The study is dedicated to the configuration and organization of the first 950 m. of the northern jetty of Heraklion, from the Venetian fortress of Koule to the first plateau. Our ambition was to turn this part of the jetty into a place of gathering, artistic expression, and creation for the inhabitants of the city, transmitting the character of a "cultural walk", without offending the significant Venetian monument.
The promenade starts after the end of the monument, where the pier does not maintain a distinct boundary with the sea. This place is the most convenient to connect with the liquid element and to exercise protected from the winds. An infrastructure of artificial terraces is proposed, which bridges the pier with the sea level and develops an external seating area/theater. The operation harmonizes with the present environment, does not conflict with the castle of Koule and discreetly marks the starting point of the cultural walk.
For the vertical protective curtain, it is recommended to process its deeper part with exposed concrete, and a zone will be sandblasted, and ideograms from the Minoan era will be depicted. The second part of the wall is completed with gunite and the horizontal passage with light concrete. Along the curtain it is proposed to post showcases that will host either information on the history of the fortress and the works of the modern port (texts, drawings, photographs, etc.) or creations of renowned artists of Heraklion, which will be interrupted by surfaces with graffiti expressions of the youth of the city.
A significant path is proposed for training on the tracks of the old railway, matching with the current walkway used by those who come to the jetty for running and cycling. A series of sitting and vertical lighting elements alternate on the inside of the pier, while placing monolithic surfaces in free forms project along the rigid wall emphasize even more its linear growth.
The architectural proposal is completed on the first plateau of the jetty, which will include a covered living area, access stairs to the topmost part of the north wall, toilets, etc. The composition of the living space was done in a way that it can host during the summer a variety of cultural events, like theatrical performances, concerts, film screenings, etc., while the shape of the shelter is inspired by the nearby shipyard. The foundation of the construction develops two resting steps, providing the character of a small square to the space.
The study obtains a mild form of intervention, and the proposed materials perform in absolute harmony with the environment and address the peculiarities of the area. The design does not compete with the Venetian monument, nor with the linear growth of the jetty, but instead fortifies it as a road element. In addition, the proposed uses enrich the character of the structure as a public space and helps it remain a vibrant part of the city of Heraklion.
