URBAN PLANNING PROJECTS AND REGENERATION STUDIES: AN EXAMPLE OF A GREEK CITY: LARISSA (1974-2008)

The city of Larissa in Greece has an important role in national and regional level. For the past 3 decades, the image of the city has considerably altered. A series of proposals concerning the regulation of urban space and the realisation of their objectives contributed to this. These proposals are made either through studies on urban level or through specialised studies with special arrangements during 1974 – 2002. The Master Plan of Larissa (1972-74), the General Development Plan (1982-86), the Study on the regeneration of the historic centre of the city and the wider region of the river Pinios (1988-91), the Traffic and Transportation Study (1989-91) are considered to be the most significant studies that have taken place. Specifically the study on the reformation of the historic centre has led to the creation of an extensive pedestrian network in the centre of the city and as a result came a particular function of the centre, concerning the mode of transportation and the configuration of land uses in the city centre. The presentation is about the main spots of these studies and their relationship. Through bibliographical research and discussions with leaders of the studies and people who have contributed to or affected by their implementation it is concluded that there were conflicting views but the need for urban planning with a social character and the completion of the objectives through sustainable development seemed urgent. The implementation of the proposals has upgraded the quality of life of residents. Several needs and problems aroused trying to reverse this progress. The road to the future creates different data, which must be addressed with proper planning and proper implementation of the proposals. Larissa is a typical Greek city through which are projected the main stages of urban planning in the Greek state after the dictactorship (1970s), outlining deficiencies and breakthroughs when the need for alteration is urgent.