Contemporary urban landscapes are being transformed within a framework of continuous and alternating crises and challenges (economic crisis, pandemic, climate change, etc.). Under these conditions, the process of architectural intervention within the city and its connection to the urban fabric constitutes a multifactorial procedure that must take into account the dynamic relationships that develop within a city (spatial, social, economic, political, etc.). Particularly in periods of urban expansion such as the present, with urban redevelopments initiated both by the real estate market and by public authorities, architectural intervention in space largely determines the identity of urban areas, elements of social cohesion and resilience, and reflects the degree of inclusion and participation of local communities in the decision-making process.

The aim of the course is to help students gain an in-depth understanding of the tools of architectural intervention within the city, through the critical reading of existing urban landscapes, the processes that produced them, the role of socio-spatial dynamics, and the methods of spatial analysis. All of the above are examined with an emphasis on the fundamental components of urban design and urban design theory. Familiarization with the multiple levels and scales of design is also a key objective of the course, combined with the understanding of the concept of strategic interventions at the city level. From the scale of the city, the neighborhood, and the urban block to that of the public space, the multiple layers of design will form the core of the synthetic process. The course will focus particularly on the relationship between building complexes and public space, on the interaction between new and existing structures and shells, on the interrelations between land uses, public space activities and buildings, and on the synergies between the architectural project and the urban fabric within its social, spatial, political, and economic context.

The course consists of two main parts:
The first and central component is the Design Studio, which forms the core of the course, accompanied by the Theory and Lecture component.

 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze contemporary urban landscapes, identifying the social, economic, political, and environmental forces that shape them.

2. Critically interpret the relationships between architectural work, public space, and the urban fabric, recognizing their dynamic interconnections.

3. Apply spatial and socio-economic analysis methodologies to investigate areas of urban intervention.

4. Design architectural and urban interventions at multiple scales — from the city and neighborhood to the building and public space.

5. Synthesize urban design proposals that integrate new uses and functions of social infrastructure while respecting existing structures and building shells.

6. Evaluate strategies for urban regeneration and restructuring, taking into account issues of social cohesion, participation, and sustainability.

7. Incorporate participatory processes and principles of social design into project development, recognizing the importance of community engagement in the design process.

8. Explore the historical evolution and theoretical foundations of urban design, linking theory and practice in the production of urban space.

9. Develop skills in visualizing and communicating design work (through models, presentation boards, maps, masterplans, etc.) in both academic and professional contexts.

10. Critically understand the role of the architect in contemporary urban transformation, guided by principles of resilience, social justice, and sustainable urban development.

The Design Studio aims to help students develop skills in analyzing the characteristics and identities that define and shape contemporary urban landscapes, and to understand the significance of working across multiple scales in urban spatial design. At the same time, students will become more familiar with compositional issues at the level of urban design and urban interventions.

The focus of the design project will be the area of Neo Faliro in Piraeus, and specifically the CHROPEI industrial site. The area currently contains a significant building stock and several vacant plots, but also shows clear signs of degradation. It combines commercial and residential uses with major sports facilities (such as the Karaiskakis Stadium), and has recently become a focal point of interest due to the Special Urban Plan (E.P.S.) for Neo Faliro, the redevelopment of the CHROPEI site, and other investment projects announced for the area.
The main goal of the course is to introduce new uses and functions of social infrastructure and public character that will serve both the needs of the local community and the wider metropolitan role of the area.

The objective of the design project is to address a complex “equation”: the reorganization of land uses and functions in the area, aiming to serve the needs of local residents while taking into account contemporary trends in urban design and the broader dynamics of the surrounding context.

The course will be structured around three intermediate design exercises:

First Exercise

Duration: 3 weeks
Students will analyze the main characteristics of the intervention area, focusing on multiple layers: its relationship to the wider city, land uses, spatial image, morphology and typology, public space, materials, and other defining aspects.

Second Exercise

Duration: 3 weeks
Building upon the previous analysis, each group will develop a strategic plan for the intervention area. The work should include, at a minimum:

• proposed land uses and functions,

• the building program of the proposed interventions,

• accessibility strategies, and

• the overall character and direction of the interventions.

Third Exercise

Duration: 6 weeks
Students will formulate design proposals for the intervention area. Based on prior analysis and conclusions, each group will produce a comprehensive proposal aimed at improving daily life and social infrastructure in the area.

The proposal must include:

• the building program and selected uses,

• a clear presentation of the intervention strategy and hierarchy of proposals,

• at minimum, a Masterplan at scale 1:1000, indicative sections and plans at scale 1:200 for selected subareas,

• and either a physical model or a 3D digital representation of the project.

All proposals will be submitted in the form of a Project Booklet and Presentation Boards.

In parallel with the studio work, the following lectures will be delivered:

1. Introduction to the Course Objectives and Structure
   Concepts of urban design, urban regeneration, and the role of architectural intervention.

2. Historical Origins of Urban Design
   Chronologies, typologies, utopias, and key moments.

3. Introduction to the Theoretical Framework of Urban Design
   Theoretical approaches, concepts, and methodologies (Rossi, Gehl, Castells, Cuthbert, etc.).

4. Influences on Urban Design from Other Disciplines
   Sociology, geography, political theory, environmental psychology, feminist perspectives.

5. Processes and Techniques in Spatial Design
   Institutional frameworks, design competitions, and participatory processes.

6. Typologies and Themes: Revitalization of Central Urban Areas
   City centers, identity, culture, and social renewal.

7. Typologies and Themes: Neighborhoods and Housing Environments
   Modern Movement, Townscape, New Urbanism, and the “15-Minute City”.

8. Social Cohesion and Urban Design
   Policies of inclusion, social resilience, and European experiences.

9. Social Exclusion and Gentrification
   Urban inequalities, exclusionary dynamics, resistance movements, and case studies.

10. New Directions in Urban Design
    Post-pandemic cities, sustainability, resilience, and climate change.

11. Review and Theoretical Summary
    Synthesis of key theoretical frameworks and design tools.

12. Studio Feedback and Project Revisions

13. Final Revisions and Presentations

The evaluation of students will be based on the final presentation to be delivered by each student group during the examination period, as well as on their performance and participation in the intermediate presentations and exercises throughout the semester.

The final presentation must synthesize all material developed during the three exercises, clearly presenting the analysis, strategic framework, and design proposals for the study area.

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