Integration of urban agriculture in public areas. The case of the ex-military camp “Karatassiou” in Thessaloniki

Abstract

The increase in interest in urban cultivation of edible eco-products has been the principle of the creation of movements and various groups of initiatives with a focus on agriculture, public health and information. Their aim is to return to nature, address the nutritional economy, organic nutrition, social relationships, and acquire specialist knowledge. The claim for the creation of urban agriculture areas such as public gardens and more specifically in inactive camps is based on ecologically sustainable and socially equitable development, the use of available natural resources in a sustainable manner and the rehabilitation of the bioclimatic intervention site.As a case study was selected, the inactive camp (area of 689.000 m2), where the self-managed venture of the group “Peri-urban Cultivators” was developed. The aim is, to acquire a triple role in the area: green vegetable garden, recreation area and leisure park, without disturbing the historicity. The proposal is based on the principle of simplicity, using native flora, recyclable and eco-friendly materials and the existing infrastructure. Particular gravity was given to preserve the existing balance of space, with the functions, which have developed over time.The elements of originality of the present work are identified by the use of more methodological tools such as: recording and analysis of existing state of the site, processing of questionnaires distributed to the self-managing group of growers and lastly, the processing of results from the open consultation of the municipality with the society the future sustainable development of the site.Questions were used with elements of landscape architecture design focusing on: approaching the view of the general ecological park design and expanding and shaping the vegetable gardens with social and sustainable criteria. The results of the survey were elaborated using the statistical program S.P.S.S. highlighting the bases for a balanced proposal to redevelop an inactive camp. The research has highlighted the mistakes of the past in many areas and has mobilized the world with the aim of surviving or improving its life, in terms of quality and not just quantity. It also highlighted the sensitivity of the world to the environment and its preference for the use of eco-products.