Highlighting the wetland of Lefkada using Voronoi patterns

Students: Kalou Ipapanti, Traxana Eirini
Supervisor: Liapi Katerina
Department of Architecture of University of Patras
Date of Presentation: July  2013

Searching for a deeper interpretation of the natural elements of the environment, this design thesis motivated us to make a research on the natural landscape. We tried to take full advantage of the natural landscape and make it familiar through our knowledge. Admiring the beauty of the area, we tried to include all its elements in our design.

Firstly, the earth breaks because of natural factors (dry climate, weather conditions) creating an image of Voronoi diagrams. Motivated by these natural patterns we studied them and designed using them as a common denominator, found both in natural and manmade landscape.

Secondly, the areas where rare birds are gathered were utilized as interest spots. These spots were the centers of the Voronoi diagrams we used in our design. The Voronoi diagrams are a way of dividing space into a number of regions, according to a several number of spots and their least distance. As a result, the paths that were created based on the Voronoi diagrams are the best possine positions of bird-watching and, in the same time, they are far enough in order not to disturb the birds.

Apart from the natural elements of the area, we were inspired also by historical landmarks. The old aqueduct, which connected the city with the castle, was very important to our project because it was mentioned in folklore scripts as a "magnificent water walking". As a result, we decided to create wooden routes passing through the wetland.

In fact, we designed pedestrian and bicycle routes over the surface of the water. What is more, we designed bird-watching spots and light constructions in order to highlight and advance the area. We aimed to create a discreet and environmentally respective design.

Furthermore, we designed a number of buildings, including a research center, laboratories, a library, an exposition center, lecture and reading halls. Around the research center we created an area including the local plants organized in stripes. The research center area also includes two playgrounds. The routes and the paths created around all these facilities provide the visitor with "experiences" based on local natural elements: the soil, the sand and the water.

On the central routes there are resting spots and cafes in peaceful places next to the water. An alternative way of moving around the wetland is the special boats of the area (without keel). On the northern part of the wetland we designed an auditorium and a few platforms in order to place the Folklore Festival and the literature and art event which are organized in the island the last 55 years.