Nikolaos Samaras

Lecturer at the Department of Planning and Regional Development of the University of Thessaly (discipline: Rehabilitation of Historic Centres and Sites). Studies at School of Architecture of the National Technical University of Athens (1983) and postgraduate studies on Planning and Urban Development at the University of Thessaly (2002, Master’s thesis: “The Climate Factor as a Component of the Planning of Greek City”, 2019, Ph.D. dissertation: “City Center and Historicity: Theoretical Issues and Modern Urban Practices”). Architecture Engineer freelancer, licensed for public works studies (1983-2010), Development Consultant at the Local Union of Municipalities of Larissa Prefecture (1989-1992) and the Hellenic Agency for Local Development and Local Government (1995-6), Coordinator of the Technical Chamber of Greece Standing Committee on Urban Planning and Development (2004-7), Member of the Larisa Urban Planning and Architectural Audit Committee (2008). Lecturer at the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly (2010-19).

2019

Ph.D.
Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

2002

Graduate of Pedagogical Studies
School of Trainers for Vocational and Technical Education (SELETE/PATES), Volos, Greece

2002

M.Sc. Planning and Urban Development
Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

1983

Integrated Master’s Degree
School of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece

Scientific conferences committees

– Scientific Committee Member of the 10th Panhellenic Architectural Conference, Panhellenic Association of Architects (Athens, January – December 1999).

– Organising Committee Member of the two-day meeting ‘Dimitris Pikionis – His Architectural Intervention in Pertouli. Built and Natural Environment of Mountain Areas’, Technical Chamber of Greece, Panhellenic Association of Architects, Cultural Association of Pertouli, Pertouli 28-29/11/2009.

– Scientific Committee Member of the Panhellenic Conference – workshop «Urban Regeneration and Urban Development» Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly (Volos 29/6-1/7/2018).

– Organising Committee Member of the two-day meeting ‘Historic Centers of Cities: Management and Promotion Policies’, Ionian University, Department of History / Region of Ionian Islands, Corfu 22-23/3/2019.

– Scientific Committee Member of the “International Conference on Changing Cities IV: Spatial, Design, Landscape & Socio-economic Dimensions”, Chania, Crete Island, Greece, 24-29 June 2019.

Editorial boards of scientific journals

– Scientific Committee Member of the «Sustainable Development, Culture, Traditions Journal» of Syros Institute (since 2011).

– Reviewer of the Greek scientific e-journal «Aeihoros» on Spatial Planning and Development, of the Department of Planning and Regional Development of the University of Thessaly (since 2019).

Awards

– ‘Dimitrios Thomaides’ Award (First among the graduate students of the School of Architecture of the National Technical University of Athens, 1982).

– ‘Staikos Antonios Sarlas’ Award (First among the 1983 graduates of the School of Architecture of the National Technical University of Athens).

– Technical Chamber of Greece Award (Distinction in the exams for the professional legal qualification, 1983).

01/07/1983 – … : Member of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), ID 40539.

30/04/85 – 03/02/86: During his military service, in 2nd M.O.M.A., as a Reserve Engineer Officer, he supervised road construction projects.

11/03/86 – 18/03/10: Architecture Engineer freelancer, licensed also for public works studies.

05/1989 – 12/1992: Development Consultant at the Local Union of Municipalities of Larissa Prefecture (TEDK N. Larissas).

03/1993 – 11/2009: He founded and directed the “Polytechno” Free Study Laboratory in Larissa with departments of Interior Design and Graphic Design, where he taught Architectural Design, History of Architecture and Design using Autocad. At the same time, he was engaged in the teaching of Linear and Free Hand Drawing for candidates of Schools of Architecture.

02/1995 – 01/1996: Development Consultant at the Hellenic Agency for Local Development and Local Government SA (EETAA SA).

08/1996 – 02/1997: Director of the Vocational Training Center of the Municipality of Larissa.

14/10/04 – 18/03/10: Adjunct Faculty Member at the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly. At the same time, as Architecture Engineer, licensed for public works studies.

19/03/2010 – … : Lecturer at the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly, already Lecturer at the Department of Planning and Regional Development of the University of Thessaly.

– “Strategic Planning for the Republic of Cyprus of the Troodos region“ (Special Account Funds for Research of the University of Thessaly, Project number: 5565). Start: October 2021. End: December 2021. The participation concerns the “Writing of the Chapter “Cultural Heritage”, for the policies of highlighting the cultural heritage of the area, the categorization of the Troodos settlements in terms of their Urban and Architectural value, definition of specific policies and directions for the management, utilization and protection of the built environment and the landscape” as well as the ”Writing of the Chapter “General Policy Provisions – Planning, Spatial Organization”, for the framework organization of policies, the formulation of spatial policy, tools and regulations (aesthetic and quality upgrade of the built environment, development factors, rehabilitation of historic areas, reuse of buildings, etc.)”.

– “Exploring Regeneration Prospects of the Elassonitis River, in the City of Elassona” (Municipality of Elassona, Special Account Funds for Research of the University of Thessaly, Project number: 6610). Start: October 2020. End: February 2021. As Scientific Officer for a report on the “Possibilities of Upgrading the Centers of Settlements through the Regeneration of the Water Element Area” and the “Targeting of the Architectural Competition”, as well as a “Public Opinion Survey on the Degree of Participation of the Elassonitis River in the Shaping of the Image of the City, as a Component of its Recognition and its Special Symbolism, as well as the Expectations of the Citizens from its Regeneration”.

– “Internship Program of Higher Education of the TEI of Thessaly” (Special Account of the Research Committee of the Technical Educational Institute of Thessaly, Project number: 5300). Start: April 2016. End: October 2020. As Scientific Officer for the monitoring and support of the individual actions of the Internship of the Department of Civil Engineering T.E. (Trikala) in the context of the implementation of the Act “Internship Program of Higher Education of TEI of Thessaly MIS 5000389”, maximizing the number of students involved, finding and attracting new companies as internships, evaluating and exploring future employment prospects, and compiling of Annual Internship Implementation Reports.

– “Business Plan – Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit”. The participation concerned the “Compilation of a Business Plan for the Establishment of a Company for Renovation and Restoration of Modern and Historic Buildings” (Special Account of the Research Committee of the Technical Educational Institute of Thessaly, Project number: 4800). Start: September 2013. Duration: 6 months.

– “Ιntegrated Management of the anthropogenic & natural environment in the mountainous Southern – Western part of the Korytsa Region, Albania”. Transnational program of cooperation and assistance (exchange of know-how and experience) of Greece – Albania. (The Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works of Greece, The Research Committee of the University of Thessaly, Project number: 2457). Start: January 2001. Duration: 18 months.

– “RESTORE: Actions to train and enhance youth employment in traditional technical professions for the preservation of architectural heritage”. Community initiative on employment and the development of human resources “YOUTHSTART”. (K.E.E. DIMITRA, Technical Educational Institute of Larissa, Association of Architects of Larissa Prefecture). Start: March 1998. Duration: 18 months.

– “Research and actions in the framework of the Community initiative on employment and the development of human resources “NOW / New Opportunities for Women”). A research on women’s employment in mountainous and disadvantaged settlements of Thessaly. Case study: Livadi and Dolichi of Elassona, on the west slope of Mount Olympus. Start: February 1995. Duration: 11 months.

Books/Monographs

– “Syllabus for Training of Rehabilitation Technicians”, RESTORE / YOUTHSTART, K.E.E. “Dimitra”, Ministry of Labor, European Social Fund, Larissa 2000.

– “Pedestrian Streets Guide”, Hellenic Agency for Local Development and Local Government SA, Athens 2000.

– “Larissa at the time of disappointment”, Genesis, Trikala 2006.

– “Pindos: Architectural Heritage”, ELLA Regional Publications, Trikala (under publication).

– “Pindos: Flowers of Stone; The Bridges”, ELLA Regional Publications, Trikala (under publication).

– “Pindos: Flowers of Stone; The Monasteries”, ELLA Regional Publications, Trikala (under publication).

Journals articles with reviews

International

– Kefala C.-Z. and Samaras, Ν., “THE ‘KASTROPLIKTON’ RESIDENCES IN ANO POLI (UPPER TOWN) OF THESSALONIKI, GREECE. STATUS AND PROSPECTS OF PRESERVATION”, JOURNAL ‘SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, CULTURE, TRADITIONS’ (DOI: 10.26341/issn.2241-4002-2019-1a-3), Volume 1a/2019, pp. 35-55.

– Samaras, N. and Sapounakis, A., “The Contribution of Historical Physiognomy of a City to making it Favorable in Doing Business and Attractive for Visitors and New Residents. Case study: Trikala, Greece” (accepted for publication), International Review of Social Sciences, 2020.

– Samaras, N., “The Climatic Factor as the Field of Interrelationship between Natural, Urban and Cultural Environment of a City. Case Study: The Historic Center of Larissa, Greece” (accepted for publication), Journal of Engineering and Architecture, 2020.

Hellenic

– Samaras, N., “Theoretical Approach to Conservation and Revival of the Traditional Settlements of Pindos, Greece”, Trikalina, Volume 27/2007, pp. 419-458.

Conference proceedings with reviews

International

– Drizou, I., Lavda, D. and Samaras, N., “Restoration of Metochi at Nies, Magnesia, Greece and a Proposal for Re-use, characterized by ‘Discreteness’ and ‘Reversibility’”, Proceedings of the “International Conference on Changing Cities IV: Spatial, Design, Landscape & Socio-economic Dimensions”, Aspa Gospodini (ed.), ISSN: 2654-0479, ISBN: 978-960-99226-9-2, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Chania, Greece, June 24-29, 2019, pp. 547-558.

– Kefala, C.-Z. and Samaras, N., “Restoration and Re-use of a ‘Kastroplikton’ Residence at Ano Poli (Upper Town) Thessaloniki, Greece”, Proceedings of the “International Conference on Changing Cities IV: Spatial, Design, Landscape & Socio-economic Dimensions”, Aspa Gospodini (ed.), ISSN: 2654-0479, ISBN: 978-960-99226-9-2, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Chania, Greece, June 24-29, 2019, pp. 594-605.

– Samaras, N. and Moras, A., “The Transparency of Contemporary Glass Architecture and its Relation to Historic Contexts; the case of Athens”, ‘Emerging Complexities’, Conference Papers of the “4th International Conference in Transparency & Architecture”, Fani Vavili-Tsinika, Klio Axarli, Konstantinos Ioannidis (eds.), ISBN: 978-618-83231-0-0, School of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, November 02-04, 2016, pp. 188-197.

– Samaras, N., “Built Heritage Conservation as a Basic Component of the Bioclimatic Redevelopment of the Historical Center of Larissa”, Proceedings of the “International Conference on Changing Cities II: Spatial, Design, Landscape & Socio-economic Dimensions”, Aspa Gospodini (ed.), ISBN: 978-960-6865-88-6, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Porto Heli, Greece, June 22-26, 2015, pp. 1797-1806.

– Samaras, N. and Athanailidou, A., “Historical Centers of Transylvania Cities: Prospects for the Protection of Architectural Heritage in Romania”, Proceedings οf the 1st International Geomatics Applications Conference “GEOMAPPLICA”, Konstantinos G. Perakis (ed.), ISBN: 978-960-88490-9-9, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Skiathos Island, Greece, September 08-10, 2014, pp. 206-212.

– Samaras, N. and Chrysina, V., “Maintenance and Restoration of ‘Xenia Motel Zeus II’ in Ancient Olympia: an approach for the sustainable existence of Xenia Hotels, works of Aris Konstantinidis”, Proceedings οf the 1st International Geomatics Applications Conference “GEOMAPPLICA”, Konstantinos G. Perakis (ed.), ISBN: 978-960-88490-9-9, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Skiathos Island, Greece, September 08-10, 2014, pp. 214-220.

– Samaras, N., “Survival of elements and values of the Thessalian architectural tradition in the modern architecture of our cities”, 1st International Congress on the History and Culture of Thessaly, Congress Proceedings, Volume II, ISBN: 978-960-8092-62-4, SET: 978-960-8092-60-0, General Secretariat of the Region of Thessaly, Larissa 09-11 November 2006, pp. 913-925.

Panhellenic

– Samaras, Ν. and Dafoula, Μ., “Architectural study of the archeological site of Kastri Dolichi, Livadi, Larissa”, Panhellenic Conference ‘PROTECTION, PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF CULTURAL MONUMENTS, 20 Years of Interdepartmental Program of Postgraduate Studies’, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 21-23/11/2019 (Book of Abstracts p. 55, Proceedings under publication).

– Samaras, N. and Sapounakis, A., “The evolution over time of perceptions of ‘authenticity’ and the treatment of the centers of European cities” Proceedings of the 5th Panhellenic Conference of Urban Planning, Regional Planning and Regional Development, Deffner A., Skayannis P., Rodakinias P., Psatha E. (eds), Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Volos 27-30/9/2018, pp. 732-745.

– Veziri, D.-V. and Samaras, N., “Restoration and Re-use of the Chatzimihalis Mansion, in Metaxochori Agias, as a Museum of Silk and Waxing”, Panhellenic Conference – workshop «Urban Regeneration and Urban Development» Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly (Volos 29/6-1/7/2018), pp. 381-390.

– Kaneli, Α. and Samaras, Ν., “Re-use of the listed Evening High School of Karditsa, as a component of upgrading the quality of the urban space of the area”, Panhellenic Conference – workshop «Urban Regeneration and Urban Development» Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly (Volos 29/6-1/7/2018), pp. 391-402.

– Voutsela, G. and Samaras, Ν., “Re-use of ‘Karditsa Boys High School’ as Karditsa City Hall”, Panhellenic Conference – workshop «Urban Regeneration and Urban Development» Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly (Volos 29/6-1/7/2018), pp. 532-541.

– Samaras, Ν., “The Physiognomy of the City of Trikala, Through the Most Characteristic Recognition Elements, According to Residents, Business People and Visitors of the City”, 2nd Panhellenic Conference of Place Marketing και Place Branding, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Larissa 31/3-2/4/2017, (DVD Proceedings, 13: image and identity of Greek cities, SamarasN[FP].pdf).

– Samaras, Ν. and Krania, Μ., “Characteristic Losses of the Architectural Identity of the City, through the Changes in the Perception of its Image, in the Modern History of Trikala”, 2nd Panhellenic Conference of Place Marketing και Place Branding, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Larissa 31/3-2/4/2017, (DVD Proceedings, 13: image and identity of Greek cities, Poster SamarasN_KraniaM[A].pdf).

– Samaras, Ν., “The Preservation of the Architectural and Urban Physiognomy of the Settlements as an Issue of the Greek Urban Planning Legislation”, 4th Panhellenic Conference of Urban Planning, Regional Planning and Regional Development, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Volos 24-27/9/2015 (DVD Proceedings, ISBN: 978-960-9439-37-4, file ‘Σ’, SamarasN_FP.pdf).

– Samaras, Ν., “Integration of New Architecture into a Historic Settlement Complex. Pilot Design Proposals on the Boundaries of the Existing Urban Institutional Framework”, 4th Panhellenic Conference of Urban Planning, Regional Planning and Regional Development, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Volos 24-27/9/2015 (DVD Proceedings, ISBN: 978-960-9439-37-4, file ‘Σ’, SamarasN_POSTER.pdf).

– Samaras, Ν., “The Climatic Peculiarity of Larissa as a Field of Interrelationship between its Natural, Urban and Cultural Environment”, 2nd Environmental Conference of Thessaly, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly / Region of Thessaly (Skiathos 26-28/9/2015), e-book Proceedings, ISBN: 978-960-6865-90-9, pp. 439-445.

Announcements in scientific conferences without proceedings

– Samaras, Ν. and Dafoula, Μ., “Architectural study to improve the accessibility of the archeological site of Kastri Dolichi, Livadi, Larissa”, one-day meeting ‘The Diachronic Museum of Larissa and the Cultural Route of Thessaly’, Ephorate of Antiquities of Larissa, Diachronic Museum of Larissa 7/12/2019.

– Samaras, Ν., “The historicity of the city center as a conscious value between residents and visitors of the city. The case of Trikala, Thessaly”, two-day meeting ‘Historic Centers of Cities: Management and Promotion Policies’, Ionian University, Department of History / Region of Ionian Islands, Corfu 22-23/3/2019.

– Samaras, Ν., “Applying energy upgrade principles in the Greek city”, one-day meeting ‘Energy Democracy. Course to the Future’, Green European Foundation (GEF) / Green Institute, Athens 2/11/2018.

– Samaras, Ν., “Towards a re-localized perception of bioclimatic design and energy upgrade of buildings. Utilizing the Thessalian tradition on the issue of dealing with climate”, Keynote Speech, 1st Panhellenic Conference of “Climate Change – The Local Government of Thessaly facing the Global Challenge”, Regional Union of Municipalities of Thessaly, Technical Chamber of Greece, Geotechnical Chamber of Greece, Karditsa 9-10/6/2017.

– Samaras, Ν., “The Historical Dimension of Settlements, as an Field of Architectural Education in Greece”, 11th Panhellenic Architectural Conference / Pre-conference one-day meeting ‘Architecture & Education’, Larisa 12/02/2011.

– Samaras, Ν., “Rehabilitation of Mountain Settlements. Architectural, Urban and Regional Dimensions”, two-day meeting ‘Dimitris Pikionis – His Architectural Intervention in Pertouli. Built and Natural Environment of Mountain Areas’, Technical Chamber of Greece, Panhellenic Association of Architects, Cultural Association of Pertouli, Pertouli 28-29/11/2009.

– Samaras, Ν., “Elements of Thessalian architecture through literary texts by M. Karagatsis and others”, 1st Literary Conference of Thessaly, Association of Writers of Larissa (Ε.ΛΟ.ΣΥ.Λ.), Larissa 10/03/2007.

– Samaras, Ν. and Kalliakoudas, T., “A sustainable approach to Planning”, Pre-conference one-day meeting, Panhellenic Ecological Conference ‘HELECO ’05’, Technical Chamber of Greece / Department of Central Western Thessaly, Larissa 29/01/2005.

– Samaras, Ν., “The Climate Factor as a Component of the Planning of Thessalian Cities”, Pre-conference one-day meeting, Panhellenic Ecological Conference ‘HELECO ’03’, Technical Chamber of Greece / Department of Central Western Thessaly, Larissa 4/12/2002.

– Samaras, Ν., “The participation of the inhabitants in the production process of their residence”, 10th Panhellenic Architectural Conference / Pre-conference one-day meeting ‘Public Buildings and the Urban Housing in the Greek City of the 21st Century’, Technical Chamber of Greece / Department of Central Western Thessaly, Larisa 4/12/1999.

Conference proceedings without reviews

– Samaras, Ν., “9+1 Architecture Fiction Scenarios”, 9th Panhellenic Architectural Conference / Pre-conference two-day meeting ‘Architecture & Urban Planning in Rural Areas’, Association of Architects of Volos, Association of Architects of Larissa, Larissa 12-13/03/1988, pp. 16-22.

Other work

As Architecture Engineer, licensed for public works studies (1983-2010), he studied more than 100 projects, including 4 projects of Rehabilitation of Historic Centres and Sites, 8 projects of Restoration and Re-use of Historic Buildings and 10 other public works studies.