ECO PARK
LAKE DOIRANI
The proposal concerns the redevelopment of the underutilized northern Greek section of Lake Doirani, located 75 km north of Thessaloniki and 140 km south of Skopje. The 111‑hectare site lies within the Municipality of Mouries and encompasses three major natural assets:
The “1000 Trees” Forest, a designated natural monument
The northern Greek lakeshore, proposed for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network
The panoramic views toward the Beles/Kerkini mountain range, a national park forming the natural border between Greece and North Macedonia
The masterplan introduces a recreational landscape park that reconnects visitors with the lake, the forest, and the surrounding ecological systems. It redefines the land–water threshold — a zone revealed through decades of lake‑level recession — and establishes a new relationship between the Greek lakeshore, the settlement of Doirani, the Mouries railway station, and the adjacent cross‑border territory.
The Doirani Lake Redevelopment is a 111‑hectare landscape masterplan that transforms an underused cross‑border lakeshore into a vibrant ecological park.
The design integrates forest, water, and mountain views through organic pathways, lakeside structures, and nature‑immersive accommodations.
By following existing vegetation, hydrological flows, and historic footpaths, the project establishes a sustainable recreational destination that celebrates the unique natural identity of the Doirani region.
Designing the Threshold: A New Relationship Between Land, Lake, and Landscape.
1st Presentation Award – EXPO Florence - 2008
PRoject Overview
DESIGN INTENT
The project is guided by three core principles:
Revealing the land–water edge through accessible routes and lakeside activities
Following the natural hydrology, using the network of streams descending from Mount Beles as structuring elements
Respecting existing vegetation, integrating paths, buildings, and viewpoints into the forest, reedbeds, and lakeside habitats
These principles shape a park that is both ecological and experiential, encouraging visitors to approach the lake through a sequence of curated encounters.
