The World's Best Construction Podcast
My BIG FAT Greek Metro - #138
Apr 10, 2025
Explore Greece's ambitious $3BN metro system and the challenges posed by archaeological discoveries. Delve into a stunning Zaha Hadid-designed sports center in China and the expansion of Athens' airport, focusing on its soothing design. Discuss the seismic risks faced by skyscrapers in Bangkok and share personal stories about earthquakes. Enjoy light-hearted reflections on quirky train journeys while engaging with listener feedback. It's a fascinating blend of architecture, history, and human experience!
35:57
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Quick takeaways
- The Thessaloniki metro project, costing $3 billion and troubled by historical artifacts, illustrates the conflict between urban development and heritage preservation.
- China's rapid construction of Zaha Hadid's sports center highlights a stark contrast in infrastructure development timelines compared to the delays in Western projects.
Deep dives
Thessaloniki's New Metro System
Thessaloniki is undergoing a significant infrastructure project with the construction of a new metro system, costing $3 billion. Initially proposed after a devastating fire in 1917, the project has faced decades of delays, largely due to political issues and public protests regarding funding allocation between Athens and Thessaloniki. After meaningful action resumed in 2006, the construction has continually been hampered by archaeological discoveries, uncovering over 300,000 artifacts dating back centuries. This ongoing situation highlights the tension between modern development and historical preservation, as local sentiment fluctuates between the desire for progress and the wish to protect Thessaloniki's rich history.
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