Akrotiri shelter will open its doors 2011! November 21, 2010 By 31 December, possibly earlier, the shelter of prehistoric Akrotiri site would be restored, while the May 31, 2011 the project will be complete delivered to archaeologists in order to organize the space to be opened to the public. The episode of the fall of a roofs section, which among others killed a man will be considered closed. However, it has since passed (23 September 2005) much longer than necessary to restore the damage, caused by defects in materials, static failure, manufacturing process etc. The consequences of this delay also measured in many ways regarding to both tourism and science, as the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri remained locked and inaccessible to visitors and scientist. A Briton and a Swiss is now head of the project after the study on the collapse causes and roof restoration dedicated to the company Ove Arup & Rartners. Three cranes are currently working feverishly and, as Professor of Archaeology Ch. Doumas says, the only problem is the weather since the winds hinder their work. The zero point is approaching and yet to be installed four columns from the 94 supporting the protective shelter. The damage has made changes throughout the shelter in seismic bearings and columns that support it, says the bioclimatic shelter architect Mr. N. Fintikakis. As he explains, the entire roof was replaced and now consists of solid metal beams, and also all the columns and seismic bearings are replaced. Over the metal roof will be installed as insulation and in accordance with the original design, the roof surface will be planted greenery. According to Mr. Fintikakis, the remaining work is the installation of the ceiling, the windows on the perimeter doors and windows, and walkways (inside and outside). The biological treatment is already completed and the intermediate attic that was placed above the ancient to protect them is now removed. The archaeological work was stopped at Akrotiri on the day of the accident. So stpped in the middle of the museological study for the ancients findings emergence. That means that after the shelter will be delivered, not everything will be completed. We have serious work ahead of us once we deliver it says Mr. Doumas. Specifically, within the site remains a road map for visitors, promoting the building of the settlement and thematic exhibitions of ancient findings will be placed on wooden shelves, closed with glass. Akrotiri is an ancient city, not a museum, so all operations in the archaeological area will be requiring attention. The shelves should not be confused with the ancient nor cause great opposition says Mr. Doumas. Externally provided a road map from the country line to the entrance of the site (about 150 meters) and a special place for visitors and guides at the entrance. Recalled that the project developer is the Archaeological Society and the contractor J & P-AVAX. As for the budget, it is 30 million. The shelter at Akrotiri was constructed in 2000 to replace the original, which was handy. This bioclimatic construction of stainless steel, wood and earth and has a life prediction of 300 years. It covers 13.5 acres excavated archaeological site, which is a small part (!) of the city flourished in the Aegean in the second millennium BC Akrotiri was unearthed by archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos in 1967 Author : TtS