Architecture and the aesthetic element in dams: From international cases to proposals for Greece

Dam architecture has been an issue that has not significantly concerned Greek organizations engaged in research, design and construction of dams. This thesis explores the need to raise the awareness of these organizations on issues related to the architecture of dams and produces relevant proposals. Initially, in the first part of this thesis, the current situation is investigated in relation to the architecture of Greek dams and the impact of these projects on the Greek landscape. Then, international examples of architectural interventions on dams are examined leading to the creation of database of techniques and ideas that could be implemented in Greece or elsewhere. Thereafter, general arguments for and against the inclusion of the aesthetic element as a design parameter of dams are produced. The second part of this thesis includes a set of proposals for architectural interventions in FSHD (Faced Symmetrical Hardfill Dam) dams, using the designs of the most recently constructed dam of this type in Greece (Filiatrinos dam) and setting the Aegean Islands as the proposed area of construction. Finally, the technical, construction process, architecture and cost aspects of those proposals are analyzed, proposing in the meantime a suggested planning process for similar interventions in the future.