Weaving Myths, Water, and Community in Thesprotia
Thesprotia, a rugged and mountainous region in Epirus, Greece, consists of dispersed pastoral communities, mythical topologies and rough topography. More than 60 small villages in the region, while suffering shrinkage, show a variety of self-organized initiatives and social encounters created mostly by women. These practices provide post-growth imaginaries through various levels of organizing and producing, sharing multiple resources, and gathering a community around them, by re-using abandoned public infrastructure and creating open kitchens. Central to these efforts is acknowledging water’s crucial role both as a community resource and a fundamental part of the local mythological and natural landscapes.
The first part of the Greek Cycle workshop took place in Morfi, a village whose old elementary school has stood unused for decades. Using this school as a base, participants explored how water weaves through the region’s mythological narratives, social fabric, and daily life. The surrounding landscape, rich with historical and cultural significance, provided the backdrop for this exploration. Rivers like Acheron and Cocytus, once thought to connect the living to the underworld, are deeply rooted in local lore. Participants also visited ancient sites such as the Necromanteion and Acherusia Lake, spaces that carry stories of both the mythical and the mundane.
Workshop Context
Since 2019, TiriLab has worked in Morfi, aiming to revitalise the cultural heritage and infrastructures after years of decline. By collaborating with local and international groups, TiriLab has turned abandoned infrastructure into communal spaces. This year’s works of Architecture School of Commons, focused on the water landscapes of Thesprotia and their role in shaping both the environment and the community.
Participants spent a week working on the old school in Morfi, transforming it into a hub for the village. They explored the region through curated walks, delving into its mythology and learning from the local people about their relationship with water. The week’s activities were an invitation to connect theory with practice, linking cultural heritage to hands-on construction.
Pedagogical Approach
The workshop aimed to create a space where students, locals, and organizers could learn from one another. Students were encouraged to step out of their academic framework and immerse themselves in the community’s rhythm. Through activities like collective cooking, construction, and open discussions, they gained practical skills while understanding the deeper social dynamics at play.
Walking through the landscape became an essential part of the learning process. These travesias or “water walks” took participants to rivers, lakes, and archaeological sites, where they could reflect on the myths and histories tied to these places. Back in the village, their work was more grounded—building kitchen facilities and furniture, reimagining the old school’s potential as a communal space.
This blend of physical work and cultural exploration allowed participants to see how local traditions and everyday practices could inform ecological design. They developed ideas for revitalising the school, not as outsiders imposing their vision, but as collaborators working alongside the community.
Activities and Outcomes
Over the course of the week, the participants engaged in various activities, each contributing to the transformation of the school and deepening their understanding of the local context. The mornings were often dedicated to construction: building a functional kitchen, creating communal tables, and restoring parts of the school building. Afternoons involved walking through the region’s mythological and natural landscapes, connecting their physical surroundings to the stories that have shaped them.
Hands-On Construction and Revitalisation
The heart of the workshop lay in the transformation of Morfi’s old school and building At the workshop’s core was the transformation of Morfi’s old school into a space capable of hosting future summer workshops. Participants, including students, collectives, and local residents, collaborated to clean and prepare the building, focusing on creating a functional communal kitchen. Using repurposed materials, they constructed tables, counters, and storage, integrating the kitchen with the former teacher’s room.
A key task involved removing a wall to connect the kitchen to the main building, both symbolically and practically opening the space for collective use. Participants gained hands-on experience with a range of tools and techniques, from basic carpentry to structural modifications.
Exploration of Mythological and Natural Waterways
Daily water walks, or “travesias,” were central to the workshop. Participants explored rivers and lakes around Morfi and the wider region, blending physical journeys with storytelling. They discovered the mythological and contemporary significance of these sites, highlighting water’s vital role in the region. These explorations were documented on a large cognitive map, enriching their understanding of the area’s heritage.
Final Presentation and Community Celebration
The workshop wrapped up by inviting the local community to the school. This wasn’t just an unveiling of the week’s hard work—it was a celebration and a playful reinhabitation of the old school. The new kitchen and communal spaces came to life with shared food, drinks and dances. The event also provided a platform for dialogue, as representatives from the local municipality engaged with residents, discussing the importance of supporting public infrastructure. People from nearby villages came together, transforming the school into a lively hub of connection, storytelling, and celebration.
