Τίτλος: Re-mining Giali:
ένα νέο σενάριο για το κατασκευασμένο τοπίο _ λουτρά και μονάδα παραγωγής
ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας
Φοιτητής: Δημήτριος Μητσιμπόνας
Επιβλέπουσα: Γαβρήλου Έβελυν
Τμήμα: Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας, 2022
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Project title: Re-mining Giali: a new scenario
for the manufactured landscape _ baths and a power production facility
Student: DimitriosMitsimponas
Supervisor: Gavrilou Evelyn
University: University of Thessaly, Department
of Architecture
The observation of Giali’s landscape, which was
drastically transformed by anthropogenic factors, was the triggering point of
this thesis. This volcanic island belongs administratively to Nisyros, and two
mining companies operate in four locations.The leasing of the lands to those
companies is the most important source of income for the Municipality of
Nisyros. Apart from the tree planting scheme imposed by
the legislation for their lending to reclaim the mine, no other plan has been proposedregarding
the island’s development after the completion of the mining works (which have a
fixed time horizon).
On the southwestern part of the island, the gradual mergingof the white (manufactured)with the natural
landscapelooks like a living canvas thatdepicts man’s imposition on nature.A primary concern during the design
phase was how different programs could be introduced to Giali sustainably, so
creating a new scenario was deemed appropriate. It is proposed to utilize its
geothermal energy through an architectural program in which the energy
production and the bathing element have the leading roles.
Geothermal energy is the energy in the form of
heat contained inside the earth. It belongs to renewable energy sources, and
due to its minimal environmental footprint, it can contribute to a state's or
region's energy autonomy and security (Varvitsioti&Tsifoutidis, 2021). Giali’sgeothermal
field is of high temperature, suitable for electricity generation through
theinstallation of a "Binary Cycle Power Plant." That is the
preferred plant type since its volcano does not have new magma to affect the
system (Dietrich, 2011).
The geothermal power plant is a heat hub that
produces electricity for Nisyros, meeting itsneeds. The waste energy of this
geothermal station is consumed directly at Giali’s bathing facilities, just as
geothermal sources are used by different cultures for purification and
relaxation.The proposal differs from the standard techniques for reclaiming
mining sitesand explores the experience of connecting the industrial character
of the power plant with the stimulating aura exuded by the baths. It is alsoin harmony with the "genius loci,"
highlighting its distinctive atmosphere and stimulating visitors’ interest.
Sigfried Giedion (1970, p. 628),in his book
"Mechanization Takes Command," notes that "the bath and its
purposes have held different meanings for different ages. The way a
civilization incorporates bathing within its life, as well as the type of
bathing it prefers, yields searching insight into the inner nature of period”.
Similarly, the design ofthe baths in the industrial landscape of Giali and its
proximity to the geothermal power plant constitutes a new challenge that
arouses the visitors' interest and encourages them to be informed about the
origin of energy in modern societies, to reflect andto relax. In addition,
water, smells, changes in temperature and light, and the contact of the body
with materials and textures provoke different emotions. The building belongs to
a typology of constructions that explores the relationship between production
infrastructure and leisure programs, and it is a hybrid where all the senses
are stimulated.
