Author | Lucía Burbano
Over the next decade, the former international airport of Ellinikon will be transformed into Greece’s first smart city, embracing the principles of sustainable and inclusive urbanism. Ellinikon, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, is dedicated to integrating advanced technology, environmental sustainability, and smart resource and population management. It aims to become the future model of 15-minute Mediterranean cities.
A brief history of the Ellinikon International Airport
Over a span of 63 years, Ellinikon, located 7 kilometers south of Athens, served as the Greek capital’s main airport, handling an average of eleven million passengers per year. Ellinikon was considered one of the riskiest airports in the world for takeoffs and landings. Its short and narrow runway was confined between the Aegean Sea and the mountains surrounding the Attica basin.
In 2001, it was replaced by Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. Interestingly, before becoming a smart city project, Ellinikon hosted the kayak, hockey, baseball, and softball events during the Athens 2004 Olympics.
One year later, the foundation was laid for today’s development: The Ellinikon Metropolitan Park project. In essence, it was envisioned as a complex comprising luxury homes, hotels, a casino, a marina, shops, and offices, but it never materialized.
Ellinikon, an urban regeneration project focused on smart technology
From a park project to the total regeneration of an area three times the size of Monaco. Designed by Foster + Partners, Ellinikon promises to set new standards for the future of coastal development in the Mediterranean. Emphasizing sustainability and technology, the 6.2 million square meter site will feature the following projects:
Riviera Tower
Scheduled for completion in 2026, it will be Greece’s first skyscraper, set to become a landmark of architectural pride. It has already achieved LEED Gold pre-certification, and its facade features innovative biophilic design elements.
The Experience Park
The Experience Park, spanning two million square meters, will be the largest coastal green space in Europe, where one million new native plants and trees will be planted.
Riviera Galleria
Riviera Galleria, a commercial center, will feature international haute couture firms, renowned designer stores, and emerging brands.
Sustainability and technology at the heart of Ellinikon
The future smart city of Ellinikon plans to utilize advanced technology solutions such as 5G, smart energy management, digital twins, IoT sensors, and AI. These innovations aim to efficiently manage various aspects of the city, enhancing habitability for its future citizens and visitors.
Environmentally, the Experience Park will feature rain gardens designed to manage rainwater effectively. Existing surfaces will be repurposed for the construction of park furniture and pathways. An impressive 86 different species of trees will be planted, totaling 31,000 trees, along with over one million Mediterranean plants.
Its impact on the city’s economy and the country as a whole has also been clearly defined. Over one million tourists are expected to visit Ellinikon each year, contributing approximately 2.4% to Greece’s GDP.
LAMDA Development, the company overseeing the project, estimates that the construction of The Ellinikon will span 15 years. During the initial 5-year phase, 45% of the Ellinikon Park will be completed, including developments along the coastline, the marina, and transport infrastructures, among other features.
Photographs | The Ellinikon, © Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons
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