Architectural, Constructional and Structural Aspects of a Historic School in Greece. The Case of the Elementary School in Arnaia, Chalkidiki

Abstract

Historic school buildings were built during the end of the 19th century and into the beginning of the 20th century, using the traditional and locally available building materials and techniques, and most of them still function as schools. Because of the requirements arising from their constant use, there is an intense interest in their structural and energy integration, while there is limited research on the tangible and intangible values they encompass. In this study, an effort has been made to assess the historical, architectural, constructional and structural aspects of a historic school building located in the town of Arnaia, in the mountainous part of Chalkidiki peninsula, Northern Greece. The study included on-site inspection, architectural overview, determination and mapping of the constructional materials and techniques applied, as well as investigation of the preservation state of the building. Additionally, a structural analysis of the system was performed through a three-dimensional finite element model. All research data was comparatively evaluated, in order to identify the principles governing its physiognomy and structure. The objective of the study was therefore to analyze the significance and technological aspects of this unrecognized part of the common European built heritage that should be further assessed and acknowledged as a heritage asset.