Kessariani, Greece
Enhancing mobility with safe, new pedestrian space
The Project
In the historic municipality of Kessariani in greater Athens, the intersection at Ethnikis Antistaseos connects this busy city center to the Ymittos mountain. The street is the core of the neighborhood, connecting multiple schools, a cafe, an outdoor cinema, two green spaces, and a municipal center for the elderly. Yet drivers often maintain highway speeds, leading to high rates of automobile crashes and danger for pedestrians, especially young children and elderly people.
By creating what is known as the “Inclusion Crossroad” at the main intersection in the neighborhood, the interventions prompt drivers to slow down when entering the city, while also creating a safe connecting route between the parks and community landmarks. The concept for the artwork was co-created with the members of the senior center and features stencils of student drawings from the nearby schools. Students and other residents participated in the installation of the finished mural design and the artwork features stencils of students’ drawings that they designed specifically for the intervention. The art also extends to Filadelfias Street, which is a low-speed road and partly pedestrian area, providing a sense of safety and comfort for all groups in the area and supporting their independence and inclusion in community life.
Watch this City in Greece Paint one of Their Busiest Streets… and Learn Why
“The visual stimulus for drivers was heightened due to the colors and narrowing of the road, and the message is given that this is a space for pedestrians and children. This – as the Initiative has proven in other cities – causes drivers to slow down.”
Alexia Spyridonidou, Head of Business Development, Institute for Circular Economy and Climate Change EPLO
Use the slider to see the transformation
Press
“The Best Asphalt Art Projects Bring Community Engagement into Every Step of the Process” (Zag Daily, August 29, 2023)
Public Space Returns to Citizens Through… Art (Kathimerini, June 15, 2023)
Athens: Colorful American-Sponsored Intersections are Coming (Gocar, October 14, 2022)
For inspiration and tips for the creation of art on roadways and public places, download the Bloomberg Associates Asphalt Art Guide which features successful plaza and roadway art activations around the world, as well as key steps for developing such projects.
