Student Residence in the industrial area of the old ginning mills in Lamia

Diploma Project School of Architecture, NTUA, Athens, 2010

Partner: Paraskevi Bareka

The installation of student residence on the settlements of the old ginning mill in Lamia is studied and the whole area is redesigned, as there is no housing for the students of the city. The old ginning mill was an industry of great importance for the city, whereas the mill is composed of six industrial buildings, which remain abandoned.

In our proposal, the existing buildings are maintained and unified with a single, lightweight construction. This structure has its own irregular grid, which is opposite to the large and severe industrial volumes, and is painted in bright color. The new structure does not simply rest upon the buildings, but penetrates them horizontally or vertically. It uses old buildings’ spaces as a parasite. Our thesis is characterised by the term “Parasite Architecture”, which occurs for the first time in the work of the architect as well as artist Lebbeus Woods in 1980s, refering to bold interventions on existing shells.

The construction follows the basic movements and stands of the students. It creates paths between buildings, public spaces and vertical movements. Furthermore, through the “invasion” in the buildings, it creates large openings and allows air circulation and sunlight.

In the existing shells, 61 dormitories are embodied. The apartments accommodate 90 students and are divided into single, double and specially designed for disabled people rooms. The sloping roof and the great height of the buildings, give the opportunity to add loft apartments in the floors and gain more space.