Arkopolis
Basic information
Project Title
Arkopolis
Full project title
Mystery 99 Arkopolis
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
The Arkopolis is a free space in Elefsina, an Ark of eternal youth and culture, open to all, without exclusion.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Greece
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
In February 2023, Elefsina welcomed Timecircus, and with them the longest pilgrimage in the 3,500 years of the city's history. The members of the Belgian collective set off from Antwerp on 27 May 2022, and travelled 3,000 kilometres on foot in nine months, crossing all of Europe, towing the Landship, which moves only by human power. Their long journey was an exercise in being "on the road" and a vivid commentary on the 21st century of recession, climate change and the unmitigated consumption of natural resources. At the same time it was an action of encouragement, strength, hope and participation of all European citizens, and a valuable contribution to the Opening Ceremony of 2023 Eleusis.
Arriving in Elefsina, Timecircus started the construction of The Ark (MYSTERY 99 THE ARK). Within a few months, and with the contribution of the youth group Cultterra, they created a cultural and recreational space in the heart of the city, which was named ARKOPOLIS. This new cultural park includes architectural & sculptural structures - the Ark & the Sphere - but also the only Skatepark in the region, built after four years of effort by the city's youth, and with an exclusive donation from the Onassis Foundation.
Through the close collaboration of Cultterra and TimeCircus, the space has been eversince enriched and systematically activated as a place of meeting, collaboration, inclusion and free creation. It is a free space, an “Ark of youth and culture”, open to all without restrictions. It brings together communities of all ages, hosts and strengthens new ideas from every community who wishes to activate the park.
A space that is constantly evolving dynamically, proving that culture is not a commodity for a few but an integral part of Elefsina.
Arriving in Elefsina, Timecircus started the construction of The Ark (MYSTERY 99 THE ARK). Within a few months, and with the contribution of the youth group Cultterra, they created a cultural and recreational space in the heart of the city, which was named ARKOPOLIS. This new cultural park includes architectural & sculptural structures - the Ark & the Sphere - but also the only Skatepark in the region, built after four years of effort by the city's youth, and with an exclusive donation from the Onassis Foundation.
Through the close collaboration of Cultterra and TimeCircus, the space has been eversince enriched and systematically activated as a place of meeting, collaboration, inclusion and free creation. It is a free space, an “Ark of youth and culture”, open to all without restrictions. It brings together communities of all ages, hosts and strengthens new ideas from every community who wishes to activate the park.
A space that is constantly evolving dynamically, proving that culture is not a commodity for a few but an integral part of Elefsina.
Key objectives for sustainability
The project was the Flagship Project of the artistic programme of Eleusis 2023 European Capital of Culture in the Theme of “ENVIRONMENT”, so following sustainable practices was a major goal.
Starting with the first part of the project, the 3500km pilgrimage from Antwerp to Elefsina (THE LANDSHIP), there was a strong focus towards a sustainable way of traveling, not only in a practical level, which has to do with the use of the minimum fuel amount, and avoiding high emission travel media, but -mostly- in a symbolic level - spreading the message of the need for a reduction in resources consumption.
Concerning the second part of the project (THE ARK / ARKOPOLIS), since the TimeCircus by principle create their structures and spaces using recycled materials, that was the way this space was also created. Even the big structures included in the Arkopolis (The Ark & the Sphere) have been recycled: THE ARK, is a wooden arched structure that was initially created in Genk (Belgium) in 2017 by the collective Constructlab using wood. Then it was dismantled and discarded, and salvaged by the TimeCircus in order to be used later on. It was re-assembled in Elefsina, with a few modifications. The Ark was created by the TimeCircus through re-used metals from an abandoned greenhouse. The same goes applies to other complementary structures that were created in the Arkopolis.
The only new structure was the Skatepark, which is made out of plywood, but it was a necessary condition, since it has to comply with very strict safety regulations.
Lastly, the small community garden was planted by the TimeCircus and the local community, following the principles of permaculture.
Starting with the first part of the project, the 3500km pilgrimage from Antwerp to Elefsina (THE LANDSHIP), there was a strong focus towards a sustainable way of traveling, not only in a practical level, which has to do with the use of the minimum fuel amount, and avoiding high emission travel media, but -mostly- in a symbolic level - spreading the message of the need for a reduction in resources consumption.
Concerning the second part of the project (THE ARK / ARKOPOLIS), since the TimeCircus by principle create their structures and spaces using recycled materials, that was the way this space was also created. Even the big structures included in the Arkopolis (The Ark & the Sphere) have been recycled: THE ARK, is a wooden arched structure that was initially created in Genk (Belgium) in 2017 by the collective Constructlab using wood. Then it was dismantled and discarded, and salvaged by the TimeCircus in order to be used later on. It was re-assembled in Elefsina, with a few modifications. The Ark was created by the TimeCircus through re-used metals from an abandoned greenhouse. The same goes applies to other complementary structures that were created in the Arkopolis.
The only new structure was the Skatepark, which is made out of plywood, but it was a necessary condition, since it has to comply with very strict safety regulations.
Lastly, the small community garden was planted by the TimeCircus and the local community, following the principles of permaculture.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Like all TimeCircus constructions, ARKOPOLIS was built in a specific style, philosophy and ideology (“by people, for people”) and always through the circular logic (Recycling of Material & Circular Economy). The overall aesthetics are in accordance with what they call the “Archaic-Futuristic” Style.
Reuse of old materials in an inventive way in order to obtain a new meaning within the contemporary context, always inspired by the principles of sustainability and resilience. The ways those materials were combined in order to link past, present and future are obvious in the basic architectural components of ARKOPOLIS. THE ARK – a beautiful arched structure made out of wood- is inspired by gothic and mythological elements. THE SPHERE – a spherical sculpture made of metal wireframe- is inspired by modern mythology and the monumental imagery of science fiction literature.
Along with its main architectural units, the transformation of ARKOPOLIS’ surroundings was achieved via an “Open to Cultures” Design Principles, in order to maximize the social and cultural inclusion. Under that prism, a series of restoration acts took place:
THE LOCKER ROOMS of the nearby stadium was transformed into a workshop and residency space for “young artists of all ages” that are going to revitalize the site and working as one of the main venues of Cultterra (the youth group of 2023 ELEUSIS)
THE COMMUNITY GARDEN - that was actually initiated (planted) along with citizens, and it remains in a state of constant transformation though acts of communal planting
THE SKATE PARK - a beautiful certified skatepark including a bowl, a rail and a quarterpipe, unequaled to any other in the whole region, that has been designed by the local skater community. It is now ready to be appropriated by the numerous skaters and skate groups that have been longing for it for a long time. Already in the few months it has been in place, it has been a pole of attraction for many groups from Athens and around, wh
Reuse of old materials in an inventive way in order to obtain a new meaning within the contemporary context, always inspired by the principles of sustainability and resilience. The ways those materials were combined in order to link past, present and future are obvious in the basic architectural components of ARKOPOLIS. THE ARK – a beautiful arched structure made out of wood- is inspired by gothic and mythological elements. THE SPHERE – a spherical sculpture made of metal wireframe- is inspired by modern mythology and the monumental imagery of science fiction literature.
Along with its main architectural units, the transformation of ARKOPOLIS’ surroundings was achieved via an “Open to Cultures” Design Principles, in order to maximize the social and cultural inclusion. Under that prism, a series of restoration acts took place:
THE LOCKER ROOMS of the nearby stadium was transformed into a workshop and residency space for “young artists of all ages” that are going to revitalize the site and working as one of the main venues of Cultterra (the youth group of 2023 ELEUSIS)
THE COMMUNITY GARDEN - that was actually initiated (planted) along with citizens, and it remains in a state of constant transformation though acts of communal planting
THE SKATE PARK - a beautiful certified skatepark including a bowl, a rail and a quarterpipe, unequaled to any other in the whole region, that has been designed by the local skater community. It is now ready to be appropriated by the numerous skaters and skate groups that have been longing for it for a long time. Already in the few months it has been in place, it has been a pole of attraction for many groups from Athens and around, wh
Key objectives for inclusion
PHYSICAL INCLUSION
ARKOPOLIS was envisioned, materialized and designed to function as a free space created by free spirited people, open to all the communities of the city without exclusion and bias. Along with its main architectural units and environs, the artistic programme of the ARKOPOLIS was designed via the Universal Design Principles, in order to maximize usability of / accessibility by users with a wide variety of characteristics. No admission fee is required for any event at ARKOPOLIS.
CULTURAL/SOCIAL INCLUSION
Ever Since the first events that have taken place in the Arkopolis there has been an intense participation of communities that have been living and working in the city for decades but never had their fair share of public participation/ public gatherings. Examples of those communities are the Albanian and Pakistani community, who already consider the ARKOPOLIS their park and plan some of their meetings there.
Also, the ARKOPOLIS is one of the first spaces visited and populated by Artists in Residence who create within the 2023 ELEUSIS programme and want to work under the influence of Eleusinian Genius Loci.
Another unique cultural asset already created is the European creative microclimate forged by the synergistic coexistence of Belgian and Greek colleagues, as well as international artists visiting Elefsina on the occasion of the ECoC.
Last but not least, the Cultterra youngsters through their activities are already creating a common space where Local Artists can meet and present their work and also a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
ARKOPOLIS was envisioned, materialized and designed to function as a free space created by free spirited people, open to all the communities of the city without exclusion and bias. Along with its main architectural units and environs, the artistic programme of the ARKOPOLIS was designed via the Universal Design Principles, in order to maximize usability of / accessibility by users with a wide variety of characteristics. No admission fee is required for any event at ARKOPOLIS.
CULTURAL/SOCIAL INCLUSION
Ever Since the first events that have taken place in the Arkopolis there has been an intense participation of communities that have been living and working in the city for decades but never had their fair share of public participation/ public gatherings. Examples of those communities are the Albanian and Pakistani community, who already consider the ARKOPOLIS their park and plan some of their meetings there.
Also, the ARKOPOLIS is one of the first spaces visited and populated by Artists in Residence who create within the 2023 ELEUSIS programme and want to work under the influence of Eleusinian Genius Loci.
Another unique cultural asset already created is the European creative microclimate forged by the synergistic coexistence of Belgian and Greek colleagues, as well as international artists visiting Elefsina on the occasion of the ECoC.
Last but not least, the Cultterra youngsters through their activities are already creating a common space where Local Artists can meet and present their work and also a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Results in relation to category
Already since its opening in June 23 events have been hosted in ARKOPOLIS, featuring 40 local and international artists, 6 Artistic teams, 4 Bands from Greece and Belgium, 25 communities & Networks. 3920 people of local, national and international provenance have visited the space and activities. You can find more information in the attached files.
How Citizens benefit
ARKOPOLIS has as its destination to function as an open place for any social or cultural group that is active within the wider area of West Attica and the Thriasian Terrain. Thus, during its construction and throughout the timespan of its function, ARKOPOLIS has been:
A PLACE FOR FREE & CREATIVE THINKING:
The Cultterra group by 2023 ELEUSIS found its hub at ARKOPOLIS. A programme of capacity building started taking place there and it was based on the joy of creation, networking and empowerment. Youth talks (getting to know young local artists and talking about their vision, meeting established artists), Creative/Artistic Workshops (Live Graffiti Events, Rap Syncs, Dance Battles), Think-Tanks (mentoring for new business endeavors, rising awareness for LGBTQIA+ issues and Artistic Expression in general (DIY events for recreational (music concerts, skate events) and creative purposes (short-film screenings).
A PLACE FOR GROUPS WITHOUT A MEETING PLACE:
By the first time of its opening, ARKOPOLIS stands as an open place for social and cultural groups that have a different way of life and had expressed the need for a new place to meet. Until now, the Albanian and the Pakistani community entered the ARKOPOLIS site and organized inter-cultural fests (community meetings in public space, regular meetups, collective dinners, Cricket-field lessons). In addition to that, the constant demand of the local youth (Skate Community: Bikers & Skateboarders) for a proper SkatePark was fulfilled.
A PLACE FOR GETTING IN TOUCH WITH NATURE:
In a city lacking green spaces, the ARKOPOLIS, beyond all the other qualities, has offered a green space, for friendly encounters and family time, open to all ages, as well as animals, given also its neighboring with a voluntary dog shelter.
A PLACE FOR FREE & CREATIVE THINKING:
The Cultterra group by 2023 ELEUSIS found its hub at ARKOPOLIS. A programme of capacity building started taking place there and it was based on the joy of creation, networking and empowerment. Youth talks (getting to know young local artists and talking about their vision, meeting established artists), Creative/Artistic Workshops (Live Graffiti Events, Rap Syncs, Dance Battles), Think-Tanks (mentoring for new business endeavors, rising awareness for LGBTQIA+ issues and Artistic Expression in general (DIY events for recreational (music concerts, skate events) and creative purposes (short-film screenings).
A PLACE FOR GROUPS WITHOUT A MEETING PLACE:
By the first time of its opening, ARKOPOLIS stands as an open place for social and cultural groups that have a different way of life and had expressed the need for a new place to meet. Until now, the Albanian and the Pakistani community entered the ARKOPOLIS site and organized inter-cultural fests (community meetings in public space, regular meetups, collective dinners, Cricket-field lessons). In addition to that, the constant demand of the local youth (Skate Community: Bikers & Skateboarders) for a proper SkatePark was fulfilled.
A PLACE FOR GETTING IN TOUCH WITH NATURE:
In a city lacking green spaces, the ARKOPOLIS, beyond all the other qualities, has offered a green space, for friendly encounters and family time, open to all ages, as well as animals, given also its neighboring with a voluntary dog shelter.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
It would not be an exaggeration to say that it is the first time in Greece that a space has been created applying such a combination of participatory processes, since the initiative originally started from an institutional body (2023 Eleusis, Municipality of Elefsina), but then civil society, represented by youth groups, and then by local ethnic communities, which are traditionally excluded from such processes, became involved in a substantial way.
Moreover, having a European artistic team in charge of the design, a space was created that combines beauty with informal and joyful coexistence, very different from the cultural spaces usually designed in Greece.
Finally, although the space/land is actually owned by the Municipality of Elefsina, and was intended for sports activities, the final choice of the type of sports activity is extremely different from the usual choices of a public body, responding to a multi-year struggle of a group of young people to create a Skate Park.
The contribution of 2023 Elefsis was also important at the level of mediation between public bodies, the Onassis Foundation and civil society.
Moreover, having a European artistic team in charge of the design, a space was created that combines beauty with informal and joyful coexistence, very different from the cultural spaces usually designed in Greece.
Finally, although the space/land is actually owned by the Municipality of Elefsina, and was intended for sports activities, the final choice of the type of sports activity is extremely different from the usual choices of a public body, responding to a multi-year struggle of a group of young people to create a Skate Park.
The contribution of 2023 Elefsis was also important at the level of mediation between public bodies, the Onassis Foundation and civil society.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
For the actual design and implementation of the built environment has taken place a Synergy of Applied Sciences & Engineering, starting from the selection of location of the overall endeavor in terms of Urban Planning and Land uses, and in continuation bringing into reality the distinctive Archaic-Futuristic style of the TimeCircus that collects archaic -or even primal- elements and traditional building techniques and combines then with new building techniques, ultimately transforming them into a new emergent visual identity.
Interaction with experts in Humanities (Art, history, music, philosophy, sports) is what rendered the overall idea stronger and better grounded to the community.
For the surrounding community garden a cooperation of botanists and gardeners was needed in order to create a beautiful & longl asting multi-sensorial green space.
In terms of the day to day use and activation of the space after its creation, a Synthesis of Social Sciences (Anthropology, education, sociology, or even law) has been applied in order for the coexistence of various social & cultural groups, to take place in a meaningful and most communal way. Representatives of the above fields have participated in decision making either in the form of formal decisions or by sharing their insight during open/focus discussions.
Interaction with experts in Humanities (Art, history, music, philosophy, sports) is what rendered the overall idea stronger and better grounded to the community.
For the surrounding community garden a cooperation of botanists and gardeners was needed in order to create a beautiful & longl asting multi-sensorial green space.
In terms of the day to day use and activation of the space after its creation, a Synthesis of Social Sciences (Anthropology, education, sociology, or even law) has been applied in order for the coexistence of various social & cultural groups, to take place in a meaningful and most communal way. Representatives of the above fields have participated in decision making either in the form of formal decisions or by sharing their insight during open/focus discussions.
Methodology used
After the selection of the site by Elefyss 2023, in cooperation with the Municipality of Elefsina, Elefyss 2023 awarded Timecircus the implementation of the pilgrimage route (LANDSHIP) and the creation of the Cultural Park, including ARK, and SFAIRA, following all the formal procedures of public procurement and licensing of construction works.
Then the actual construction started, and as the first constructions began to be implemented, and ARKOPOLIS was staged, it turned into a kind of LIVING LAB, a creation laboratory, where decisions evolve dynamically, taking into account the end users, and through on-site testing and improvements the final result is shaped.
Overall, we could say that the strategic decisions concerning the project followed a philosophy similar to that of Bioregionalism, in that the needs and specificities of the communities concerned (human and non-human) of the natural environment, as well as the political, social and cultural sustainability of the new enclave were taken seriously.
Then the actual construction started, and as the first constructions began to be implemented, and ARKOPOLIS was staged, it turned into a kind of LIVING LAB, a creation laboratory, where decisions evolve dynamically, taking into account the end users, and through on-site testing and improvements the final result is shaped.
Overall, we could say that the strategic decisions concerning the project followed a philosophy similar to that of Bioregionalism, in that the needs and specificities of the communities concerned (human and non-human) of the natural environment, as well as the political, social and cultural sustainability of the new enclave were taken seriously.
How stakeholders are engaged
In a LOCAL LEVEL the project was a result of the collaboration of Εleusis 2023 European Capital of Culture, who did the overall Project management and contracted the TimeCircus to implement the artistic project, the Municipality of Elefsina that was the owner of the plot, the Cultterra group of youngsters and the Skater Community of the city, who brought in the need for the creation of a skatepark and systematically collaborated with all the above stakeholders in order to fine-tune the design.
In a NATIONAL LEVEL the Onassis Foundation greatly contributed by being the exclusive sponsor of the Skate Park, and by taking on the great responsibility of carrying out the Skate parks’s certification.
In a EUROPEAN LEVEL, first of all the Timecircus with their creative idea and special methodology did not only actually create the space and sculptures, but they also acted as a connective tissue for all the communities, and offered to the city’s youth their “know-how” on the way the ARKOPOLIS could run later on. The city of Genk -the initiator of the ARK back in 2017- was supportive all along, and the Belgian Embassy in Athens, supported the TimeCircus during the whole project.
In a NATIONAL LEVEL the Onassis Foundation greatly contributed by being the exclusive sponsor of the Skate Park, and by taking on the great responsibility of carrying out the Skate parks’s certification.
In a EUROPEAN LEVEL, first of all the Timecircus with their creative idea and special methodology did not only actually create the space and sculptures, but they also acted as a connective tissue for all the communities, and offered to the city’s youth their “know-how” on the way the ARKOPOLIS could run later on. The city of Genk -the initiator of the ARK back in 2017- was supportive all along, and the Belgian Embassy in Athens, supported the TimeCircus during the whole project.
Global challenges
The global challenges that are addressed are:
Sustainability: the upcycling of the old and useless materials in a new architectural form ready to be used as a cultural center,
Resilience: the constant use of an open space as a green open site for recreation and creativity, next to the rapidly and heavily industrialized area
Socio-Climate Crisis: in the contemporary global context of the endless human flows due to political, social and climate reasons, ARKOPOLIS and its units can be used as a residence solution for people without a place, always in the name of social and cultural inclusion.
Sustainability: the upcycling of the old and useless materials in a new architectural form ready to be used as a cultural center,
Resilience: the constant use of an open space as a green open site for recreation and creativity, next to the rapidly and heavily industrialized area
Socio-Climate Crisis: in the contemporary global context of the endless human flows due to political, social and climate reasons, ARKOPOLIS and its units can be used as a residence solution for people without a place, always in the name of social and cultural inclusion.
Learning transferred to other parties
ASPECTS OF METHODOLOGY
The methodology of the new-age pilgrimage that was used during the journey of the TimeCircus collective can be applied in any geographical context. The new age pilgrimage can be exercised even at the international level (planetary replicability: e.g. Eurasia regions, LANDSHIP’s transfer to Japan through the ECoC network).
ASPECTS OF PROCESSES
The construction of the global identity in ARKOPOLIS’ Genius Loci was based on what has occurred from its neo-bohemian ways of (self-)organization, mainly based on the European mentalite (openness, multiculturalism).
ASPECTS OF LEARNING
Memoregionalism (meme+region) is a coinaged concept that suggests that socio-cultural ideas, such as symbols or practices, are more sustainable and just if they are organized around naturally defined areas called memoregions, similar to ecoregions. ARKOPOLIS begins to function as a memoregion due to its omni-inclusive and multi-accessible model of organization.
The methodology of the new-age pilgrimage that was used during the journey of the TimeCircus collective can be applied in any geographical context. The new age pilgrimage can be exercised even at the international level (planetary replicability: e.g. Eurasia regions, LANDSHIP’s transfer to Japan through the ECoC network).
ASPECTS OF PROCESSES
The construction of the global identity in ARKOPOLIS’ Genius Loci was based on what has occurred from its neo-bohemian ways of (self-)organization, mainly based on the European mentalite (openness, multiculturalism).
ASPECTS OF LEARNING
Memoregionalism (meme+region) is a coinaged concept that suggests that socio-cultural ideas, such as symbols or practices, are more sustainable and just if they are organized around naturally defined areas called memoregions, similar to ecoregions. ARKOPOLIS begins to function as a memoregion due to its omni-inclusive and multi-accessible model of organization.
Keywords
Inclusive
Culture
Community
Sports
Design
