In 2018, in the midst of a heatwave in Mati, Greece, wildfires broke out and quickly engulfed the seaside town. Tragically, more than 100 people died, thousands of properties and homes turned to ash, and the once idyllic tourist destination sat in ruin.
In the wake of the disaster, Notre Dame architecture professor Michael Lykoudis received a call asking if he would assess the town and help design a plan for rebuilding. Moved by the devastation and motivated by his Greek heritage, he sprang to action. In the fall of 2019, Lykoudis and a group of fifth-year students traveled to Mati to meet with local residents and help determine the architectural needs of the town.