules

In this column, we’ve often stressed that achieving public space architecture of a quality comparable to that which we admire abroad isn’t due to a lack of skilled architects. However, without institutional procedures for the assignment, approval, and execution of projects -and without allowing these to be influenced by personal preferences or, often, the “taste” or interests of government representatives, especially mayors- there is little hope.
Conflicts of interest and differing viewpoints affect every scale of design in Greece. To a certain degree, this is understandable and even expected. The recent example of the spatial planning draft submitted for public consultation, which has provoked objections from a wide range of stakeholders and organizations, is telling. This plan addresses, among other things, the scale and type of tourism and construction development designated for each area in the country. Naturally, there is a clash between environmental protection advocates and those promoting tourism and construction growth. In this case, no one seems satisfied; the proposal has effectively become a battleground, drawing reactions even from the tourism sector, which finds it overly restrictive.
According to recent reports in the press, real estate investment interest has grown substantially compared to hotels. With hotel beds increasing at just 3.5% and short-term rental beds rising by 20%, the focus has shifted to independent properties (villas) in unzoned areas, where the new spatial plan also supports the development of large tourism facilities.
It’s discouraging that, in a country where tourism is considered a primary economic driver, there are still no established regulations for its spatial development. In creating this new spatial plan, beyond simply updating the data, it is crucial to define both the type and scale of tourism and construction development that the state envisions, to prevent irreparable harm to the country.
Tourism development can succeed with regulations, foresight, and modernized infrastructure and construction guidelines. However, it cannot progress without safeguarding Greece’s unique landscapes and archaeological sites -the primary draws for its tourism appeal.

Ariadni Vozani