The discussion of the city, stemming from the announcement of seven open architectural competitions of ideas by the Municipality of Athens through Athens Renaissance, is a positive development. Firstly, because it clearly shows the importance of public discussion of the new spaces that will result from the metro expansion, and secondly, because it allows anyone with experience and knowledge to submit plans and proposals. In addition, the notice recognizes the complex nature of the project, architectural, aesthetic, technical, functional, transport and social. A composition that is usually missing from the segmentation and pluralization of public space in Greece.

Metro Line 4 can raise the bar for public space expectations and demands. Of course, the problem of public space in our country is not limited to the poverty of planning, but to the eternal inability to protect and support every project, small or large.

The only way to improve urban life is to produce quality designs and products that citizens will want to keep.

But beyond that, the announcement of an idea contest sets a precedent and shows that inviting the country’s creative forces can no longer be delayed. The only way to improve urban life is to produce quality designs and products that citizens will want to keep.

Bitter previous experience in the squares of Athens from architectural competitions that were completed and implemented (poorly) due to the 2004 Olympics. And this unpleasant experience can be avoided. Every square in Athens, connected by metro or not, is a separate story of failure or even partial success. Syntagma Square is a collage. Omonia, after academics were taken in by the then-insulting first prize award, maintains an acceptable image thanks to the special conditions of the region. Monastiraki, with its colorful mosaics, is still burdened with hideous monsters on its surface and a constant sense of dirt and visual noise. The famous creators Dimitris and Susan Antonakaki’s kolonaks were not well understood, but of course there were accessibility issues as well. Komunduru Square was erased from memory. The squares of Klatmonos and Diakiosini are the ugliest squares in the capital and will remain so until further notice.

The declarations of the municipality and the invitation of Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis to “the eminent Greek scientists to be inspired by the tomorrow of Athens” are in principle positive examples in the desired direction. Let the subway expansion also be an occasion for more thorough maintenance of the stations, which already show signs of aging and lack of thorough maintenance. In addition, announcements of adequate green spaces at new stations may be accompanied by the maintenance and cultivation of trees and shrubs at existing stations. For a society to respond with hope and respect, trust is required.