Coastal Landscape Design of the Dendropotamos Estuary, Kalochori Lagoon, Industrial Facilities of Western Thessaloniki

The western Coastal Front of Thessaloniki constitutes a landscape of historical, ecological, social, and economic value for the entire city. Itis a key landscape for the wider Dendropotamos-Kalochori area, in need of urgent upgrading and restoration. The significant wetlands of the Dendropotamos Estuary are seriously degraded due to heavy industrial usage, the influence of the port, the partial burial of the stream, roads, and other structures. The once-natural environment of Peh Chinar Garden is now a negatively perceived area linked with brothels, marginalized groups, and delinquent activities. The project aims to highlight the different qualities of the landscape and contribute to its transformation into a version that addresses these ecological, economic, and social problems, providing the city with a green space for everyone. Thorough analysis of the landscape, through the conduction of maps, plans, diagrams, drawings, and specially processed backgrounds, introduced new terms of accessibility, connectivity, perception, and landscape ecology. The recovery of the wetland, the limitation of pressures from both the port industrial areas, the exploitation and promotion of the industrial and railway heritage, and the enhancement of recreational uses are some of the planning assumptions, always in accordance with the dynamics of the landscape. The proposal aims to create a space that embraces diversity, a mosaic of different eras, perceptions, colors, materials, and textures that will affect and challenge visitors' feelings, ideas, and beliefs. The Dendropotamos Estuary and its unique characteristics can form a special western entrance for the city of Thessaloniki.