The University Authorities, using the ProGETonE project as a springboard, launched an ambitious intervention in block B of the NKUA Student Halls of Residence. The building is currently undergoing renovations to become Greece’s most cutting-edge structure with a larger usable floor area and modern specifications. NKUA has already secured the necessary funding and, with the all-important contribution of the Institution’s Technical Services, will complete the project by 31 December 2024.
NKUA is a partner of ProGETonE H2020, a European innovation project coordinated by the University of Bologna. The project is about new techniques for renovating buildings, the end product having i. increased seismic safety (through external steel structures, which also offer additional living space, such as balconies, room extensions, and winter gardens), ii. drastically reduced energy consumption, and iii. a user-centred design.
ProGETonE develops and implements an integrated approach to address two vital needs in existing buildings:
- earthquake safety enhancements in seismic zones and
- near-zero energy consumption (in line with EU targets for climate change mitigation) combined with a high level of architectural aesthetics.
‘As part of the ProGETonE H2020 project’s pilot phase, block B of the NKUA Student Halls of Residence is undergoing radical renovations and energy and seismic upgrades,’ underline in unison the Rector, Professor Thanos Dimopoulos, and the Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Dimitris Karadimas, and continue, ‘that is one of the most significant interventions for upgrading Student Halls of Residence and a superb example of student care in line with the goals we set at the start of our tenure of office. NKUA is a project partner through the Department of Physics and the scientific responsible, Associate Professor Margarita-Niki Assimakopoulos. Work to be done includes computational energy studies, optimization of energy models, and a recording, monitoring, and evaluating of the thermal and energy behaviour of the building and its indoor air quality before and after renovation. The energy performance we aim to achieve with the project is far above that of the average renovation! Aside from the integration and use of Renewable Energy Sources (photovoltaic systems), the project focuses on near-zero energy consumption, which classifies it as one of the most innovative nationwide and sets the tone for the University of the Future!’
CURRENT SITUATION
FUTURE APPEARANCE OF THE BUILDING
Lease of a hotel to cover urgent student accommodation needs
At the same time, the University Authorities took out a lease on a hotel with all modern specifications in the context of a highly urgent, extraordinary, and sudden need to cover the accommodation of the students staying at block B of the NKUA Student Halls of Residence. As a result, the University will continue to house the same number of students as in previous years, with the same number of beds available. Otherwise, entitled to housing, economically disadvantaged students would have been denied free accommodation, with all the implications for their ability to continue and complete their studies.
The University Authorities attach particular importance to student welfare projects, as student support actions and the provision of modern infrastructures are a prerequisite for a quality and extrovert Public University that serves society and responds to its needs.
