Search Results (5)

This article presents the accumulated technical and scientific knowledge from energy performance upgrade work in emblematic and essential municipal and public buildings in Crete and the Greek islands, such as the Venetian historical building Loggia, which is used as the Heraklion City Hall, the Natural History Museum of Crete, Pancretan Stadium, the municipal swimming pool of the municipality of Minoa Pediadas, the indoor sports hall in Leros, primary schools, high schools and a cultural center. Each one of the aforementioned buildings has a distinct use, thus covering almost all different categories of municipal or public buildings and facilities. The applied energy performance upgrade process in general terms is: (1) Mapping of the current situation, regarding the existing infrastructure and final energy consumption. (2) Formulation and sizing of the proposed passive measures and calculation of the new indoor heating and cooling loads. (3) Selection, sizing and siting of the proposed active measures and calculation of the new expecting energy sources consumption. (4) Sizing and siting of power and heat production systems from renewable energy sources (RES). Through the work accomplished and presented in this article, practically all the most technically and economically feasible passive and active measures were studied: insulation of opaque surfaces, opening overhangs, natural ventilation, replacement of openings, daylighting solar tubes, open-loop geo-exchange plants, refrigerant or water distribution networks, air-to-water heat pumps, solar thermal collectors, lighting systems, automation systems, photovoltaics etc. The main results of the research showed energy savings through passive and active systems that can exceed 70%, depending mainly on the existing energy performance of the facility. By introducing photovoltaic plants operating under the net-metering mode, energy performance upgrades up to zero-energy facilities can be achieved. The payback periods range from 12 to 45 years. The setup budgets of the presented projects range from a few hundred thousand euros to 7 million euros. Full article

The aim of this study is to examine the role and importance of certain promotional policies in supporting the image of Greek public museums with direct consequences on their visibility and attractiveness at national and global levels. It also examines whether the implementation of these policies is directly related to both the dynamics of the museums and the geographical location in which they are located. In particular, emphasis was given to the comparative analysis of the degree of adoption of promotion policies between museums located in the major urban centers of Greece (Athens and Thessaloniki) and those located in the Greek periphery. For these purposes, questionnaires were handed out to museum directors and managers in Greece (national and regional). In a total of 173 public museums and archeological sites (also having a museum) across the country, 114 questionnaires were sent out, covering 66% of the surveyed reference population. A hundred (100) valid questionnaires were collected (response rate: 88%), covering 58% of the public museums in Greece and, in particular, 25 museums and archeological sites of national importance and 75 of regional/local importance. Data were analyzed by using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses, Structural Equation Modeling techniques, and parametric tests (T-tests). The results highlight the importance of external orientation, strategic digital engagement, and visibility through networks over traditional marketing tactics. Furthermore, the findings reveal that museums in urban areas consistently demonstrate higher levels of awareness as well as greater adoption of modern and extroverted marketing strategies, indicating that they can be key drivers of urban tourism development, reshaping the way cities develop. Full article

This paper deals with the landscape design strategy that was followed in the proposal that was submitted to the International Architecture Competition of the New Archaeological Museum of Cyprus. The aim of this document is to analyze how landscape and architecture interact. In the author’s design proposal for the New Archaeological Museum of Cyprus, the various “gardens” integrated into the Landscape are analyzed. The concept of landscape design is related to the sacredness of trees to certain gods in Ancient Greece and Greek Mythology. The proposal addresses the symbolic meaning of trees and water. The design triggered the creation of several “gardens”: the “Sacred Garden”, the “Stone Garden”, the “Olive Garden”, the “Sacred Grove”, and the “Public Garden”, combining their soft landscapes with the hard landscape of the “Plaza” and the “Courtyard”. Each figure in the garden has a symbolic meaning that allows for a dialogue between landscape and architectural design. In addition, the findings provide valuable insights into the historical and spiritual value of landscape elements (plants, water) that are also thermal regulators for sustainable urban planning. The research results may be of value to landscape architects, architects, and landscape designers in the Mediterranean region. Full article

This paper contributes to the field of museum and visitor experience in terms of atmosphere by discussing the “museum digital atmosphere” or MDA, a notion that has been introduced and found across museums in Greece. Research on museum atmospherics has tended to focus on physical museum spaces and exhibits. By “atmosphere”, we mean the emotional state that is a result of public response adding to the overall museum experience. The MDA is therefore studied as the specific emotional state caused by the use of digital applications and technologies. The stimulus–organism–response or SOR model is used to define the MDA, so as to confirm and reinforce the concept. To that end, a qualitative methodological approach is used; we conduct semi-structured interviews and evaluate findings via content analysis. The sample consists of 17 specialists and professionals from the field, namely museologists, museographers, museum managers, and digital application developers working in Greek museums. Ultimately, this research uses the SOR model to reveal the effect of digital tools on the digital atmosphere in Greek museums. It also enriches the SOR model with additional concepts and emotions taken from real-life situations, adding new categories of variables. This research provides the initial data and knowledge regarding the concept of the MDA, along with its importance. Full article

During the last three years, COVID-19 has had a huge impact on both tourism and culture globally. The function of every kind of cultural activity was inhibited due to curfews in all public spaces, including museums, galleries, monuments, and archeological sites, which were forced to interrupt their operation due to the restrictions that were implemented for the protection of public health. In many cases, also in Greece, museums or archeological sites employed the use of digital systems and social media, always carefully abiding by all the security measures. This study aims to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on public museums in Greece and to pursue possible opportunities in order to improve the museums’ extroversion through the application of new strategies based on ‘New Technologies’. This is achieved through a qualitative methodology with the use of 17 semi-structured interviews to executives of Greek public museums, in order to examine the situation through various aspects, which will reinforce the sustainability of Greece’s cultural domain and its acceptance on the cultural sector. The analysis of data revealed both positive and negative results in this form of investigation. Full article