Athina Vitopoulou studied architecture at the School of Architecture, AUTh, and pursued post-graduate studies in theories and mechanisms of architectural and urban design in Paris (DEA Projet architectural et urbain: théories et dispositifs, Ecoles d'Architecture de Paris-Belleville, Paris-La Villette, Paris-Villemin, Versailles και Institut Français d'Urbanisme-Université Paris 8). She holds a PhD in History and Cultures from the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Paris. Her PhD research was awarded in France the “Grand Prix de Thèse sur la Ville 2011”. During her studies she won several scholarships. She also won two postdoctoral fellowships (AUTh and Foundation for Education and European Culture).
She has a significant experience in urban design and planning practice, while she has participated as a team member in several architectural competitions. Since 2002, she has a continuous and rich teaching activity as an adjunct faculty member (lecturer and assistant professor) at various universities in undergraduate and postgraduate level (AUTh, Hellenic Open University, University of Cyprus, Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia). She has also supervised a great number of research and project diploma theses in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Since 2018 she is an Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – AUTh.
She has developed a rich research and writing activity on issues related to the theory and practice of sustainable urban design and planning, urban sustainability and resilience, environmental planning, sustainable urban mobility, urban policies, land policies, mechanisms and processes of urban space production, urban history and history of urban planning, the institutional framework of spatial planning, the protection and enhancement of urban cultural heritage. She has participated in national and European research programs; she has presented her work in many national and international conferences, workshops and seminars and has published in scientific journals, conference proceedings and collective works. She has also been a member of organizing and scientific committees of conferences, symposia and workshops and has participated in the organization, documentation, and design of architectural exhibitions.
Knowledge field
Urban design. Theories and practices of sustainable urban design and planning. Urban morphology and urban space transformations. Urban policies; planning and design mechanisms, tools and processes. Holistic approach of urban design through different scales; historical, environmental, socio-economic and political factors that co-shape the design process.
Research interests
Her research interests intersect different scales and various aspects and approaches of the urban phenomenon, aiming at a holistic view of urban space design and planning:
Theories and practices of sustainable urban design and planning
Evolution of theories and approaches on urban space design and development
Urban morphology, historical evolution and transformations of European and Greek cities
Urban strategies, urban regeneration/revitalization policies and projects
Rehabilitation and revitalization of historical centers and degraded urban areas, protection and enhancement of urban cultural heritage
Sustainable urban and transport planning models, sustainable urban mobility
Environmental design and planning
Socio-economic crisis, climate change and urban resilience
Socio-spatial impacts of urban interventions
Land policies, institutional framework of spatial planning
Mechanisms and processes of urban space design/planning and production, stakeholders’ involvement and action.
