Retrieving the traditional character of mountainous settlements. The town of Metsovo, in Greece

Retrieving the traditional character of mountainous settlements. The town of Metsovo, in Greece

Vernacular architecture constitutes a special element of any local place. One important threat of it is the unsuccessful mixture and placement of architectural elements and new buildings into the traditional settlement. The mountainous town of Metsovo represents a typical example of a degraded settlement, due to irrational growth. Many districts of it are characterized by an aesthetic and functional degradation. Year after year, urban type buildings seem to consume space over a formerly strong local architectural tradition. The main street of Metsovo that leads from the town’s entrance to the central square is characterized by a severe degradation of its architectural identity. Fourteen buildings along it have been studied. Their main facades’ renovation is presented in this paper along with its analytical cost accounting. Photos of the current buildings’ situation along with perspective drawings of the design proposals are presented. The main causes of the architectural degradation are pointed out. Design proposals being in accordance with the existing building uses are characterized by relatively low cost, thus successfully confronting the main argument against their realization. Through the design procedure’s analysis and documentation a methodology of handling similar design issues is being developed.