The paper’s main focus is the process for selecting the sites with a thermal spring that make up the network of Loutrotopos. The focal point is the multi-criteria analysis, which has been the basis for the evaluation. In the introduction we explore the concept of thermalism as a cultural practice with long past and ancient origins in Greek history. We then describe our critical, interdisciplinary and artistic research approach.
- Conference presentation: “‘Welcome to Aidipsos’: a critical mapping & visual narration workshop that explores the feasibility of the city’s thermal springs network sustainable development” (E. Tsakiri, S. Yiannoudes, E. Mouzakitou, A. Psilopoulos). 1st Open-Air Cities International Conference. Local and Regional Sustainable Development & Urban Reconstruction. 16-18 February 2024, Athens.
The paper presents the city of Loutra Aidipsos as a case that exemplifies the research potential of Hellenic thermal destinations, or “Loutrotopoi”, to be examined as multifaceted, networked socio-cultural entities whose value transcends individualistic descriptors. The former heyday followed by the recent decline of the notorious thermal settlement, was the trigger for the design of a workshop for mapping and visual representation of the relationship between the baths and the city. Participants explored perspectives of this interaction. Their work was discussed in the presentation.
- Conference presentation: “Reinventing Loutra Aidipsos: strategies and concepts for a holistic sustainable development of thermal settlements” (E. Tsakiri, M. Vrasida)”. 1st Open-Air Cities International Conference. Local and Regional Sustainable Development & Urban Reconstruction. 16-18 February 2024, Athens.
As part of the “Architectural Design 2” course of the Civil Engineering Educators Department of the School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE), students are asked to create an urban planning and design proposal for Loutra Aidipsou in Evia. The distinct characteristics of the settlement arise from its inseparable relationship with the culture of thermalism, which has largely shaped the modern identity of the place and is reflected in various aspects, social, economic, cultural, architectural, ecological and other. Key problems emerging today are, the vast abandonment of the, formerly thriving, thermalism infrastructure. Adding the widely unequal population increase during summer months due to seasonal tourism, it becomes clear that Loutra Aidipsou are in urgent need of an urban planning intervention. The aim of the urban planning and design intervention was to create a more sustainable model for Thermal settlements that will address the existing issues with particular emphasis on the energy footprint and propose a multi-stakeholder inclusion model that will change the existing relationship between public and private exploitation of thermal baths.
- Journal paper: “‘Welcome to Aidipsos’: a critical mapping & visual narration workshop that explores the feasibility of the city’s thermal springs network sustainable development” (E. Tsakiri, S. Yiannoudes, E. Mouzakitou, A. Psilopoulos). Sustainable Development, Culture, Traditions Journal (SDCT-Journal), Volume 3C, 2024.
As above.
- Journal paper: “Reinventing Loutra Aidipsos: strategies and concepts for a holistic sustainable development of thermal settlements” (E. Tsakiri, M. Vrasida). Sustainable Development, Culture, Traditions Journal (SDCT-Journal), Volume 3C, 2024.
As above.
- Paper in conference proceedings: “A multi-criteria evaluation method for accessing the developmental potential of Thermal Springs in Macedonia and Thrace” (E. Tsakiri, S. Yiannoudes, A. Psilopoulos, G. Touliatou, E. Mouzakitou). International Conference on Changing Cities VI. Spatial, Design, Landscape, Heritage & Socio-economic Dimensions. Rhodes Island, June 24-28 2024, Greece (1 presentation, 2 papers in the proceedings).
The paper explores the Loutrotopos case study of Central, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Within the research project’s framework, team members of the research project visited and researched thermal springs in Macedonia and Thrace and identified their particular developmental advantages as well as problems. They initially applied a multi-criteria evaluation method that led to a qualitative classification of thermal springs in the region. After visiting the sites, they revised the initial findings and drew conclusions about the Loutrotopos current developmental state.
- Paper in conference proceedings: “Digital Sound Installation as a strategy for the cultural reinforcement of the Historical Roman Baths at Kyllini, Elis” (G. Touliatou, S. Yiannoudes, E. Tsakiri , A. Psilopoulos, E. Mouzakitou) International Conference on Changing Cities VI. Spatial, Design, Landscape, Heritage & Socio-economic Dimensions. Rhodes Island, June 24-28 2024, Greece (1 presentation, 2 papers in the proceedings).
The concomitant paper opens up a discussion on the potentiality of using a Digital Sound Art installation as a strategy for the reinforcement of the Roman Baths of Kyllini, Elis, located in the Western Peloponnese Region: significant Historical, relinquished place of exquisite natural beauty, with rich archaeological and cultural heritage connected to thermal bathing. Following a visual and auditory mapping of the area, we examine this device as a coetaneous experiment upon how an audio-visual material is created through a critical interpretation of place; and how the transformational power of Digital Art can affirm conscious behaviors on culturally important, landscapes.
- Conference presentation: “The embodied experience of water in the physical thermal spas of Greece” (E. Tsakiri, G. Touliatou). Expanded Scenography, Performance & Public Space, International Conference. NKUA, 17-20/4/2024.
The paper begins with an introduction about the existential qualities of water and its multifarious connections with human culture. The significant relationship between man and thermal, therapeutical water was explored by students who participated in courses and workshops that investigated physical contact with water through ‘thermalism’ in places with thermal springs. The students mapped aspects of their multi-sensory experience that mainly took place in public outdoor spaces and then presented their work through digital narration (video) and collage. Selected projects were analyzed in the presentation.
At the 1st Νational Conference “Urban Sustainability – Historic Cities” that took place in Ancient Olympia on October 18-20, 2024 and was organized by the School of Environment, Geography and Applied Economics of Harokopio University, Mrs. Tsakiri and Mr. Moraitis undertook the organization and chairmanship of a Special Session entitled “Water and Thermal Bath Routes in Greece: Contribution to the health and well-being of the body.
Mr. Moraitis participated in this session with a presentation entitled “Water and Thermal Bath Routes in Greece – The region of Lesvos”.
Mrs. Tsakiri participated in this session with a presentation entitled “A Journey to the Loutrotopoi of Central, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace”.
Mrs. Markou participated with a presentation entitled “Water and Thermal Bath Routes – The Area of Aidipsos”, which was included in the Special Session “Water and Thermal Bath Routes: Contribution to the health and happiness of the body”.
Mr. Psilopoulos participated with a presentation entitled “Water and Thermal Bath Routes: Intercultural readings at Charlitza Palace, Baths of Thermi in Lesvos”, which was part of the Special Session ” Water and Thermal Bath Routes: Contribution to the health and well-being of the body”.
Project Τitle: «LOUTROTOPOS: Critical mapping and visual narration of thermal springs in the Hellenic Territory»
Project Duration: 10/10/2023 – 09/04/2025
Project URL: https://loutrotopos.ia.uniwa.gr/
Project Framework & Funding: The research is implemented in the framework of H.F.R.I call “Basic research Financing (Horizontal support of all Sciences)” under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0” funded by the European Union –NextGenerationEU (H.F.R.I. Project Number: 14821). Budget: 170.000 €
Scientific coordinator (UNIWA): Georgia Touliatou
Consortium – Partners: National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), b) N.P.C.P. POLI-PLEX-ICON: Mapping and Visualising Urban Complexities, c) N.P.C.P. Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), d) N.P.C.P. Hellenic Society of Dissemination of Hippocratic Spirit (HSDHS)
Research Publications / Results / Patents
8 Conference presentations, 3 Papers in conference proceedings, 2 Journal papers + 4 to be published
- Paper in conference proceedings: “Loutrotopos’ cultural landscape: objectives and processes of research with interdisciplinary and artistic means” (E. Tsakiri, S. Yiannoudes, K. Moraitis, M. Markou). Landscape Architecture Conference. Education, Research and Practice. 2-4 November 2023. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
