Re-configuring the productive territory of Megalopolis, Greece

Re-configuring the productive territory of Megalopolis, Greece | design explorations for the post-mining era 2016 K.U. Leuven, Master of Urbanism and Strategic Planning [MaUSP] European Master of Urbanism [EMU]

authors:

Georgakaki Gavriela Kasselouri Eleni promotor: Bruno De Meulder

CYCLIC URBANISM PROMOTER Bruno De Meulder

TUTORS Racha Daher Cecilia Furlan

MORE INFO MAHS / MAUSP / EMU Master Programs Department ASRO, K.U.Leuven Kasteelpark Arenberg 1, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium Tel: + 32(0)16 321 391 Email: paulien.martens@kuleuven.be

© Copyright by K.U.Leuven Without written permission of the promotors and the authors it is forbidden to reproduce or adapt in any form or by any means any part of this publication.

Requests for obtaining the right to reproduce or utilize parts of this publication should be addressed to K.U.Leuven, Faculty of Engineering – Kasteelpark Arenberg 1, B-3001 Heverlee (België).

Telefoon +32-16-32 13 50 & Fax. +32-16-32 19 88.

A written permission of the promotor is also required to use the methods, products, schematics and programs described in this work for industrial or commercial use, and for submitting this publication in scientific contests.

All images in this booklet are, unless credits are given, made or drawn by the authors, Georgakaki Gavriela and Kasselouri Eleni.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to Professor Bruno De Meulder for the inspiring consultations and his guidance during the supervision of this thesis as well as for the motivating lectures and discussions during this master.

We would like to thank Racha Daher for the thoughtful insights she gave us throughout the semester and Cecilia Furlan for the fresh input and the extra tips.

We would like to thank Margarita Macera for her advices and the helpful discussions on our topic.

Special thanks to our families; to our parents, Nancy and Makis, Anastasia and Christos for their complete trust and support in every step we do, as well as our brothers,Yiannis, George and Dimitris for always being there encouraging us.

We would also like to thank Nikos Anastassopoulos for his precious help during fieldwork and his family as well, especially Maria for her professional advice and fraternal presence.

Thanks are also due to our friends and especially Melina, Katerina, Anna, Maria, Sofia and Vicky for the, visible or the invisible, essential support of this thesis.

We would like to thank Ilias for his persistence and his help under difficult circumstances.

We would like to thank all our fellow travelers of this master and specifically Maria, Wenbo, Michael, Danny, Amaranta, Nhu and Claire for sharing all challenging and joyful moments.

This project would have been impossible without the support of the people working for the Public Power Corporation in different positions. We would like to thank them all for their willingness to help and for their immediate cooperation and response in our demands and especially from the central Mines Environmental Department, A. Sokratidou, N. Polyzos and K. Rigopoulos for their collaboration and direct response to the files we required. Moreover, we thank the employees of the Lignite Centre of Megalopolis, especially Ch. Kavourinos and V. Pantazis for giving us access to necessary material, as well as the local Environmental Department, especially V. Georganos, Siouti and the employees that became our local guides into the mines during fieldwork. We also thank the employees in the Units and especially AHSM A for their help.

We would like to thank the Municipality of Megalopolis, the mayor D. Papadopoulos for the interview and E. Barla for the data. We would also like to thank the former mayor, Dr. P. Bouras for the interview he gave us.

We thank Vaggelis Kuriazis for his assistance, willingness and equipment for the drone footage of the video.

I, Kasselouri Eleni, would also like to acknowledge the contribution of John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, without the financial support of which this two-year journey wouldn’t have been possible.

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Table of Contents 9-18

Preface Introduction Towards a post-mining era: a challenge or a threat?

Framework: Systemic thinking and cyclic urbanism

19-64

Tracing the basin of Megalopolis Framing the basin a. Geological processes b. Urbanization in the basin of Megalopolis c. Dynamics of a productive territory A multi-layered landscape

65-108

The machine-made landscape Mining activity in systems a. Energy b. Water Earthworks – landscape alternations a. Land expropriation b. Material movement

109-163

Reconfiguring the productive territory Operative territory in sections Capturing a moving landscape Exploring sections a. The olive grove b. The valley c. The energy crops

164-165

Conclusions

166-170

Bibliography

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High

Labour/activity level

site design and construction 1-5 years

operation 2-100 years exploration 1-10 years or more

Low

final closure and decommissioning 1-5 years post-closure A decade to perpetuity

6 Time

Abstract Exploring how the transition of an active mining landscape into the post-mining era can be anticipated in present, this thesis is attempting the potential dynamics of a productive territory in the particular point of view taken. Domestic energy resources and potential acquire a strategic importance in Greece today while, at the same time, there is a rising awareness for using renewable resources on a global scale, in the premise of overexploitation of the world’s limited resources.1 Looking through the lens of the energy potential of the post-mining landscapes, what are the next landscape and the future of the urbanization in the basin of Megalopolis?

This thesis proposes a series of design strategies to re-configure the productive territory, in a constantly transforming landscape, where new opportunities are emerging for the local populations. Rethinking the productivity of the post-mining landscape introduces an alternative agriculture for the locals, hand in hand with the recovery of the soil and the ecology, and simultaneously creating potential for an energy production scenario based on renewable resources. Under these conditions, biomass is an opportunity for energy production in the local scale and sets new possibilities for the new emerging economies.

Starting from the reading of the current productive landscape and its metamorphoses, this thesis investigates Megalopolis territorial transformation under the overlap of different dynamics through time. Energy, soil and water flows are the essential elements of the current landscape formed by small and large scale processes. These are identified as separate but interconnected systems, where the waste of each system is a potential link to another.

“The visibility of flows, processes and systems underlies much of the work to be done, especially when displaying vast movements […] of natural resources that are often operating in remote or underground environments at scales too large for the naked eye”. (Bélanger, 2012, p. 291)

Therefore, the thesis is structured in three main sections. By looking at a framework of 25 by 25 km, the first chapter traces the basin of Megalopolis, giving an overview on the geological features and the urbanization of the basin, as well as the dynamics of the productive territory. Further, the outline of a multilayered landscape is projecting the opportunities for multi-functionality of the site in the closer frame of 10 by 15 km. The second chapter aims to unfold the complex structure of the manipulated topography and the entire machinemade landscape. In order to achieve this goal the thesis used a systemic reading of the landscape alternations and material movement. The previous interpretative analysis leads to the third chapter; the proposed vision for the area until and after the closure, phased in finer grain, which is projecting the spatial reconfigurations in different scales, phasing and seasonality and their impact in the city.

In the case of Megalopolis the radical alternations of the topography, the material movements and the natural water flows come together with the slow rhythm of the provincial city and the countryside. After years of lignite exploitation, the artificial topography, resulting from the mining activity, generates new territorial figures.

The “artificiality of landscape created by mining can be seen as an opportunity to create something new during the treatment process”, a potential for new economies for the post-mining city. (Bergbau Folge Landschaft, 2010)

1 Mohsen Mostafavi writes in Ecological Urbanism, Why Ecological Urbanism? Why Now? “Increased numbers of people and cities go hand in hand with a greater exploitation of the world’s limited resources.”

Mine project life cycle Diagram source: Sloss, L. (2013). Coal mine site reclamation. IEA Clean Coal Centre, p.5.

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Preface Introduction Towards a post-mining era | a challenge and a threat Framework | systemic thinking and cyclic urbanism

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Introduction Megalopolis is a provincial city of approximately 11.000 inhabitants, in the center of Peloponnese, Greece. The area is known as the second Lignite Center of the country and it contributes to the national electricity production with two combustion units currently active. The vast area of 5,000 ha of lignite extraction and combustion facilities are adjacent to the city. The local economy is heavily depending on the mining activity and electricity production. Since the 1970’s, when the extraction started, the Public Power Corporation2 (PPC) has been a major employer in the area. The internal migration of workers and specialized employees from all over Greece changed the composition of the local population and doubled its size (NTUA, 1992). Simultaneously with the social sphere, the landscape started changing radically as the new production domain started to develop.

The mandatory public and private land expropriations either of agricultural land or forest dramatically transformed the rural landscape, generating a complex system of smaller and bigger open pit lignite mines and artificial hills, forming a manipulated topography.

The existing self-sufficient settlements were inscribed in the territory, considering a system recovery process.

However, the overexploitation of an extraction area in the center of Megalopolis’ basin is disregarding the recovery of the landscape. The current dominant activity of lignite mining and electricity production is a catalyst of territorial transformations, which at the same time, constitute a disturbance, a rupture in the landscape.

2 The extraction and combustion processes are organized by one corporation that started as public, but is currently being privatized following many other assets in Greece. The short PPC refers from now on to the Public Power Corporation.

Image on the left: Megalopolis, the city and the mines.The aerial view of the area is illustrating the opposing scales. A series of sections through this terriotory reveals the topographical differences.

Orthophoto 2011, source: PPC, Lignite Center of Megalopolis 11

Postcard from the future: Megalopolis 2050 _ An imaginary post-mining landscape Megalopolis’ territory in the post-mining era as a lunar landscape; an image composed by enormous holes on the ground, as craters, along with the left overs of the machinery and the power plant facilities. The impact on the natural landscape is immense and life cannot be sustained as all resources are exhausted. The city itself is a ghost town with few elderly people that refused to abandon their homes.

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Towards a post-mining era | a challenge and a threat As other former industrial territories in Europe, Megalopolis, without alternative productive economies is going towards a post-mining era, facing the threat to become a ghost town. Therefore, the emerging scenario of a shrinking economy, through which inhabitants will be forced to migrate inside or outside the borders of the country in order to survive, is evident. After a period of prosperity, decline is coming slowly into the foreground of future Megalopolis. Lignite is indeed a non-renewable energy resource.The reserves are coming to an end. PPC estimates that the lignite reserves in the area will last for about 20-25 years more. The closure of the mines in Megalopolis is projected around 2040. What does the closure mean for the city and the territory? Wouldn’t it be important to start anticipating this transition?

Mining in the area of Megalopolis is still today seen a driving force of the urbanization process of the past and the main one of the future as well. Causing both radical landscape and urban transformations, it influenced the cityscape by the immediate doubling of the population and by the spatial expansion of the city in the ‘70’s. The expected rapid decline of this main economy, which supports the local population, around 2040, will influence the city by a direct population decrease. Are there any other supporting economies existing or potential new ones that can sustain this population in the area and how do they form the next step after the industrial city?

The post-mining, postindustrial landscapes of coal extraction areas are often considered as if they were in a static condition. Landscape is then a by-product, indirect result of the former activity (Berger, 2006).

Exhausted extraction holes as remaining open craters are reminders of a lunar landscape with injured, open wounded ecologies, a ruptured landscape; as indicated for Lusatia, in Germany: “The countryside resembled the surface of the moon” (Bergbau Folge Landschaft, 2010, p.37). This motionless image is directly contradicting to the process of the formation of these landscapes. Would it be possible to think in terms of transitional land use instead? “What futures can be imagined for closing quarries that incorporate design sensitivity beyond erasure and filling, and that embrace their unique endemic character?”

(Viganò, 2014, p. 57)

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Postcard from the future: Megalopolis 2050 _ An imaginary post-mining landscape Megalopolis’ productive territory is a composition of different elements and ecologies that form a complex organism in homeostasis. Local energy production from biomass, new agricultural land, bee-keeping and livestock co-exist in a balanced relationship. Recomposed wetlands are hosting migratory species, being at the same time a rich biotope and a biodiversity hub.

Archaeological sites are part of this choreography.

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The mining landscape is anyhow always dual. “…

These landscapes simultaneously carry, on the one hand, the welfare of communities, professional pride, and bright hope for the future | injured bodies, contaminated natural environments, and evaporating social structures.” (Storm, 2015) The perspective in this landscape changes fundamentally when thinking in terms of transitional land uses and programs, when dump is only a phase, a step in a chain of movements, uses, appropriations and developments.

The ongoing transformations of an alternating landscape are simultaneously forming the potential ground for a post-mining productivity. Under the vision of a productive territorial park, a balanced coexistence of the different existing and emerging landscapes is challenging the design. The necessary healing of the mining landscape, its environmental recovery goes in parallel with the energy efficiency in a local level and the establishment of new economies related to the productive landscape. “The site acts as a mnemonic device for the making of the new” (Mostafavi, 2010) that creates the conditions for the next development cycle of the city.

Already starting from the operational phase of the mines, reclaiming the landscape means at the same time the purification of polluted water and the remediation of contaminated soil, reconsidering the appropriation of the landscape while introducing new economies that will replace the preceding. “Designation of territories, zones of intervention, and modes of organization become soft design processes that eventually lead to the formation of new spatial morphologies and performative ecologies.”

(Bélanger, 2012) The socioeconomic crisis and austerity in Greece, is introducing rivers of migration. Tendencies of returning

back to the land immerge. In search of more affordable solutions, young people evaluate life outside the borders of the capital. Taking distance from the uncontrolled speed and the alienation of a big city, the character and the qualities of a provincial city present an alternative scenario. The social inclusiveness and reciprocal relations in combination to the slow rhythms of a resilient and self-sustained living, contribute to a different quality of life. The proximity to nature and short distance between living and working places makes everything accessible in walking distances.

Coming back to the land means most of the times a change to an occupation that at least is partially related to the earth and its productivity. Therefore, the future of the provincial city as an incubator, a place of opportunity for new initiatives and new populations acquires different dimensions and the transition to the post-mining era can be “…an opportunity to pay attention to the economic and social aspects of a landscape as well. […] The idea of healing the wounds inflicted on the mining regions quickly and rendering them unrecognizable has given way to the conviction that the best possible use should be made of the opportunity to design a post-mining landscape with great potential for the future development.” (Bergbau Folge Landschaft, 2010, p.40-41) As the productivity of the territory has been defining the development of the area over time, the reconfiguration of the productive landscapes of Megalopolis provides a canvas which forms the synergies and relations to the next phase of development. It is exploring the potential of a landscape in motion as a carrier of the next economies in a coherent composition. The proposed synergies and the biophysical dynamics (Bélanger, 2012) create a multilayered territory in a transitional regime to productivity after mining, cyclic in time and in space.

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Framework | systemic thinking and cyclic urbanism This thesis is based on systemic thinking and cyclic urbanism. Throughout simultaneous fieldwork observations, mapping operations and site specific and national data analysis, we examine the different systems of energy, water and soil and their spatial expression.

These systems are explained trough generic diagrams and located sections. In each system, the produced waste from the different processes creates a potential linkage to another one, or even a potential to generate another system.

The modification of these systems in a series of processes is starting from the current condition and gradually evolving in phases not only until but also after the closure of the mines in a dynamic choreography. The overlap among these different elements interweaves the complexity of the site, as several systems work in the same space. “Both the tree and the semilattice are ways of thinking about how a large collection of many small systems goes to make up a large and complex system. …

The semilattice, by comparison, is the structure of a complex fabric; it is the structure of living things, of great paintings and symphonies.” (Alexander, 1965) Finding these potential linkages between the different systems and closing cycles of production and waste is among the challenges of the design investigation, as

they can provide various space qualities in an operative territory. In this study, the section is used as a tool to show the collaborations among the systems; a couple of interconnected operational sections in different positions are being reformed until the closure and after mining.

Alan Berger (Berger et al., 2009, p.14) states the importance of an understanding on “…how natural and artificial systems dynamically function in regional territories and small locales, and ultimately feed back into both scales from new design and planning interventions”. Thinking in different scales where the “…larger scale logic is embedded in the smaller scale proposals.” (Berger et al., 2009, p.15) is embedded in the design.

The difficulty of capturing the evolution of a moving landscape is also apparent in the design of its transition towards the post-mining era. “The promise of landscape urbanism is the development of space time ecology that treats all forces and agents working in the urban field and constitutes networks of inter-relationship.” (Corner, 2006) The process of modifying the systems has a spatial footprint where productive, cultural, ecological, and urban elements coexist in homeostasis. This project is not about returning the landscape in a previous stage, but reclaiming the diverse productivities of a manipulated territory.

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Tracing the basin of Megalopolis Framing the basin a . G eological processes b . Urbanization in the basin of

Megalopolis

c. Dynamics of a productive territory

A multi-layered landscape

This chapter frames the basin of Megalopolis as a unity, looking first into the geological processes, which explain the existence of lignite in the area, projecting at the same time a continuous but diverse inhabitation. In parallel, the evolution of the urbanization reveals the changing relation between the city and the villages, and further between the city and the productive territory. The transformation of this productivity also reflects different social aspects and urban conditions. How is this multilayered landscape expressed in space and appropriated through time?

a. Geological processes

Considering land as the result of a very lengthy and very slow stratification (Corboz, 1983), it’s important to identify the traces of lost territorial processes.

Moreover,, the geological processes and the composition of the geological substratum are defining contemporary conditions. The area of the basin of Megalopolis was a lake in prehistoric times, more luckily composed by three separate water bodies3, with aquatic plants and surrounding dense forests. The inhabitants of the area during the period of Pleistocene were various mammals and other animals. After a tectonic movement that resulted in the subsidence of the basin, water escaped and the lake was gradually becoming a swamp. (Drakonias et al., 2015) Huge volumes of organic matter were buried in layers and fossilized in the bottom of the swamp (PPC, 2015).

This evolution is justifying the creation and existence of lignite in seams, in a depth of 250m (Koukouvelas et al., 2014). “Since 1969, the lignite seams have been exploited via open-cast mines and numerous paleontological localities have been exposed during mining operations.”

(Panagopoulou et al., 2015) The excavation of lignite is becoming in such way a process of digging into the history of the area’s evolution.

3 The three main lignite deposits have different physicochemical characteristics, probably because of the existence of three lakes. These deposits are: Choremi-Marathousa (total depth 140 m), Thoknia-Kyparissia (total depth of 20-100 m) and Karytaina (total depth of 45 m). The thickness of the lignite beds varies from a few to 5 m. (Kordas, 2006)

lakes

vegetation and life

tectonic movement

swamp and sediments

lignite layers

Image on the left: Earlier excavations revealed paleontological findings as well. In 1903, paleontological excavations and research in Megalopolis basin, with the help of the villagers, brought to light a large amount of fossilized megafauna (Pleistocene), such as elephants (bones and tusks 3,20m long), rhinos, hippos, mammoth (the southernmost location on earth to be found) as well as other animals.

Locate the basin: The topography of Peloponnese peninsula indicates a mountainous land with internal basins.The internal basin of Megalopolis is located in central Peloponnese, in an altitude of around 400m, is next to the upper Plateau of Tripolis, the capital of the province. It is surrounded by mountains Mainalon from the northeast, Taygetos from the south and Lycaion from the west.

Source: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, http://en.uoa.gr/ http://www.biol.uoa.gr/istorika-stoixeia/8eodwros-skoyfos.html

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Framing the basin

The basin is situated in the center of Peloponnese. Topography of Peloponnese based on GIS data from OPENDEM, http://www.opendem.info/opendem_ client.html

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Patras

Korinth

Pyrgos

Argos

Mainalon Tripolis

Lycaion

Taygetos Sparta Kalamata

Framing the basin

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Geological Map of Megalopolis

The diverse geological formations of the basin reveal their age and the different formation processes. The oldest geological formations which surround the basin are the limestone of the zone of Pindos and the flysch of the Tripoleos (Van Vugt et al., 2000) which construct the basis of the basin (PPC, 2015); while Pliocene (especially in the eastern part) and Pleistocene sediments cover the basin. The eastern boundary of the basin is a series of NW active faults.

Limestone Flysch_ Tripoleos Clay_ Marathousa’s

Sections across the basin

Age Pleistocene

Megalopolis

Manathousa Marathousa

Pliocene

Megalopolis Choremi

Makrision

Thoknia

Trilofon

Apidhista

Kiparissia

Choremi

Greece

Potamia / Thoknia Formation

The stratigraphic column relates the ground formations with the formation and depth of lignite, as shown on the scheme. The layers of lignite are divided by clay, silt and sand partings of 5-30 m thick (Van Vugt et al., 2000).

Because of the shallow depth of the lignite beds, already from the antiquity, there were cases of spontaneous combustion that indicated the existence of lignite.

basement

Paleogene

Tripotamon

Pre-Neogene Basement Pliocene Pleistocene & Holocene

lignite

Mines

lacustrine marl

Fault

fluviatile sand

River City / Village

fluviatile gravel 0

1

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3km

Geological sketch map of the Megalopolis basin and stratigraphic column of the basin fill (Van Vugt et al., 2000)

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Framing the basin

lakeside layer

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Geological Map of Megalopolis Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: Luttig, G., and Vinken, R. (1966). Geological map of Megalopolis (Hannover)

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The geological frame of the basin: the map is showing the earlier formations of the mountains that surround the basin and the alluvial deposits that define its shape.

Different ground formations and soil types define the hydrogeological features, more or less permeable soil.

The soil on top of the lignite beds usually consist of sand, sand and gravel, soft limestone and clay. (Kordas, 2006) In search of the exact extent of the deposits, the appearance of limestone signifies the end of the lignite (PPC, 2015) 26

Framing the basin

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Geological map of Peloponnese by Alfred Philippson, Der Peloponnes: Versuch einer Landeskunde auf geologischerGrundlage, Berlin: R. Friedländer, 1892

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HYDROGEOLOGICAL MAP N

ROCKS AND GROUNDWATER I POROUS ROCKS

Highly productive permeable deposits – water often shallow depth Low and moderately productive aquifers

II KARSTIFIED ROCKS

Highly permeable rocks – water often great depth

III LOCALLY AQUIFEROUS

Locally aquiferous (usually minor) rocks

NON-AQUIFEROUS ROCKS

Practically non-aquiferous rocks (aquicludes)

– PRACTICALLY

Production boreholes Hydrogeological Map: Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on: Hydrogeological Map of the area of Megalopolis-Dimitsana (Part of the tectonic-Hydrogeological map IGME, Tsiftsis 1986)

Settlements

Framing the basin

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The map is showing the division of the different provinces of Peloponnese (Moreas) between 1715-1730, locating Arcadia in red in the center.The boundaries changed a lot by then, but being the only province without sea at the time, gave particular characteristics to the place, its inhabitants and the landscape. Author: HOMANN, Johann Baptist. Peloponesus hodie Moreae Regnum in Omnes suas Provincias Veteres et Hodiernas accurate divisum

Map location http://imageserver.mzk.cz/mzk03/001/053/334/2619316827

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Framing the basin

b. Urbanization in the basin of Megalopolis

The basin of Megalopolis is situated in a strategic location, in the heart of Peloponnese, in Arcadia. Currently, there is good connectivity to Athens and proximity to the bigger cities of NE and SW Peloponnese, Tripolis, Kalamata and Sparta. The geographical strategic location was the reason of existence of the ancient city of Megalopolis, ruins of which lie on the northwest of the contemporary city. Ancient Megalopolis, originally named Megali Polis (meaning in Greek great city) was founded after the defeat of Sparta in 371 BC by Thebes (University of Patras, 2016). The Theban leader Epaminondas encouraged the creation of the new city for strategic purposes, as a fortress towards Sparta, aiming to control its force. Part of this colonization of a new ground was to force populations from 40 surrounding settlements to inhabit the new city. (University of Patras, 2016) Today, ruins from this period still stand. The ancient theater was amongst the biggest of its time, with a capacity of 20.000 people, neighboring with another structure in front, Thersilion. They were both used from the Arcadian people for their assemblies. The agora is located across the river Helisson that was crossing the ancient city. After a long history of alliances and battles, destructions and reconstructions, the ancient city faced decline and abandonment.

It was only during the Ottoman Empire, when the village of Sinano started developing nearby ancient Megalopolis, where the contemporary city is. Nevertheless, the settlements in the basin had different relations over time.

From period to period, one was more powerful and more important than another, under an interesting story of glory and decline. “It is generally admitted ‌ that Leondari is not Megalopolis. Where then is Megalopolis? Perhaps at the village of Sinano. To satisfy myself on this subject, I should have been obliged to go out of my way and to undertake researches foreign to the object of my journey.â€? (Chateaubriand, 1814)

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Pausanias’ routes in Arcadia, source: ATLAS of Morea, A project of the French scientific mission (Expedition Scientifique de Moree) 1829-1838, Athens 2011

Pausanias4, who visited the area (around 143-176 AD), states: Megalopolis was founded by the Arcadians with the utmost enthusiasm amidst the highest hopes of the Greeks, but it has lost all its beauty and its old prosperity, being today for the most part in ruins. I am not in the least surprised, as I know that heaven is always willing something new, and likewise that all things, strong or weak, increasing or decreasing, are being changed

by Fortune, who drives them with imperious necessity according to her whim. (Paus. 8.33.1) 4 Pausanias (flourished AD 143-176) was a Greek traveller and geographer who left a valuable work from his trips.

Periegesis Hellados (Description of Greece) is a 10 volume guide to the ancient ruins. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016) 30

Framing the basin

Painting by Thomas Cole – The Course of Empire: The Arcadian or Pastoral State, (c. 1834) 100.3 × 161.3 cm, oil on canvas, New York Historical Society

Arcadia was once isolated in the hinterlands of Peloponnese, without access to the sea, mainly occupied by mountains. Linked to the rich mythology of the area and the pastoral life of its inhabitants the term Arcadia acquired mythical dimensions and is used to describe the simple, serene, rural life.

Framing the basin

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Utopian land Arcadia was glorified in the arts as a utopian land on earth; paintings, theatrical plays, but visual arts exalted the this Arcadian ideal. Expressing the Arcadian ideal, the painting of the shepherds by Nicolas Poussin (1638) is also named ET IN ARCADIA EGO. This phrase (I also was in Arcadia), written on a tomb, was given different meanings, either referring to the dead person or to death itself. In more contemporary expressions, in his homonym documentary the Greek director F. Koutsaftis (2015) argues about the importance of memory in a place as part of an identity search5.

In 1829, France organized a scientific mission in Greece, a research concerning the historical, geographical, archaeological and pictorial documentation of the country, which resulted in thematic volumes and an atlas. As pointed out by the Head of mission Bory de Saint Vincent, in the volume “Geography”, the natural landscape of a mountainous land like Peloponnese, has given isolated basins, which do not communicate with each other, resulting in the diversification of people in each place. The residents have peculiar customs, based on very different needs and interests.

5 Interview, 15.210.2015, http://www.tovima.gr/culture/article/?aid=746346

Painting by Nicolas Poussin – The Arcadian Shepherds (Les Bergers d’Arcadie) [Et in Arcadia ego] (c. 1638) 87 cm × 120 cm, oil on canvas, Paris, Musée du Louvre

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Framing the basin

Sketch of Megalopolis ruins, source: ATLAS of Morea, A project of the French scientific mission (Expedition Scientifique de Moree) 1829-1838, Athens 2011.

Framing the basin

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“Land is not a given commodity; it results from various processes.” From the one hand, it’s the spontaneous transformation, all geological and natural processes that contribute to the instability of terrestrial morphology.

From the other hand it’s the human activity that turns land into an increasingly remodeled space.

(Corboz, 1983, p. 16)

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Agriculture mosaic The peasant landscape with the vast agricultural fields and pastureland had characterized the basin before the mining process started. Until 1970, the economy was based on livestock, mainly poultry and pigs, sheep and goats, and agriculture, with the traditional crops of the region: olive groves, potatoes, cereals, chestnuts, walnuts, sour cherries, apples, pears, vineyards and horticulture (NTUA, 1992).

Agricultural production is directly related to the cultivable land that surrounds the settlements. The population depends on an economy based on the productivity of the territory. However, the agricultural production had limitations due to small land properties and low production that eventually led to an economic decline (NTUA, 1992).

The Orthophoto of the area in 1960, on the right, shows the extent of Megalopolis at the time as a small settlement inside the different patterns of the agricultural land and the natural features: Alpheus River running from south to north and Helisson from east to west.

On the right: Orthophoto of the area in 1960, source: Hellenic Military Geographical Service, No 3661_R36_Megalopolis, received 08.04.2016

The central square of Megalopolis, 1928, source: Municipality of Megalopolis

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37

“This privileged link between nature and culture that is created in our society through landscape refers back to the significance that each cultural model attributes to its physical environment and to the place that it occupies on the scale of values in relation to its formal structure.�

(Gregotti, 2009, p. 9) A direct relation between the city and its productive territory is developed, as shown in these images from the 1960’s. The central square of the city is transformed into a street market to trade the local products.

This relation has radically changed after the transition towards the industrial era of the area, but the weekly street market is still a vibrant event. Every Friday, the flea market in Megalopolis is an attractor for people that live in the nearby villages, as they come once a week to do their groceries, visit doctors and services in the city.

The dependency of the villages to the city is mainly due to the current aging population of the former and the concentration of amenities in the city.

Images from the central square of Megalopolis, 8th August1960, by Elma Hunting, a tourist visiting the area, source: http://kafeneio-megalopolis.gr

38

Framing the basin

Framing the basin

39

min.

Megalopolis

Megalopolis

Athens Tripolis Kalamata

5,768 inhabitants

Megalopolis

40

min.

198 43 46.6

2h 35 38

Megalopolis

min.

Megalopolis

min.

Leontari

257

15.9

20

Perivolia

54

02.8

5

Derveni

31

18.3

23

Karitaina

232

21.5

35

Plaka

54

05.4

9

Kato Anavryton

31

16.7

29

Kato Makrisi

221

16.2

20

Anavryton

52

15.1

26

Mavria

31

15.1

25

Paradeisia

153

13.1

18

Routsio

52

18.5

25

Orestio

31

03.3

7

Skortsinos

139

25.9

32

Ellinitsa

50

13.5

23

Gefira

30

11.4

15

Chranoi

137

13.3

19

Neochorion

49

15.3

16

Karatoulas

28

19.6

29

Lykochia

121

20.4

31

Lykaion

47

12.0

20

Marmara

25

16.6

28

Potamia

118

15.0

23

Vaggos

47

19.0

30

Vrisoules

25

12.7

16

Kastanochori

94

12.6

20

Voutsaras

47

21.1

28

Palaiochouni

24

09.2

15

Tripotamos

89

05.9

10

Mallota

46

18.0

26

Karvounaris

23

15.4

23

Psari

89

16.9

25

Falaisia

46

23.0

32

Kamaritsa

22

12.5

18

Isaris

86

19.3

32

Makrisi

44

18.5

23

Kotsiridi

22

10.6

15

Soulari

83

17.4

23

Chrousa

44

07.7

13

Fanaiti

22

14.1

19

Chirades

80

19.5

27

Soulion

42

19.8

22

Choremi

22

13.9

16

Zoni

74

13.8

23

Anthochori

41

11.6

15

Paleomiri

18

11.6

17

Anemodouri

68

23.5

33

Nea Ekklisoula

39

12.2

20

Palamari

15

17.8

31

Kotylion

64

23.8

45

Likosoura

37

16.6

28

Isoma Karyon

14

10.1

17

Vastas

62

11.4

19

Thoknia

36

09.4

16

Soulos

13

10.6

17

Kato Karyes

61

07.1

11

Ano Karyes

35

15.8

27

Kalivia

11

13.9

23

Veligosti

61

10.2

16

Trilofo

35

14.6

22

Petrovounio

10

14.9

25

Syrna

60

23.3

30

Kourounios

33

13.1

24

Gavria

9

13.0

18

Kyparissia

58

11

19

Apiditsa

32

10

17

Stroggilo

8

27.0

28

Pavlia

55

13.3

20

Katsimpalis

32

13.0

19

Ano Kalivia

3

18,9

26

Rapsommatis

55

16.6

22

Marathousa

32

04.6

9

Framing the basin

0

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7

8

9

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11

12

An archipelago of settlements The settlements in the basin have a long history of existence, under a story of population fluctuations and landscape alternations which demonstrates the strong dependency of the urbanization to the topography and the productive territory. In this frame, 71 villages are surrounding Megalopolis. Some of them are located in the relatively flat plateau and others on the slopes of the surrounding mountains. Currently the traditional villages

13

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19

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24

25 km

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: GEODATA, http://geodata.gov.gr/

attract tourists for their picturesque environment. In this radius, all distances from Megalopolis are less than 30min except from the more remote village of Kotylion. All the settlements faced a gradual abandonment after the 1960’s and their image now includes many abandoned building shells as standing ruins or transformed into seasonal residences.

Framing the basin

41

N

100

200

300

400

500

600

Fanis farmer

700

0

800 km

1

2 km

live work Fanis Kalogeropoulos, 28 years old Grown up in Megalopolis, studied in Thessaloniki animal husbandry and dairy production. Fanis came back to continue and expand the family business with new knowledge and technologies in order to increase productivity.

Megalopolis

live Mines

father mine worker farming

work

N

5’ 31’ live

grandfather farmer since 1950

Kalavrita

Perivolia

1h 57m 130 km

work

Korinth Argos

1h 25m 96,8 km

fodder

2 permanent and 3 seasonal workers

1h 13m 115 km

Distribution in the local market and around Peloponnese (future target is distribution to Athens, but not in supermarkets)

milk

meat

100 ha of agricultural land 100 tones milk per year

feta cheese yogurt rice pudding cream

Wholesale

(except from feta, which is not profitable: 1kg feta needs 4lt milk giving a profit of 5%)

The family business expands in all production steps

I

II

Cultivate land for fodder (wheat, barley, oat) storage and processing

42

Framing the basin

Currently 500 sheep and 4 goats (future target adding 200 goats) 1000m2 facilities

III Processing and packaging: dairy production from 20 tons of milk (future target 100 tones)

Public life

Age 0-14 y

Municipality of Megalopolis 11.014 inhabitants 7.877 Megalopolis 812 Gortyna 2.325 Falaisia

The city is structured based on the system of Hippodamus, with a grid of approximately 100x70m, covering an area of about 2x2km. The two main vertical axes, direction from NW to SE and from SW to NE, concentrate all commercial activities and they meet forming the central square. The social life of the city is taking place along these main axes and the square, but a series of other small scale formal and informal public spaces and amenities, attached to the grid, is completing a vague network.

60, 45% Active Population Primary Occupation

Tertiary Sector secondary activities

The population of the municipality of Megalopolis and of settlements around changed radically in the transition period towards the industrial era. The decline in population of the surrounding villages does not directly link to the increase of Megalopolis’ population, as people from other areas in Greece, specialized labor force, had been arriving to work in the mines. However, it’s due to the low productivity of the highland, the bad connectivity of the infrastructural network on a strong geomorphological terrain and the concentration of amenities in Megalopolis because of the start of the mining operation. (NTUA, 1992)

gardening on the edge

The combination of different working and living places is extending the grid of the city, broadening its boundaries, as additional activities take place in the countryside. It’s an appropriation where people live in the city and work, move towards or through the landscape, which is making it part of their lives.

15-64 y

honey production on the surroundings

Secondary Sector

livestock on the edge

family structure > urban structure

hunting in the forest

Primary Sector kids parents

65+ y

single family house with back yard expanding as the family grows

Population and occupation data source: ELSTAT, 2011 in PPC, Study of Environmental Impact, DRAFT 2015, p. 103, 115

43

c. Dynamics of a productive territory

“Land could be described as having a horizontal characteristic (relief, cover and extension) while scape is vertical, dealing more with social programs (structure, activity and data).

Land is more stable and less malleable than scape, which is created and destroyed through cultural tastes and acts.” (Berger, 2002, p. 151) A reading on the landscape of the basin of Megalopolis, both vertically and horizontally aims to show the changes over time. “Land, so heavily charged with traces and with past readings, seems similar to a palimpsest.” (Corboz, 1983) The ongoing geogenic and anthropogenic transformations of different periods on the earth’s surface are leaving their traces. These traces of different phases are still present today. The alternations in the different layers of ground, water, forest, agriculture, urbanization and infrastructure are continuous, but after the start of the mining process they accelerate in the center of the basin. What is the new landscape resulting from this acceleration? Mining is a disturbance in the smooth long-term changes, as it opposes a rapid artificial transformation to the original topography; and dominates transforming the existing systems.

44

Framing the basin

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15

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25 km

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25 km

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25 km

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5

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25 km

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25 km

Urbanization

Legend Industrial Zone Urban Tissue Mining area Forest (mixed, coniferous, broadleaf ) Sclerophyllous vegetation Transitional forest and scrub areas Natural pastures Mainly agriculture with extent areas of natural plantation Complex agricultural systems Olive grove Sand dune Non irrigated arable land

Agriculture 0

5

10

15

20

25 km

Legend Industrial Zone Urban Tissue Mining area Forest (mixed, coniferous, broadleaf ) Sclerophyllous vegetation Transitional forest and scrub areas Natural pastures Mainly agriculture with extent areas of natural plantation Complex agricultural systems Olive grove Sand dune Non irrigated arable land

Forest 0

5

10

15

20

25 km

0

5

10

15

20

25 km

Water 0

5

10

15

20

25 km

Ground 1940

1990

2000

2015

Framing the basin

45

1940 An overlapping of the hydrology, forest, agriculture and road network reveals the original landscape before the mining activity. Simultaneously the connections between the settlements are realized through mule paths. A network of dirt roads is used by the local population to transfer goods and people. At the time, the center of the basin has extended agricultural land and forest.

Agricultural land Wooded area Mule paths Main Road Network Secondary Road network Road under construction Railway Churches

46

Framing the basin

0

1

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9

10

11

12

13

14

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16

17

18

19

20

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22

23

24

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: British Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, 1948. Scale 1: 250,000, sheets: KALAMAI G13 and PATRAI G11 (THE BALCANS 1:250,000, FIRST EDITION AMS 2) Compiled by 512 Fd. Survey Coy., R.E., June, 1944, From 1:100,000 Greek maps of 1941

N

Framing the basin

47

25 km

1990 The exploitation of the lignite has already replaced big part of the forest and agriculture with a growing speed and has changed the existing connections between the settlements.

Legend Urban Tissue Mining area Forest Scrubs Mainly agriculture with extent areas of natural plantation Orchards Railway Road network

48

Framing the basin

0 0

1

2

3

4

55

6

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8

9

10 10

11

12

13

14

15 15

16

17

18

19

20 20

21

22

23

24

25 km km 25

Legend

Urb Min Fore Scru

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on map data from the Hellenic Military Geographical Service, sheets of Megalopolis, of Dimitsana and of Nea figaleia, Scale: 1:50,000, December 1992

N

Framing the basin

49

Main Orc Railw Roa

2000 A more detailed documentation on the surrounding forest and pastureland (CORINE 2000) and the extented infrastructure network. Before the major fires in 2007, the vegetation in the area had a different image than today. The gap in the center present the expansion of the mines by then.

Legend Industrial Zone Urban Tissue Mining area Forest (mixed, coniferous, broadleaf) Sclerophyllous vegetation Transitional forest and scrub areas Natural pastures Mainly agriculture with extent areas of natural plantation Complex agricultural systems Olive grove Sand dune Non irrigated arable land Railway Road network

50

Framing the basin

0 0

1

2

3

4

55

6

7

8

9

10 10

11

12

13

14

15 15

16

17

18

19

20 20

21

22

23

24

25 km km 25

Legend

Indu Urb Min Fore Scle Tran Natu

Main Com Oliv Sand

Non Railw Roa

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: GEODATA, http://geodata.gov.gr/, Corine Land Cover 2000

N

Framing the basin

51

0

50

100

150

200

250 km

O32 E4

N

Hiking paths Agriculture Forest Transitional vegetation Wildlife sanctuaries Natura 2000 Burnt areas (fires 2007) Urban tissue

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: GEODATA, http://geodata.gov.gr/, Corine Land Cover 2000 and TOPOguide for the hiking paths

52

Hiki Agri Fore Tran Wild Nat Burn Urb

A multi-layered landscape κατοικώ [katikó] –ούμαι : 1.

for groups of people that live in a place | a place where someone inhabits or which is inhabitable

2.

more formal, I reside in a place | the place where I have my house, my residence

[λόγ. < αρχ. κατοικῶ] Co-presence of different activities, time-space sharing

“What counts in landscape is less its ‘objectivity’ than the value attributed to its configuration.

This value can only be cultural.” (Corboz, 1983)

The inhabitation of the territory over time projects its multi-functionality, the variety of activities that are coming together in the same space and form its identity. Ancient ruins and paleontological findings come together with the continuous appropriation of the forest and the mountains, the agricultural land and the pastureland, as well as with the contemporary urban tissue and the intensive mining activity. The appropriation of the different landscapes reveals the natural, archaeological and cultural territorial heritage which is not only a composition of spatial elements but also the constant use of the territory. “Space depends on scale and experience, exists as well as in the transition between the interior and the exterior, is inhabited by users; it does not exist without temporality.” (Verbakel, 2007) Various cultural and religious points, such as churches in the main square of each village, are containers of the social life. A vast network of chapels around the cliff tops are popular spots to visit during annual celebrations; while monasteries near the forest, in which a few monks or nuns live and manage their own cultivable land, are popular locations for people and tourists to visit.

Furthermore, springs, fountains and monuments, spread around in the landscape, are spots where travellers and visitors have short stops to drink water or see the view or admire the nature (where annual ceremonies also take place).

Among the different activities hiking and hunting relate more to the forest and the mountains. Hiking in different times of the year, is organized mainly by hiking clubs and has different levels of difficulty, or it can even be organized individually. Multiple hiking paths surround the basin, such as the O32, which is 192km long and is one of the most coherent and well maintained National Hiking Paths that crosses Central Peloponnese, starting from Vitina on mount Mainalon (where it meets the long European path E4), crossing Lousios gorge and Karitaina, going through the basin of Megalopolis towards mount Taygetos.

Hunting is organized in seasons of each game are defined by the minister’s annual regulatory decision, but in general, hunting is allowed from 15th of September until the end of February and is completely forbidden from 11th of March until the 20th of August. From 20th of August until the 14th of September is only allowed in areas designated as “Migratory Birds’ Passage”. Daily, hunting is allowed in the morning, half an hour before the sunrise and half an hour after the sunset. (Hunting guide, 2016)

A multi-layered landscape

53

15

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22

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24

25 km

The complexity of this coexistence is intersecting the mining area, which is sometimes enhancing and other times disrupting the continuities. Thus, there are fragmented and connected parts as well, such as the grasslands of the reclaimed deposits and the artificial lakes that serve livestock. The perception of being inside a basin is also defined by specific landmarks. The cooling towers, as contemporary landmarks, stand inside, in the center of the basin forming two orientation elements, while the surrounding mountains are defining the outerupper border of the basin, forming at the same time a geological landmark. In this timeless landscape, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the inhabitants of the land tirelessly erase and rewrite the ancient scrawls of the soilâ&#x20AC;?. The exploitation of the land is a process of landscape colonization even of remote areas with machinery and land becomes an object of construction, a type of artifact, a product. (Corboz, 1983)

Monasteries Chapells Churches Wells

54

A multi-layered landscape

00

11

22

33

44

55

66

77

88

99

10 10

11 11

12 12

13 13

14 14

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 18

19 19

20 20

21 21

22 22

23 23

24 24

25 25 km km

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on map data from GEODATA, http://geodata.gov.gr/, and the Hellenic Military Geographical Service, sheets of Megalopolis, of Dimitsana and of Nea figaleia, Scale: 1:50,000, December 1992

A multi-layered landscape

55

contour lines dirt roads primary roads conveyor belts natural gas pipeline railway national road corrals chapels , churches ancient ruins pasture land lakes agriculture land forest 56

A multi-layered landscape

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

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10 km

0

1

conveyor belts natural gas (pipe) dirt roads (mines) dirt roads secondary roads primary roads railway national road settlements industries

2

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10 km

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removed churches removed chapels monasteries churches chapels ancient ruins

0

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contour lines creeks river pasture land olive groves agriculture (external deposits) agriculture land lakes lignite yards

3

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6

7

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9

10 km

0

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2

3

4

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8

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10 km

rivers creeks transitional forest mixed forest mixed forest forest lakes temporal lakes (mines)

62

A multi-layered landscape

A multi-layered landscape

63

The machine-made landscape Mining activity in systems a . Energy b . Water

Earthworks - landscape alternations a . L and expropriation b . Material movement

This chapter explores lignite extraction as a process of expropriation and continuous alternations. The mining activity is a necessity for energy production in the national scale, depending on the exploitation of domestic resources.The growing open pit of Megalopolis transforms the landscape in multiple levels; therefore the logics of the machinery is constantly reformulating an artificial topography by extracting and moving material as well as changing the natural water flows. What are the systems generated by these processes?

energy production_ nominal power MW

Coal-fired power stations with especially high health-damaging emissions

1 Maritsa Iztok 2, BG 2 Turceni, RO 3 Belchatów, PL 4 Megalopolis A, GR 5 Jänschwalde, DE 6 Rovinari, RO 7 Drax, GB 8 Turów, PL 9 Kozienice, PL 10 Romag Termo, RO 11 Longannet, GB 12 Isalnita, RO 13 Galabovo, BG 14 Nováky, SK 15 Niederaußem, DE 16 Lippendorf, DE 17 Bobov Dol, BG 18 Prunérov, CZ 19 Deva, RO 20 Rybnik, PL Source: COAL ATLAS 2015, Facts and figures on a fossil fuel, p. 19

800

Mineral Raw Materials are mineral constituents of the earth’s crust of economic value. In the most comprehensive sense this includes the so-called “mine output” as well as the output from processing at or near the mines. (World Mining Data, 2015, p.10)

700

Lignite combu stion

600

500

400

300

200

Renewable Energy

s Source

100

2016

2025 68

Mining activity in systems

2035

2045

2050

Energy Production and Pollution Lignite is a type of coal which is considered as a low quality resource for electricity production. In the national scale almost the whole electricity production is based on non-renewable resources and mainly on the exploitation of lignite. Among them there is a considerable percentage of energy production depending on natural gas and oil.

On the other hand regarding the renewable resources there is high potential in solar and wind power, as well as geothermal mainly on the islands.

The Lignite Center of Megalopolis is contributing to the national electrical grid, which is organized in a central system (for the mainland)(G.C. Spiropoulos, M. Emmanoulidis J.K. Kaldellis, 2011), where all the Thermal Power Stations contribute with electric power. The “electrical grid is mainly supported by 15 major thermal power stations (TPSs)” (Kaldellis et al., 2009) Concerning the exploitation of lignite, the mining activities are related to major environmental impacts 0

100

200

300

400

for the regions; because of the intense activity of excavation transforming the topography changes the hydraulic gradient and produces pollutants, which affect the irrigation and water supply in the territory. In the list of “coal – fire stations with high health-damaging emissions”, Megalopolis’s TPS rates on the third place, this is a considerable factor for the scale of pollution and the impact on the local communities. (Coal Atlas, 2015) Additionally, the TPS of Megalopolis has a considerable higher contribution to SO2 emissions until 2008, compared to the large scale installations6 in the northern part of the country (G.C. Spiropoulos, M. Emmanoulidis J.K. Kaldellis, 2011) 6 In 2008 there were 16 active Thermal Power Stations (TPS) - units in the northern area of the country, compared to 4 units in Megalopolis. (G.C. Spiropoulos, M. Emmanoulidis J.K. Kaldellis, 2011).

In 2011 two of the units in the Lignite Center of Megalopolis were closed.

500

600

700

800 km

Thermoelectric POWER PLANTS Lignite Natural Gas Natural Gas private Oil Photovoltaic Parks Wind Mill Parks

4,2% energy imports

7,6% SEA and others

Megalopolis

13% hydroelectric power

25,3% natural gas

49,9% lignite

Energy Resources in Greece Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: GEODATA, http://geodata.gov.gr/

Mining activity in systems

69

50

100

150

200

250 km

SO2 emission factors (kg/MWhe)

0

120

100

80

Renewable Resources Potential in Peloponnese Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: GEODATA, http://geodata.gov.gr/

60

natural gas underground pipes rubber

40 fertile soil ZEBRA

infertile soil

20

infertile soil and lignite beds heavy machinery

Energy System Diagram |

lignite yards 20-bucket wheel excavator

conveyor belts

conveyor belts

excavation & combustion processes

0 2000

1995 70

Mining activity in systems

The process of the excavation of lignite produces deposits of infertile soil and lignite. The latter is collected in the lignite yards, where is distributed to the units for the combustion (burning of lignite), an activity which produces fly ash, CO2 & SO2 emissions.

Fly ashes include significant portion of magnetic minerals which are transported through atmospheric pathways and deposited on the ground. Fly ashes from coal combustion contain very high level of trace metals, which is affecting the water supply and irrigation for the territory. (Sarris et al., 2009) 7 At this point it is important to mention that fly ash particles are considered by many experts as extremely contaminating, being also associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. (Kaldellis et al., 2009) The remaining part of the fly ash (which is collected through filters) is disposed in landfill together with gypsum, which is also produced by the lignite combustion.

There is already a reuse of the fly ash and gypsum as construction materials, by private companies but in a very short percentage compared to the disposal.8 7 In the same article it is mentioned that “Accumulation of anthropogenic ferromagnetic particles originating during high-temperature combustion of fuels (Vassilev 1992; Dekkers and Pietersen 1992) results in significant enhancement of top soil magnetic susceptibility.”

8 “Regarding the fly ash produced from Greek power sta-

In the current situation there are three units producing electricity, two of them based on lignite combustion and a new one based on imported natural gas. Concerning the advantages of this mining activity to the local community is the low cost heating system, which is provided by the combustion process.Taking advantage of the combustion of the lignite, the PPC provides district heating to approximately 500 households (TPS Megalopolis, 2015), which allow each family to save up to 40% compared to the heating based on oil consumption.

Based on the potential in renewable resources for energy in the scale of Peloponnese, there are not many opportunities in wind power and biomass for the basin of Megalopolis. On the other hand, seeing the waste from all the stages of the mining activity, as well as the high level of pollution for the territory, energy system could generate new synergies and economies. In parallel regarding the lignite’s depletion9 in the next 25 years, the post mining landscape creates new dynamics, in terms of energy, becoming a potential resource for biomass and energy production. tions, the relatively high uptake abilities and the low mobility of toxic elements allow the use of fly ash in several applications such as adsorption materials, sewage treatment, land filling and cement and concrete production.” (Kaldellis et al., 2009) 9 “It is expected that the lignite’s depletion time shall vary from 25 to 50 years” , in the national scale (Kaldellis et al., 2009)

Unit V electricity SO2

NOx

rubber

gypsum

byproducts

CO2

Megalopolis

Atmoelectric power plants Units I and II closed Units III and IV in total 600 MW

national interconnected electrical grid

fly ash

HEAT

district heating

biomass

2008 underground pipes

Mining activity in systems

71

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1,4%

Ladonas Dam 6%

hydropower production

12%

Lo

us

io

s

water supply (domestic use)

livestock

0,7%

Al

ph

eu

s

He

lis

so

n

industry

6.4%

12.5%

Megalopolis

irrigation

summer period 87%

annual 74%

0

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30

40

50

60

70

Areas of influence - Pollution caused by heavy industrial activities & landfills in Alpheus Basin industrial platforms

landfills

Annual Demand of Water (hm3)

< 0.5

0.5 -2

2 - 5

72

5 - 10

> 10

industrial platforms & landfills

80

90

( h m 3)

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: Ministry of Environment & Energy, 2012 | Special Secretariat for Water, 2013

The annual amount of the water that is extracted from underground is 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 hm3, while 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16hm3 is used only in the cooling towers. The 90% of the later is used for the cooling process, which is transformed to steam and evaporates in the air, (without returning to the surface as liquid). The other 10% of the water is used for other industrial processes related to the cooling tower, such as the cleaning of the filters. The rest of the fresh water that is extracted is distributed for water supply to the nearest settlements and for the industrial buildings as well as for irrigation purposes.

Mining activity in systems

100 km

Human Pressure in the basin of Alpheus

Interruption in the natural water flow

The basin of Megalopolis is crossed by Alpheus River (one of the biggest rivers in the country) and is part of its catchment area, located in the upstream area.The intense human activity in the river basins is directly related to the high demands in water consumption. In the basin of Alpheus irrigation, industrial activities, water supply and livestock are the main consumptive uses10(Mihas et al., 2014) that require large quantities of water. The annual demand for water is up to 120hm3, from which irrigation and industrial use require more than 90% (Ministry of Environment & Energy, 2012). The demand for water is not equally distributed during the year, while it depends on the season and the number of rainfalls. Hence during the summer the demand for water is increasing, while the precipitation is much lower.

The intense extraction of fresh water especially during the summer period creates imbalances in the natural water flows. The steady rhythm of withdrawal from the aquifer opposes to the fluctuations of the water level below and above the surface. Characteristic example of this condition is when the springs in a higher level dry up because of the lower level of the karstic aquifer and they stop providing water in the main river of Alpheus. In this (not so often) case the PPC extract more water from the karstic aquifer to fill the springs artificially. Except the large amount of fresh water that is used for the combustion of the lignite, at the same time during the excavation process around 10hm3 annually is pumped out from the mines directly to the river. According to the official Study of Environmental Impact of the PPC the cycle of the natural water flow is maintained in balance, because of the volume of the water returned to the surface.

The extraction of lignite and the energy production in the basin of Megalopolis is one of the highest human pressures, in terms of water consumption in the area.This process demands high volumes of fresh water coming directly from the aquifer through a system of boreholes (around 130 – 150m deep) in the karstic aquifer, below the lignite beds.

Therefore, a question is raised about the quality of the water, considering also that the extraction area is located in the upstream area of the Alpheus river basin and therefore it affects the quality of the water for irrigation and water supply, in the territory. Could these large volumes of water be recycled or treated and return to the environment? It is a challenge and potential for a better water quality for the region and a more resilient system of the mining activity until closure.

10 ESTIMATION OF WATER EXPLOITATION INDEX PLUS (WEI+), “The total average annual abstraction, TWA, is calculated based on the average annual demand data, referred on 4 basic consumptive uses of water. In this category the hydropower production is not included and it is considered to be a non-consumptive use, while it returns to the environment.” (Mihas et al., 2014)

Alpheus catchement area District Water Directorates

|

possible recycle of water

Overpumping

cooling tower

use of water directly from the aquifer

possible recycle of water

treatment plant (Urban Waste Water)

90

%

10 %

treatment plant (industrial water)

cleaning filters

14 - 16

hm3

water supply - employees

Water System Diagram | excavation & combustion processes

data derived from : Thermal Power Stations of Megalopolis, 2015 | PPC, 2015

18- 20

possible recycle of water hm3

water supply - nearest settlements

pumping out

springs

hm3

hm3

(in total)

130 - 150m 3

0.65

0.5

irrigation

aquifer lignite mining area

Mining activity in systems

73

Irrigation

Rainfall & Climate

The agricultural land, not only in the local scale but also in the national scale is irrigated by 40% from public and 60% from private irrigation systems. In the second case the system based mainly on private boreholes and wells in each agricultural plot, which links to water withdrawal directly from the aquifer. In the

Concerning the annual precipitation in the area, the climate of the basin of Megalopolis, is mainly characterized as sub humid and cold, especially in the low plain. During the year more than the half of the volume of the annual precipitation is concentrated between October and March, while the 1/3 of the total precipitation is during one month, especially between autumn and winter.

According to measurements being realized inside the mining area, for the year September 2013 – August 2014, the maximum precipitation of 248mm was in November and the minimum of 1mm in August. (Mines Environmental Department, 2014)

“Finally, the water sources differ radically between public and private networks. The public networks, mainly use surface water, while the private ones use underground water. There is a rising interest for artificial water reservoirs.” (EASAC) A characteristic example is the number of private boreholes in Western Peloponnese, where there are 14000 legal and 12000 illegal in total (Migkiros).

“Although precise estimate of the available water resources in Greece have not been made, most authorities agree that water consumption and use constitute only a small percentage, less than ten and fifteen per cent of the annual precipitation and water potential, respectively.” (EASAC)

Regarding the overuse of fresh water from both industrial and irrigation uses, there is high potential in developing systems where the water could be collected and reused.

The climate conditions in the basin of Megalopolis, in combination with the topography allow the design of water collection points depending on surface water (storm water and grey water collection) and the reuse of it for irrigation.

warm m > 7oC

mild 3oC < m < 7oC

cold 0oC < m < 3oC

harsh m < 0oC

Megalopolis

humid semi humid semi arid Diverse Climate Conditions in Peloponnese, the basin of Megalopolis flooded areas urban cores Flooding Risk Areas , 8,8% flooded surface in the District Water of Western Peloponnese (Ministry of Environment & Energy, 2012) Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: GEODATA, http://geodata.gov.gr/

74

Mining activity in systems

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: Ministry of Environment & Energy, 2012

At the same time the basin of Alpheus the climate is defined by cold winter and warm and dry summer period with the annual average temperature of 19oC. The annual precipitation is about 1058mm (8112hm3 water volume)5. In the province of Arcadia due to the strong topography and the distance from the sea, during the winter period the temperature reach even below the 0oC, with fog and frost in the low levels (autumn – winter period), source: District Water Directorates (GR01), November 2012

0

50

100

150

200

250 km

280 260 240 220

220 200 180 160

140 120

100 80

60 40

(mm)

20 0

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Ap.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Annual Precipitation in the Mining Area of Megalopolis, a comparison between the last two years

Oct.

Nov. 2013

Dec. 2014

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: (above) Lignite Center of Megalopolis, 2015 (column on the right) Mihas et al., 2014 Mining activity in systems

75

Megalopolis Mines | Mine Water Drainage The water management of the mines is based on surface water drainage system. The surface water is collected in different catchment areas by gravity through channels.

Inside those areas there are floating pumping stations which leads the water through pipes directly to the river.

The catchment areas are located in different levels and they change location according to the progress of the excavation. The quantity of the water which is collected in the catchment areas is mainly liquid precipitation which flows over the inclining surfaces of the mines, as well as underground water which meets the surface when the excavation reach the lower levels. The water is disposed directly to the river untreated, which contains lignite dust and earthen materials derived from the mining activity.

There is only a periodical treatment during the year in the basins, where the water is collected.

On the northern edge of the mines, in the open pit of Kyparissia, there is the main karstic aquifer of the basin of Megalopolis. Until 2010, due to the ongoing excavation process in the open pit of Kyparissia, it was necessary to pump out the water which was rising in the lower levels of the mines. Gradually due to the mining activity the level of the ground water decreased and while in 1992 the level was at +300m until 2005 it had reached the level of +285m. Additionally, there was an extra use of fresh water for the operation of three in total Thermal Power Stations, two of which were closed between 2010 and 2011. (PPC, 2015)

Reuse of the pumped water Images inside the mines; watering the surface of the mines to prevent the fly sediments flowing in the atmosphere.

Source: Lignite Center of Megalopolis, department of Environment

76

Mining activity in systems

Dynamics of the karstic aquifer The groundwater level of the karstic aquifer is changing according to the extraction of fresh water for the combustion process, the diagram (image on the right page) is showing the mines water drainage path between 2004 - 2013, Lignite Center of Megalopolis, 2013 - Evaluation of the Environmental Impactâ&#x20AC;?, PPC 2014 source: Study of Environmental Impact, PPC 2015, draft version

Images: northern edge of the mines, open pit Kyparissia, lake created by the rising of the karstic aquifer source: Google Street View

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In general terms, surface mine developments and underground mine workings below the phreatic level invariably changes the hydraulic gradient, thus affecting the groundwater and surface water flow regimes. As a consequence, flow of water may be induced from the surrounding rock mass towards the mining excavations which may necessarily require pumping large quantities of water and creating extensive and prolonged cone of depression.â&#x20AC;? (Fernandez-Rubio and Lorca, 1993)

July 2014

October 2011

Ap

ril

310 300

r

be

m ce

e

D 290 280 270 260

13 20

12 20

1 20 1

10 20

09 20

20 08

7 20 0

6 20 0

05 20

20 0

4

250

Mining activity in systems

77

78

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The elements of temporal landscape transformation range from climatic and seasonal variations to the infrastructures of colonization and from the cultivation of the soil to the revenge of the natural elements.â&#x20AC;?

(Gregotti, 2009, p. 7) 79

Earthworks - landscape alternations Land expropriation

1970 - 1980

1960 - 1970

In the starting point of the extraction the Public Power Corporation bought the first area to prepare the ground and the infrastructure for the upcoming mining and energy production activity (1960 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1970) . In each expansion the PPC was broadening its property (see fig.

00 - red lines) by expropriating new ground. The small scale plots owned by different farmers or local people were transformed to a large ownership. Gradually the mining spread over the vast agricultural land and the settlements, which were on top of significant quantities of natural energy resources. Another kind of production took place, transforming it from purely agricultural to the extraction of materials and energy production.

80

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

2000 - 2010

expansion of PPC expropriation active mining area new external deposits external deposits fly ash deposit river railway settlements

Expansion of The Lignite Exploitation

1990 - 2000

1980 - 1990

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: Expropriations Map, source: PPC Lignite Center of Megalopolis, January 2002, provided by Mines Central Support Department, PPC, 2016

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

81

1960

82

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

1998

Transformation of the agriculture land to an open pit Map data: Google, DigitalGlobe

1998

2013

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

83

Aerial view (orthophoto) of the lignite mines in Megalopolis, 1998 source: Lignite Center of Megalopolis

84

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

85

2015

2006

2005 2011 86

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

2010

2007 with future expansions 2015

Alternations "Every mining expedition and reclamation project is a unique design scheme that relies on mappings of temporal landscape processes." (Berger, 2002) The extraction of the lignite and the deposit of soil are processes supported by a huge infrastructure of conveyor belts, which transfer the materials. A timeline between 2005 and 2015 is showing the different installations of the conveyor belts (red lines) according to the new lines of excavation. Along with that, a series of alternations is happening on the soil and water conditions, with expanding external and internal deposits of soil and new areas of water collection (water drainage).

Alternations due to the mining expansion

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: PPC Lignite Center of Megalopolis, provided by the Survey Engineering Department, PPC, 2016 Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

87

new conveyor belts future limits of the mines conveyor belts external deposits - contours mining areas - contours river lakes water collection (catchment areas) Alternations due to the mining expansion

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: PPC Lignite Center of Megalopolis, provided by the Survey Engineering Department, PPC, 2016

88

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

with future expansions

2015 Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

89

90

External deposit

1960

1998

Open pit Marathousa

1960

1998

West external deposit

1960

1998

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

2003

2016

2003

2016

2003

2016 Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

91

92

Material movement Different types of machines are forming the different topographies and types of landscapes. The excavation process results in enormous holes on the earth’s surface: “monumental vacancies that define, without trying, the memory traces of an abandoned set of futures”.

(Smithson, 1967) Smithson provides an example of a “jejune experiment” with white and black sand, discussing the irreversibility of a manipulative action on a certain ground. The opposite action cannot reverse the result; instead, it is increasing the entropy, escalating the same result.

The manipulated topography is a distortion in the territory, the alien element of a continuously transforming landscape. The scale of extraction site is opposing to the one of the original landscape. Jackson (1984) discusses a new definition of the landscape as “a composition of man-made or man-modified spaces to serve as infrastructure or background for our collective

existence”. The extraction as a process of material movement in co-existence with all the different elements or traces composes the identity of the place, the “genius loci”.

Evolving landscapes have a dynamic character inscribed in the way they are domesticated. The way the machines work; excavate, move and deposit materials is transfiguring the ground in a certain way. Corner (2006) in Terra Fluxus refers to Gruen’s description of landscape as a region “where human occupation has shaped the land and its natural processes in an intimate and reciprocal way”. Sharper or softer distinctions between the original and the artificial elements coexist in a shifting landscape.

The machinery is transfiguring the topography resulting in embodied and displaced elements of scape being equally essential as shape (Jackson, 1984). Scape seen as an instant of topography is capturing the essence of all daily transformations of the mines.

93

Material Movement I:

The diagram shows the start of the extraction process for the different mines in different time. Extracted materials from the open pit mines are being transferred to the lignite yards and to the external deposits, gradually forming hills. From the yards, there is a continuous flow of lignite towards the units, for the combustion. After this process, the byproducts of fly ash and gypsum are moved from the units and being deposited in a landfill.

The schematic NS cross section shows the original topography of the area and the different mines and lignite beds.

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: PPC Lignite Center of Megalopolis and Research Project: Study on the environmental reclamation of the Lignite Center of Megalopolis, NTUA Interdepartmental team, December 1992 Schematic cross section NS through the Megalopolis basin. Source: Van Vugt et al., 2000, p. 5

94

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

I Kyparissia initial open pit excavation starts after 1978 still open II Thoknia initial open pit excavation starts after 1969 until 2011 III Marathousa initial open pit excavation starts after 1988 until 2016 IV Choremi initial open pit excavation starts 1971-1975 still active V Kyparissia external deposit starts 1977 until 1995 VI Thoknia external deposit for infertile soil starts 1972 until 1986 for fly ash starts after 1970 VII Choremi first external deposit starts 1974 until 1988 VIII Choremi west external deposit starts 1977 until 1997 IX Choremi east external deposit starts 1984 until 2000

I

KYPARISSIA

V VI II

THOKNIA

MARATHOUSA III VIII

VII

extraction areas

IV

external deposits lignite yards IX

CHOREMI

settlements fertile and infertile soil with lignite elements flow of lignite towards storage flow of lignite towards the units byproducts from lignite combustion

Three lignite storage, probably due to the existence of three independent lakes I Kyparissia II Thoknia 20-100 m total depth 20-100 m total depth 2-4 million tones production capacity

450m

350m

III Marathousa IV Choremi 140 m total depth 140 m total depth 1-2 million tones production capacity 9-12 million tones production capacity

The surface before 1970

0

-450m

Zebra formation of lignite beds and extraction lines

Material Movement II:

The diagram shows the extraction front along with the front of the internal deposits. During the first excavation, the infertile along with soil top soil and smaller lignite parts, is being deposited in external deposits that form hills and while the excavation expands, internal deposits are formed in the empty space left behind. Gradually the external deposits are being reclaimed and the internal ones grow.

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: PPC Lignite Center of Megalopolis and on Research Project: Study on the environmental reclamation of the Lignite Center of Megalopolis, NTUA Interdepartmental team, December 1992 and on the Study of Environmental Impact, (PPC, draft version 2015).

96

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

I Kyparissia open pit currently inactive internal deposit started 2002 until 2010 II Thoknia open pit completely closed internal deposit finished fly ash deposit currently active III Marathousa open pit currently closing internal deposit finished 2016 IV Choremi open pit currently active internal deposit started 2002 estimated until 2030 V Kyparissia external deposit reclamation started after 1995 total surface 70 ha VI Thoknia external deposit reclamation period 1982-1998 total surface 80 ha VII Choremi first external deposit reclamation period 1988-1998 total surface 400 ha VIII Choremi west external deposit reclamation period starts 1997 total surface 70 ha IX Choremi east external deposit reclamation period starts 2000 total surface 210 ha

I

V VI

II

extraction areas

III

internal deposits - levels

VIII

internal deposits reforested external deposits

VII

reclamed deposits agriculture on external deposits fly ash and gypsum deposit

IV

temporal lake inside a mine lignite yards IX

settlements fertile and infertile soil with lignite elements flow of lignite towards storage flow of lignite towards the units byproducts from lignite combustion

reclamation reforestation / recultivation

active extraction front

e soil deposited inside the mines infertil

osits l dep erna ext

Material Movement III:

The diagram shows the upcoming expansions of the mines and the estimated extracted materials. The extraction and deposit fronts of 2020 and 2025 show the expected evolution of the mines.The graph illustrates the estimated total material that will be extracted from each mine as well as estimation for the quantity of lignite.

At the same time, in order to project the loss of top soil and its importance, there is a need to calculate the quantities extracted for the expansion areas, as shown on top right.

Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors based on data from: PPC Lignite Center of Megalopolis and on the Study of Environmental Impact, (PPC, draft version 2015).

98

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

a

8

9

10 km

Estimated topsoil to be extracted from the new expansions I Kyparissia _ new expansions a. 56,4 ha > 451000 m3 topsoil b. 94,7 ha > 757508 m3 topsoil III Marathousa _ new expansions a. 114 ha > 911640 m3 topsoil b. 373,8 ha > 2990360 m3 topsoil

I b

IV Choremi _ new expansions a. 108 ha > 865880 m3 topsoil 2020 242 ha > 1934482 m3 topsoil 2025 b. 186 ha > 1489047 m3 topsoil Total amount of future topsoil extraction estimated around 9,34 x106 m3

II

b

extraction areas internal deposits - levels internal deposits planned internal deposits

III a

future expansion - excavation planned future expansion 2020 extraction area 2020 deposit levels new expansion - extraction area fly ash and gypsum deposit

IV

lignite yards fertile and infertile soil with lignite elements flow of lignite towards storage

b

flow of lignite towards the units byproducts from lignite combustion 2 0 15

a

2 0 25

Projection of the future extracted material in million m3

settlements

600

20

20

Total 590,9

550 500 450 400 350

estimated lignite production in mill tones 99,14

300

83,44

250 200 150 100

15,2 0,5

50 0

C horemi 365,6

2024

Marathousa 156 Kyparissia 69,3 2039

Fly Ash deposit

Internal deposit of mixed soil (fertile - infertile)

Extraction of lignite

East external deposit (traces of deposits of soil)

Lake Kyparissia - inactive pit

Extraction of lignite (edge of the

mining area)

Therefore, land has a form, or better is a form (Corboz, 1983); a wound of strong linear geometries and softer deposit patterns, different figures that derive from the machinery which is transforming the landscape. On a wider scale, this metamorphosis includes the images generated by functional exploitation – images that can be apprehended through an adjusted level of our perception, caused by the same technological process.

(Gregotti, 2009, p. 7) The various processes are leaving traces on the irreplaceable surface of the soil. “The designation terra firma (firm, not changing; fixed and definite) gives way in favor of the shifting processes crossing through and across the urban field: terra fluxus.”

(Corner, 2006) The composition of these elements in time and space reveals each contemporary image of the landscape.

The current topography: interpreted in shades of grey, from the darkest the deepest to the lightest the highest point, the current manipulated topography of hills and holes in the ground is expressed in this map. The conveyor belts that transfer the material and the dirt roads inside the mines are the essential infrastructure for their function and contributors to the formation of this landscape. The map is a projection of an instant topography, of its formation during the first semester of 2016 (Data: Google, DigitalGlobe) Cartography and spatial analysis by the authors. Topography base map from: PPC Lignite Center of Megalopolis, provided by the Survey Engineering Department, PPC, 2016

102

Earthworks – landscape alternations

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

103

L andscape alternations – material movements

As the sculptures of Alexander Calder, the aforementioned transformations incorporate motion in a balance. The static matter is opposed to the constant movement. The composition of linear infrastructural elements and the areas they transform create a territorial sculpture, which always in motion.

“The sense of motion in painting and sculpture has long been considered as one of the primary elements of the composition.” (Alexander Calder, Modern Painting and Sculpture,

exh. cat. Pittsfield, Mass.: Berkshire Museum, 1933), 2–3.)

“Also there is the possibility of using motion in an object as part of the design and composition. The sculpture then becomes in one sense a machine, and as such it will be necessary to design it as a machine, so that the moving parts shall have a reasonable ruggedness. Even those sculptures designed to be propelled by the wind are still machines, and should be considered thus, as well as aesthetically.”

(“A Propos of Measuring a Mobile” by Alexander Calder (manuscript, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 1943).)

Image on the left: Constellation, Alexander Calder Date: 1944 (circa) Material: Painted wood and steel threads Technique: Assemblage Dimensions: 90 x 67,5 x 80 cm Category: Sculpture Entry date: 1990 Register number: AS11051 Source: Museo National Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, http://www.museoreinasofia.es/en/collection/artwork/constellation

104

105

Systems located "Like an operation system, its software and hardware come in the form of points, patches, or planes of interventions or as networks and zones of influence, sometimes fluid or fragmented, gradual or temporal."

(Belanger) Visible and invisible sets of movements and flows are generated through the dominant mining activity. Flows of energy, material and water intertwined with the smaller scale systems of the settlements in territory. Surface and underground infrastructure create a network to serve industrial and domestic demands.

pumping stations wells fresh water supply for industrial use water supply for domestic use energy flow surface channel (urban waste water) national road primary roads natural gas (underground pipes) conveyor belts

fly ash deposit excavation area internal deposit 106

Earthworks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; landscape alternations

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

NATIONAL ELECTIRCAL GRID

DRILLINGS (MAIN KARSTIC AQUIFER)

MAVRIA

KATSIMPALIS

N. EKKLISOULA FLY ASH DEPOSIT PLAKA

NATURAL GAS UNIT V

TPS A

TPS B

ORESTIO

DISTRICT HEATING

DRILLINGS

(WATER SUPPLY)

TRUCKS PARKING

MEGALOPOLIS CITY APIDITSA

PERIVOLIA

SOIL DEPOSIT

CEMENT COMPANY

LIGNITE EXTRACTION

URBAN WASTE WATER DISPOSAL

ALPHEUS RIVER

10 km

Reconfiguring the productive territory Operative territory in sections Capturing a moving landscape Exploring sections a . Olive b . The

Grove

Valley

c. Energy

Crops

Operative territory in sections Starting from the mass material movements and the large amount of fresh water, extraction of the lignite and electricity production, the mining activity could be seen as a closed industrial system, where energy, soil and water have been overexploited. In all the steps and phases of these processes, there is waste produced that could be seen as a dynamic for a new system. How could the waste of each system generated by the industrial activity, be a potential for the territory?

A reading of the current networks could lead to design strategies for the creation of more resilient systems, where more demands could be met, without overexploiting the non-renewable resources of the landscape.

Through a frame of until and after closure phases, the proposed design strategies explore the dynamics of recycle and reuse the existing waste of the systems of energy, soil and water.

natural gas

electricity

Unit V

underground pipes

SO2

relocation - expropriation

NOx

rubber

CO2 rubber

reforestation-agriculture

emissions pollution air - water - soil

byproducts

fertile soil

ZEBRA

infertile soil

infertile soil and lignite beds 20-bucket wheel excavator

heavy machinery

~10

ashes

lignite yards

conveyor belts

conveyor belts

90 %

hm3

pumping out from the extraction area

14 - 16 10 %

hm3

cooling tower

cleaning filters treatment industrial water

Atmoelectric power plants Units I and II closed Units III and IV in total 600 MW

HEAT

district heating water supply - industrial buildings

0,18

hm3

water supply - nearest settlements

biomass

Megalopolis

0,5

irrigation

0,32

hm3

domestic and agricultural use hm3

18 - 20

60%

dicrease of surface water

Alpheus

Current

110

hm3

Overpumping

of the agricultural land of the country is irrigated by private drillings (290.000) - aquifer

lifestock

gypsum maceration

use of fresh water directly from the aquifer

0,65

hm3

130 - 150m

aquifer

underground pipes

40% less cost than using oil for heating

“This attempts to create an environment that is not so much an object that has been “designed” as it is an ecology of various systems and elements that set in motion a diverse network of interaction. Landscape urbanism here is both instigator and accelerator, working across vast surfaces of potential.” (Corner, 2006)

relocate

natural gas

protect-exhibit

CCU: capture and reuse_ fuels/energy

fertile soil

CONO2

SO2

relocation - expropriation

x

rubber

rubber

CO2

harvest and reuse water

reforestation-agriculture

emissions pollution air - water - soil

byproducts

direct deposits

fertile soil

electricity

Unit V

underground pipes

ZEBRA

infertile soil

infertile soil and lignite beds 20-bucket wheel excavator

heavy machinery

~10

hm3

pumping out from the extraction area

ashes

lignite yards

conveyor belts

conveyor belts

50 %

90 % 14 - 16

10 %

gypsum

hm3

cooling tower 50 %

cleaning filters treatment industrial water

plaster boards

maceration

cement industry

Atmoelectric power plants Units I and II closed Units III and IV in total 600 MW

HEAT 40% less cost than using oil for heating

district heating

underground pipes

water supply - industrial buildings

0,18

hm3

biofuels

water supply - nearest settlements

biomass

thermal and electric energy

Megalopolis

0,5

irrigation

0,32

hm3

domestic and agricultural use

solar panels

hm3

18 - 20

60% of the agricultural land of the country is irrigated by private drillings (290.000) - aquifer

lifestock

hm3

Overpumping

use of fresh water directly from the aquifer

energy crops

dicrease of surface water

Alpheus

0,65

hm3

130 - 150m

aquifer

Until Closure

111

Current

F OOD F OR A NIMALS cultivation of grains

H ONEY P RODUC TION

P UMPING S URFACE W ATER directly to the river of Alpheus

D EPOSIT I NFERTILE & T OP S OIL lignite

112

flow of energy

aquifer

enriched organic matter on external deposits

flow of materials

internal deposit

reforested external deposits

flow of water

fly ash deposit

aluvial

acid rain SO2

NOx

CO2

fly as - landfill contamination of the soil

B OREHOLES

electricity supply for households

IRRIGATION

individual farmers

D AIRY P RODUC TS abandoned train station

Urban Waste Water disposal

B OREHOLES district heating (500 households)

material movement with trucks

industrial process

lignite movement with conveyor belt

new economies

soil movement with conveyor belt

local farmers

WATER SUPPLY

Until Closure

E NRICH T HE O RGANIC M AT TER cultivation of leguminous crops (roots enabling storage of nitrogen-rich material)

I NCREASE B IODIVERSIT Y R EFORESTATION

collect biomass (forest maintenance fire protection zones)

biomass combustion

biomass as raw material

B IOMASS - E LEC TRICIT Y S UPPLY electricity supply for public space & buildings

R EUSE

OF

P UMPING W ATER

purification and collection

enlarge the riverbed - slow down the flow of water & collect the lignite sediments

canal (current)

pumping surface water

S EPARATE T HE T OP S OIL The systems located in two representative sections.

The first section (up) is crossing the west external deposit and the units of the energy production (combustion of the lignite) and settlements around.

The second one (down) is crossing the area of the extraction of lignite, the east deposit and the city of Megalopolis as well. The cross sections are showing the main flows of energy, material and water located and the collaboration between the main industrial activities and the neighboring settlements.

lignite

flow of energy

aquifer

enriched organic matter on external deposits

flow of materials

internal deposit

reforested external deposits

flow of water

fly ash deposit

aluvial

CAPTURE AND REUSE

FUELS / ENERGY

fuels/energy fertilizer SO2

plaster boards NOx

CO2

cement industry

R EUSE O F F LY A SH

bioswale - purification

CCU:

C OLLEC TION O F S TORM W ATER retention ponds

corals - livestock (water for the animals)

irrigation

recycle the evaporated water â&#x20AC;&#x153;harvesting the fogâ&#x20AC;?

solar panels - agriculture generate energy for machineries

vegetation - remediation (contaminated soil - fly ash deposit)

B IOMASS - E NERGY

H ONEY P RODUC TION

CROPS

olive kernels - complementary to the lignite combustion)

electricity supply for households

cosmetics & medicines

collective unit

D AIRY P RODUC TS

B IOSWALE

mixed herbs & shrubs

manure fertilizer

low vegetation to keep the soil fertile

top soil collection & purification of S TORM W ATER

infertile soil district heating

material movement with trucks

industrial process

lignite movement with conveyor belt

new economies

soil movement with conveyor belt

local farmers

collect storm water

abandoned train station turns to P UBLIC S PACE

existing olive groves (olive oil production)

After Closure T HE C RATER V EGETABLES P RODUC TION S ILVOPASTORAL S YSTEM

plant shrubs, trees & herbage

collect biomass (forest maintenance fire protection zones)

B IOMASS - E LEC TRICIT Y S UPPLY biomass combustion

biomass as raw material

local electricity supply for fouseholds

C OLLEC TION

OF

S URFACE W ATER

wet season - use for irrigation in the dry season

P REVENT A CID M INE D RAINAGE

B IOTOPE

low vegetation planted on the levels of the former extraction

new spieces | birdwatching

Until Closure Along with the excavation of the lignite and the energy production, the flow of energy, material and water alters through the design strategies.

Remediation processes for the contaminated and weak soil, prepare the ground for alternative agriculture. Circular economies are generated, completing the chain from production to processing and to the market.

flow of energy

aquifer

enriched organic matter on external deposits

flow of materials

internal deposit

reforested external deposits

flow of water

fly ash deposit

aluvial

bioswale - purification

C OLLEC TION O F S TORM W ATER retention ponds

corals - livestock (water for the animals)

irrigation

Faculty of Agriculture

R EUSE OF I NDUSTRIAL B UILDINGS

P ART OF THE N ATIONAL H IKING P ATH

Museum, Research Center, Production Hub solar panels - agriculture generate energy for machineries

B IOMASS - E NERGY

H ONEY P RODUC TION

cosmetics & medicines

collective unit

CROPS

D AIRY P RODUC TS

B IOSWALE collect storm water

mixed herbs & shrubs

separation of grey & black water district heating

material movement with trucks

industrial process

lignite movement with conveyor belt

new economies

soil movement with conveyor belt

local farmers

REUSE OF THE RAILWAY

(local connections & seasonal trips for travellers)

existing olive groves (olive oil production)

Strategies Closure phase

use of olive core in lignite combustion biomass (forest and agriculture) energy crops (energy production - local scale) solar panels combined with agriculture

wetlands treating the urban waste water

wetlands treating the water pumped out of the extraction sites fresh water replaced by grey water - use for the combustion harvesting - recycling water-cooling tower collect rainwater for irrigation - ponds caltivating energy crops - rotation reforestation

After Closure

remediate the most contaminated soil (ash & g

farmers collective - commonly produce & process introduce new economies - completing the chain of livestock ( fodder - livestock - dairy production - packaging) cleaning contaminated soil - wetlands

In the post-mining phase, the local economies are involved in multiple scale of production, from energy to food and medicines. New recreational areas, improved systems of water collection and energy production are proposed.

keep use reforastated areas to connect hiking paths

2016

2035

2040

Strategies SOIL: Phytoremediation Stabilize the slopes, preventing erosion by reforestation Separate top soil and keep it fertile Enrich the organic matter of soil, improve the PH Prevent Acid Mine Drainage ENERGY: Local production for local demands Biomass potential: existing forest and agriculture, agroforestry and new reforestation areas Energy crops partially for combustion (district heating) but mainly as raw material

Solar panels in combination to agriculture

WATER: Release the pressure from the aquifer, use less fresh water Reuse of grey water after treatment by artificial wetlands Purification and redistribution of pumped out water Collect storm water in retention ponds for irrigation from bioswales Develop a network of drainage and irrigation creeks

Increase biodiversity Silvopastoral system

pollution waste energy production

gypsum) new economies appropriation

p the traces of the strong geometry - using the mines as public space

2050

2100

119

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

STORE TOP SOIL: Top soil storage area Low vegetation is used to keep top soil fertile

ENRICH: Enrich the organic matter of soil with specific crops to be used for fodder

9

10 km

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

COLLECT:

Storm water collection system; a network of bioswales on the grid of Megalopolis

EXPAND:

INCREASE BIODIVERSITY:

Expanding pedestrian-cyclic paths connect to the ancient theater and agora

Introduce a variety of species in the reforested areas

INCREASE BIODIVERSITY: Introduce a variety of species in the reforested areas

INSTALL: Pedestrian and cyclic routes on the two main axes of the city K-f fly ash as ertilizer

0

REACTIVATE: Reactivate the public space on Psathi deposit: a balcony to the city

PLANT: Tree crops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; eucalyptus planted for biomass

STORE: Temporal storage of findings

UTILIZE: Utilize water from existing ponds for irrigation and livestock gs Findin

REFOREST:

1

Reuse the abandoned train station and the railroad to connect the nearby villages

2

3

top

INTRODUCE: Introduce energy crops on the finished deposits of infertile soil

2017

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

REFOREST: Remediate and stabilize fly ash deposit the basis of the forest

soil

ADD: Topsoil for new agricultural land Plant nurseries

REACTIVATE: Public space in Plaka

2020

Slope reforestation to stabilize the ground and establish the structure of the agricultural plots

RELOCATE: Relocate Tripotamos village due to the new expansion

0

REUSE:

l top soi

extraction area

SLOW DOWN: Enlarge the riverbed of Alpheus River to slow down the speed: collect lignite sediments

2025

soil

STORE WATER: Water storage to provide water for the cooling towers to release the pressure from the aquifer

top

extraction area

ENRICH:

Enrich organic matter of soil

REUSE: Reuse the abandoned industrial buildings: production hub

CONNECT:

Protect industrial heritage and ancient city

DOWNSCALE: Downscaling agricultural plots, add different crops

COMPLETE: Complete district heating network in the city

REMEDIATE: Phytoremediation open pit of Marathousa PLANT:

Plant olive groves on the plateaus

TREAT: Separate treatment grey-black water

top soil

2030

top soil

extraction area

EXPAND: energy crops and a silvopastoral system REFOREST: Slope reforestation to stabilize the ground and establish the structure of the agricultural plots

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

FORM:

Lake formation on the lower level

10 km

FOREST

hikers

hikers

museum

hikers

CRATER

ANCIENT THEATER

ARENA

bees

VALLEY

livestock

migratory birds

2100

3

SLOW DOWN: Form smaller steps on the excavation levels to slow down storm water and prevent acid mine drainage

MEADOW

2050

2

INTRODUCE: New programs and public space: the arena and the crater

Expand the pedestrian-cyclic path

Crop rotation: eucalyptus replaced by agriculture in combination with solar panels

PURIFY: Purifying wetlands for the waste water of the city

RELOCATE: Relocate Choremi village due to the new expansion on the west

1

REUSE: Reuse industrial buildings: education, recreation, research

ROTATE:

extraction area

0

Retention pond for irrigation

2040

STORE WATER: Retention pond reuse the treated waste water

PROTECT:

STORE WATER:

2035

soil

plants

top

REUSE: Reuse lignite yards for water and yield storage

OBSERVATORY

COAST

livestock bees

migratory birds

Legend of the phasing diagrams.

Capturing a moving landscape “For a landscape to be properly recovered it must be remade, designed, invented anew; it cannot simply be restored, as an old painting.” (Corner and Balfour, 1999) The design in this scale focuses on sculpting a “tableau vivant”, capturing the future alternations of an operative landscape, an inhabitable productive territory. Following the dynamic processes of topographic reconfigurations until the closure of the mines, the phasing is directing the creation of a new ground. Part by part, the recomposition of the landscape is taking place in a fine grain of movements and strategies applied in different places and in different times. The moving future landscape is projected phases, in a series of diagrams, which anticipate the transition towards a post-mining era.

“Landscape, as seen through the practice of reclamation, is grounded in both the mechanical and the organic models of nature, both of which are derived from these modernist conceptions and views of nature. Reclaimed natures may be technologically constructed and evolve organically (and vice versa). Nature is a curious union of the machine and the organism in reclamation.” (Berger, 2002, p.182) The design aims to articulate all the different elements, sharp and soft geometries of the topography which are complementary or in juxtaposition. Establishing a dynamic composition in balance, the current infrastructure is used to form the future landscape. The same machinery that shape the current topography in particular slopes and plateaus are used to organize the proposal. Strong geometries and unfolding soft patterns compose the future machine-made landscape. Material movements are still re-configuring the territory, as the exchange among the different areas is going on.

121

2100_ natural succession Nature has conquered the place. The injured ground of former open pit mines and the polluted external deposits are now wild life sanctuaries. A natural biotope has been gradually formed on the ground level of the former mines, as the groundwater reclaimed its pre-extraction level. The area is an attraction to hikers, tourists and locals, as multiple divers landscapes come together.

Megalopolis 2100 is an agro-polis and its population has doubled since 2050, when the mines closed and new economies were established. After the long-term lignite industry, the local economy is based on biomass energy production and agriculture, livestock and bee-keeping.

Circular economies tie to traditional ones and relate to the productivity of the territory. Crossing ecological corridors connect the forest through the basin and the continuity of pastureland and herbaceous vegetation form bee and sheep-corridors.

122

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

FOREST

hikers

hikers

museum

CRATER

ANCIENT THEATER

ARENA

bees

VALLEY

livestock

migratory birds

2100

hikers

MEADOW

OBSERVATORY

COAST

livestock bees

migratory birds

Reforested slopes Topsoil deposit Nurseries Reforested slopes Phytoremediation Energy crops Cereals and leguminous Public space Horticulture and orchards Pastureland and meadows Lake Yield storage Water storage

124

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

2050

0

2040 By the time lignite is over, new spaces are reclaimed.

The abandoned industrial buildings serve educational, recreational and research purposes (museum, Environmental Education Centre, Institute of Agricultural Studies) gains more importance. New programs inside the mines are introduced, as in the public spaces of the arena as an open air concert hall and the crater, an open air museum in the deepest part of the left over mines.

The infertile internal deposits produce biomass with the cultivation of energy crops, while the former lignite yards currently store the yield of bio-crops before processing or water for irrigation. Reforestation n combination to the silvopastoral system increase biodiversity on top and above ground.

126

1

2

REUSE: Reuse lignite yards for water and yield storage

3

4

STORE WATER: Retention pond for irrigation

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

REUSE: Reuse industrial buildings: education, recreation, research

INTRODUCE: New programs and public space: the arena and the crater

2040

0

EXPAND: energy crops and a silvopastoral system SLOW DOWN: Form smaller steps on the excavation levels to slow down storm water and prevent acid mine drainage

FORM: Lake formation on the lower level

2035 Start the reforestation on the finished fly ash deposit to remediate and stabilize the slopes, provides the basis of the forest. The preparation of the ground for the new programs and public spaces includes the phytoremediation of some areas.The former combustion units are new production hubs for the processing and packaging of local dairy products. Re-cultivating the land includes both traditional and new agriculture. Olive groves and vineyards are on the formed plateaus while crop rotation is necessary. Agroforestry is combined with small scale crops; eucalyptus forest is partially replaced by agriculture in combination with solar panels.

The separation and treatment of grey and black water projects new possibilities for irrigating the formed agricultural land.

128

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

REFOREST: Remediate and stabilize fly ash deposit the basis of the forest ENRICH: Enrich organic matter of soil REUSE: Reuse the abandoned industrial buildings: production hub

CONNECT: Expand the pedestrian-cyclic path

plants

ROTATE: Crop rotation: eucalyptus replaced by agriculture in combination with solar panels

REMEDIATE: Phytoremediation open pit of Marathousa PLANT:

Plant olive groves on the plateaus

extraction area

TREAT: Separate treatment grey-black water

2035

1

top soil

0

2030 The reconfiguration of new agricultural land is also possible by adding top soil on an infertile deposit.

Reforestation on the slopes is the first step to create more stable ground, shaping the plots . At the same time, the introduction of plant nurseries supplies the cultivable land. Artificial wetlands purify the waste water of the city and a retention pond is storing the treated water in order to irrigate non edible crops. A variety of crops is introduced, traditional and new ones, while the agricultural plots are being downscaled. The reactivation of existing public spaces along with bird incubators are additional programs on re-cultivated areas. District heating is an advantage provided to the locals from PPC, and completing the network of the city is already a target.

130

1

2

3

top

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

soil

ADD: REACTIVATE: Public space in Plaka

top

Topsoil for new agricultural land Plant nurseries

l

soi

PROTECT:

Protect industrial heritage and ancient city

DOWNSCALE:

STORE WATER: Retention pond reuse the treated waste water

2030

extraction area

RELOCATE: Relocate Choremi village due to the new expansion on the west

COMPLETE: Complete district heating network in the city

PURIFY: Purifying wetlands for the waste water of the city

Downscaling agricultural plots, add different crops

top soil

0

REFOREST: Slope reforestation to stabilize the ground and establish the structure of the agricultural plots

Reforested slopes Topsoil deposit Energy crops Cereals and leguminous Eucalyptus plantation 132

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

2025

0

2020 The potential for biomass is even clearer by the introduction of energy crops (high yield bio-crops) on the finished deposits of infertile soil. The energy crops donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have many requirements in soil and water conditions and are directly highly productive. Additionally, agroforestry with eucalyptus plantations offers many years of harvesting for biomass. The underused or abandoned urban potential connects to the deposits.

Reactivate the public space on the external deposit of Psathi, the balcony towards the city, offers multiple uses such as sports activities and recreation, hosting annual celebrations. The currently abandoned train station is a community cultural center and the rail road transforms into a pedestrian and cycle route that connect to the nearby villages. Starting the network of bio-swales on the grid of Megalopolis allows the utilization of storm water for irrigation and livestock, while until the closure, providing water for the cooling towers from the collection and reuse of pumped out water from the excavation sites in order to release the pressure from the aquifer.

134

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

COLLECT:

Storm water collection system; a network of bioswales on the grid of Megalopolis

EXPAND: Expanding pedestrian-cyclic paths connect to the ancient theater and agora

INCREASE BIODIVERSITY: Introduce a variety of species in the reforested areas

REACTIVATE: Reactivate the public space on Psathi deposit: a balcony to the city

PLANT: Tree crops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; eucalyptus planted for biomass

UTILIZE: Utilize water from existing ponds for irrigation and livestock

STORE WATER: Water storage to provide water for the cooling towers to release the pressure from the aquifer REUSE:

oil top s

Reuse the abandoned train station and the railroad to connect the nearby villages

INTRODUCE: Introduce energy crops on the finished deposits of infertile soil

2020

extraction area

2017 The importance of topsoil is crucial at this point, as in order to retain its fertility, separation is required. A former deposit serves as the topsoil storage area. Using the existing conveyor belts, the extracted top soil is transferred and deposited, while low vegetation is used to keep it fertile. The organic matter of soil is enriched by cultivating cereal crops and leguminous plants, which are used for fodder. In parallel, the excavation processes divert Alpheus, but this diversion is reformed to slow down water by enlarging the riverbed of the river slowing down its speed, forming a collection point of the lignite sediments from the pumped out water due to the excavation processes. Reforestation on the slopes stabilizes the ground and establishes the structure of the new agricultural land, increasing at the same time the biodiversity of the already reforested areas. Pedestrian and cyclic routes start from the two main axes of the city.

136

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

STORE TOP SOIL: Top soil storage area Low vegetation is used to keep top soil fertile

ENRICH:

Enrich the organic matter of soil with specific crops to be used for fodder

INSTALL: Pedestrian and cyclic routes on the two main axes of the city

INCREASE BIODIVERSITY: Introduce a variety of species in the reforested areas

K-f fly ash as ertilizer

STORE: Temporal storage of findings

SLOW DOWN: Enlarge the riverbed of Alpheus River to slow down the speed: collect lignite sediments RELOCATE: Relocate Tripotamos village due to the new expansion

REFOREST:

Slope reforestation to stabilize the ground and establish the structure of the agricultural plots

2017

extraction area

top

l soi

gs Findin

138

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

139

140

0

1

2

3

THE VALLEY

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 km

THE OLIVE GROVE

ENERGY CROPS

141

142

L IVESTOCK D AIRY P RODUCTS

R EFORESTATION

O LIVE G ROVES O IL P RODUCTION

V INEYARDS

W INE P RODUCTION

B EEHIVES

S EASONAL P OP -U P M ARKETS

HONEY PRODUCTION

S EASONAL P OP -U P M ARKETS P EDESTRIAN & C AR

C OLLECT B IOMASS

ACCESS

C YCLE P ATH

pa

stu

re

lan

FOREST MAINTENANCE

-

FIRE PROTECTION ZONES

d

oli

ve

gr

ov

es (re

fo

re

ste

fo d

re

ar

st

ea

pr

op

os

ed

)

ho

rti

cu

ltu

re

flo

od

ab

le

(re

Activating | Phase 3

20 fo

re

sta

te

fo d

re

ar

st

ea

ex

ist

ing

10 )

0m

25

m

50

m

0m

0m

The olive groves are the dominant crops and essential elements of the landscape. Olive tree as landmark represents both cultural and economic characteristic of the basin. At the same time the road infrastructure that connects the biomass plant and the fields of biocrops becomes a powerful connection.

It creates a potential ground to strengthen the existing economies (honey production) or generate new ones (wineries). Due to the topography formed by the machinery, storm water is collected in retention ponds and is used for the irrigation of fields, with higher demands in water, such as vegetables.

Next to the agricultural plots, there are seasonal pop up markets, where farmers sell local products directly from their fields.

REFOREST SLOPE STABILIZATION

biomass

district heating

REMEDIATE

il topso extraction front

In the second phase, due to the continuous material movements reforestation is realized regarding the stabilization RETAIN FERTILITY agricultural of the soil. New trees are planted on thenew slopes and dikesland are formed based on the topography to collect the storm water in retention ponds. il topso

infertile deposit

deposit-storage

compos

ENRICH ORGANIC MATTER er fodd

Olive Grove The area is located on a hill between the city of Megalopolis and the mines, formed in levels and slopes, by the mining activity by depositing infertile soil mixed with top soil.

Currently grassland is the main vegetation with scattered trees and livestock as well. It is a dynamic crossing, concerning the connection between the biomass plant and the fields of energy crops. In the first phase, the area becomes the storage of the top soil where it is maintained fertile. After a series of operations for the stabilization of the soil and the distribution of the top soil to other potential agricultural areas, it becomes an active part of the productive land, as well as the social life of the territory.

manure

organic fertilizer

deposit

bioswales

FORM SILVOPASTORAL SYSTEM INCREASE BIODIVERSITY retention

INTRODUCE ENERGY CROPS biomass

Seeding | Phase 2

10

soil biodiversity

PREVENT ACID MINE DRAINAGE

0m

25

m

50

m

0m

20

0m

rotation / t

district heating

REMEDIATE

RETAIN FERTILITY

il topso

il topso extraction front

new agricultural land

infertile deposit

deposit-storage

compost

ENRICH ORGANIC MATTER er fodd

In the first phase the former external deposit is used as a manure storage of top soil. Through conveyor belts the top soil is organic fertilizer depositing here to be maintained for future distribution to new agricultural land.

deposit

bioswales

FORM SILVOPASTORAL SYSTEM T OP S OIL S TORAGE D ISTRIBUTION

INCREASE BIODIVERSITY

TO OTHER AREAS

FOR AGRICULTURE

retention

INTRODUCE ENERGY CROPS biomass

rotation / tillage / rest

soil biodiversity

PREVENT ACID MINE DRAINAGE

exposed sulphur last excavation lines

20 10

Storing | Phase 1

0m

25

m

50

0m

m

145

0m

Silvopastoral System Mixed plantation of trees and shrubs (increase biodiversity & welfare of the animals) 146

Retention Pond rocks and gravel used to retain the storm water during the wet season

Spring 2035 | Trimming the olive147 trees

148

Seasonal Creeks the water flows in periods of high precipitation

Winter 2035 | Harvesting the olive149 trees

150

R ETENTION P OND COLLECT THE STORM WATER FOR IRRIGATION FOR HORTICULTURE

V EGETABLES P RODUCTION

C HESTNUT T REES COLLECT CHESTNUT TREES USE IN COSMETICS

&

MEDICINES

C OLLECT B IOMASS TO PROVIDE ELECRICITY SUPPLY IN LOCAL SCALE

|

PROCESSING OF BIOMASS

AS RAW MATERIAL

en

er

gy

cro

ps

or

ch

ar

ds

pa

stu

re

lan

d

(re

fo

re

ste

fo d

re

ar

Cultivation of vegetables and energy crops are contributing significantly in the local production, in terms of food and energy respectively. The variety of crops are generating new economies in different scales.

The sunflowers or the wild artichokes are being harvested to produce biomass

st

ea

pr

op

os

ed

)

ho

rti

cu

ltu

re

20 10

Rotating crops | Phase 3

0m

25

m

50

m

0m

0m

fod

manure

organic fertilizer

deposit

bioswales

FORM SILVOPASTORAL SYSTEM INCREASE BIODIVERSITY retention

INTRODUCE ENERGY CROPS biomass

rotation / tillage / rest

soil biodiversity

PREVENT ACID MINE DRAINAGE

The fields of energy have expanded including more areas of grassland. The energy produced from these crops could provide light in public spaces and public buildings. exposed sulphur last excavation lines

Energy Crops This zoom is part of the larger fields of biocrops based on the topography of internal deposits. Its role is crucial in the development of the production in the territorial scale, by transforming an infertile deposit to a productive land. Following the forms of levels and slopes the currently grassland turns into a colourful canvas which is changing through time, in terms of colours and different types of crops. Starting from a mixed pattern of pasture land and energy crop fields, it changes into an extended field of crops cultivated to produce energy. Afterwards agriculture expands creating a mixture of bio and edible crops.

20 10

Planting | Phase 2

0m

25

m

m 50

0m

0m

The energy crops are planted experimentally on top of the internal deposit of the mines. They have low requirements in terms of soil and water demands. They could provide energy for the local population.

R EFORESTATION

P LANT B IOCROPS WILD ARTICHOKE

20 10

Introducing | Phase 1

0m

25

m

0m

m 50

153

0m

autumn rapeseed sunflower sorghum

annual

wheat/barley chard corn

Switchgrass Panicum virgatum

kenaf

multinannual

cardoon switchgrass miscanthus giant cane

154

winter

spring

summer

Energy Crops Annual

Kenaf Hibiscus cannabinus

Perennial

Sorghum Rapeseed Sorghum bicolor L. Brassica napus

Cardoon (wild artichoke) Reed Cynara cardunculus Arundo donax L.

Miscanthus Miscanthus giganteus Tree Crops

Wheat Triticum aestivum

Barley Hordeum vulgare

Maize Zea mays L.

Sugarcane Saccharum officinarum

Sunflower Helianthus annuus

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus robusta

False Acacia Robinia pseudo acacia

155

156

157 Spring 2025 | Harvesting the Sunflowers

158

retention

soil biodiversity

PREVENT ACID MINE DRAINAGE

exposed sulphur last excavation lines

ho

rti

cu

ltu

re

M IGRATORY B IRDS FLYWAYS

fo

re

The nature has concurred the place and new species of migratory birds are crossing the site. The expansion of the open pit has already finished and the leftover resembles to a “crater” after a volcano explosion. More hikers and travellers come to experience this unique landscape.

st

tre

V EGETABLES P RODUCTION

es

&

sh

ru

mb

s

flo

od

ab

le

pa

stu

re

lan

d

TH

E

CR

AT

ER

20 10

Wild Life | Phase 3

0m

0m

0m

extraction front

infertile deposit

deposit-storage

compost

ENRICH ORGANIC MATTER er fodd

manure

organic fertilizer

deposit

bioswales

FORM SILVOPASTORAL SYSTEM INCREASE BIODIVERSITY retention C OLLECT B IOMASS FOREST MAINTENANCE

-

FIRE PROTECTION ZONES

I NCREASE O RGANIC

The widening of the riverbeds slow down the flow of water INTRODUCE ENERGY CROPS and capture the lignite sediments, while there is pumped biomass area. At the same water flowing from the active excavation rotation / tillage / rest time strategies for the enrichment of the organic matter in the external deposit are realised. soil biodiversity

M ATTER

PREVENT ACID MINE DRAINAGE

S ILVOPASTORAL S YSTEM

PLANT SHRUBS , TREES

&

HERBAGE

P URIFICATION OF W ATER COLLECT LIGNITE SEDIMENTS

exposed sulphur

The Valley

last excavation lines L IMIT

The area is located between the West external deposit and the open pit Marathousa, in the area where the PPC (Public Power Corporation) plans to divert the river Alpheus. The diversion plays a significant role to the proposal, as it focuses more to the purification of the water due to mining activity and the reuse of it for the energy production processes.

OF THE

O PEN P IT

WEST EXPANSION OF

A CTIVE O PEN P IT

M ARATHOUSA

WEST EXPANSION OF

OPEN PIT

M ARATHOUSA

OPEN PIT

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Collecting | Phase 2

0m

0m

0m

The diversion of the river started and part of the soil extracted due to the process is distributed to the area where top soil is stored.

R EFORESTATION

T OP S OIL S EPARATION

R IVER D IVERSION

pu

Diverting | Phase 1

ing

w

e at

r

m fro ng ents mi co dim er e se t wa nit lig

mp

th

e

ex

a ctr

cti

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-

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0m

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The crater

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The coast

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Conclusions The questionable future of a brown coal mining area projects many challenges and threats. This transition towards the post-mining era also requires a change on the mindset of the residents and the visitors.The image of an area widely known as an intensively industrialized and degraded place changes gradually in time as a multiplicity of uses and publics are coming together. Recreational, cultural and productive composing elements co-exist in the center of Megalopolis basin. “…the balance between different poles is a planning challenge, as developing post-mining landscapes always means dealing with a lost home : how much history does the new landscape need? What elements and ordering principles will be taken up again, which will be reinterpreted, which complemented? ” (IBA FurstPuckler-Land 2000 – 2010) The history of the future of a post-mining territory is inscribed into the phasing and the systemic character of the project. Elements of different phases structure a multilayered landscape that shapes the future of the region. The continuous relation between the city and its productive territory is reformed through the years, but not interrupted.

“This gives rise to a possible vision and therefore to a combined approach ‘through bricolage’ of the found elements, considered as a concrete formal universe that was modeled by juxtaposition or collage. This gives the discontinuity of the elements – at the various levels of complexity of their dimensions and contiguity – its own capacity as a structuring presence.”(Gregotti, 2009, p. 15)

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Fieldwork video â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small aircraft, and particularly the helicopter, provide an even more divine relation to the land then the automobile. It is possible to describe, it resembles a map or a scale model, and it partakes of the immediacy of the land in a performanceâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

(Corboz, 1983)

On the right: Video recording points during fieldwork 05/09/2015 and 08/09/2015_ Drone footage locations on map

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