Athens: Modernity versus Historical Preservation

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how, with the pressures of growth, Athens has made some unfortunate development decisions that have altered the landscape of the historic city. Ultimately, the pressures of residential development, economic growth and the 2004 Olympics have forced Athens to engage in a losing battle over the past century to preserve its historic and cultural beauty.This paper asserts that the city will need to make difficult planning and aesthetic decisions in order to reverse this course.

Outline:
Introduction
Residential development
Economic development
Impact of the 2004 Olympics
Conclusion: Lingering Problems and Solutions
Residential development
Economic development

From the Paper:

"While the polykatoikias did their part to alter for the worse the post-war Athenian skyline, there were many buildings constructed to facilitate Greek economic development that had the same effect. In truth, it is impossible to separate the polykatoikias from Greek economic development, because they were a big part of Greek industry in the decades immediately following the end of World War II. The polykatoikias were constructed by private enterprises, contractors who were receiving free land in return for constructing the buildings. But there were certainly many buildings constructed during the middle and latter portions of the 20th century that significantly modified the look and feel of Athens."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ancient Greek civilizations (No date), Minnesota State University, Mankato, viewed 10 August, 2007, <http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/aegean/thecities/athens.html>
• About Mies (2007), Illinois Institute of Technology, viewed 11 August, 2007, <http://www.mies.iit.edu/mies/>
• Cronin, D. (2003, Dec. 9). Athens Olympics draws criticism, USA Today, viewed 11 August, 2007, <http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/athens/2003-12-09-athens-gypsies_x.htm>
• Davis, W. (No date), A day in old Athens, Home of the Greek World, viewed 9 August, 2007, <http://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/ancient-greece/old-athens.asp>
• Duff-Brown, B. (2004, Aug. 23). Athens gypsies live in squalor not far from Olympic venues, Access My Library, viewed 11 August, 2007, <http://www.accessmylibrary.com/comsite5/bin/pdinventory.pl?pdlanding=1&referid=2930&purchase_type=ITM&item_id=0286-13087007>

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