Aristidis (Aris) Sapounakis

Aristeidis Sapounakis is a Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the Department of Planning and Regional Development of the University of Thessaly. His main research interests include urban and regional planning and development, domestic and commercial architecture, landscape architecture and urban design, protection and management of cultural heritage as well as social research especially pertaining to homelessness and access to housing. He has participated in a large number of European and national research projects as well as many national and international conferences and he has published several papers in a number of scientific journals and collective volumes. For 13 years he has served as the Representative for Greece in the European Observatory on Homelessness organized for the European Union by FEANTSA (Federation d’ Associations Travaillantes avec les Sans-Abri).

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aris_Sapounakis

Academia: https://uth.academia.edu/ArisSapounakis

1985

PhD
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK

1978

Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Design
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK

1976

Diploma in Architecture
National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece

Scientific conferences committees

Member of the Scientific Committee of the 4^th International Conference «Changing Cities», Hania, June 2019
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 5^th Panhellenic Conference «Planning and Regional Development & Redevelopment, Tourism, Culture and Real Estate Market», Argalasti, June/July 2018
Member of the Scientific Committee of the Panhellenic Conference – Workshop «Urban RedevelopmentPlanning and Regional Development», Volos, 27-30 September 2018
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 3^rd International Conference «Changing Cities», Syros – Delos – Mykonos, 26-30 June 2017
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 2^nd Panhellenic Conference «Place Marketing and Branding », Larissa, 31 March – 2 April 2017
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 4^th Panhellenic Conference «Planning and Regional Development», Volos, September 2015
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 2^nd International Conference «Changing Cities», Porto Heli, June 2015
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 1st International Conference «Changing Cities», Skiathos, June 2013
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 3^rd Panhellenic Conference «Planning and Regional Development», Volos, September 2012
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 1^st Panhellenic Conference «Place Marketing and Branding », Volos, March 2012
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 2^nd Panhellenic Conference «Planning and Regional Development», Volos, September 2009
Member of the Scientific Committee of the workshop on the Social Inclusion and Housing Rehabilitation of Roma Communities” organized by the NGO Oikokoinonia, Thessaloniki, 2002.
Member of the Scientific Committee of the Conference “Right to Housing” organized by the NGO Arsis and the Network for Homelessness in Greece, Athens, January 2001
Member of the Scientific Committee of the 3^rd Workshop of the European Program EUROHOME on “Temporary and transitional housing services for the homeless in Greece” organized by the NGO Kivotos, Athens, October 1996.
Member of the Scientific Committee of the International Conference on “Housing Policy for Vulnerable Social Groups” organized by the «Poverty III» European Program, Perama, June 1993

Editorial boards of scientific journals

Member of the Editorial Team of special issue of “Aeihoros” on Landscape

Awards

2012 ‘Mediterranean Networks and the Shaping of Built Form’ 3rd international conference on Heritage and Sustainable Development organized by the Green Lines Institute for Sustainable Development, Porto, June 2012. (awarded presentation)
2010 Teaching excellence prize by the European Planners Association (AESOP) for the Module in Planning and Regional Development in the relevant postgraduate course in the University of Thessaly. The award was given by the President of AESOP during the AESOP Conference in Helsinki in 2010.
2006 Excellent Quality award for the integrated study on the broader region of Karpenisi, Central Greece, based on the Habitat Agenda. The award was given by the President of the Hellenic Urban and Regional Planners’ Association SEPOX in Athens in 2006.
1989 ‘European City’ architectural prize in the Architectural Ideas Competition ‘Working in the City’ organized by the European Union. The award was given to colleague Ms Eleonora Paspaliari in Brussels in 1989.

Honorary titles

2017-today Participation in the Architectural Council organized by the Region of Thessaly for the protection and management of the architectural heritage and the important architectural characteristics of the area of Magnesia and especially Mount Pelion and the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.
2012 Participation in the National Committee organized by the Health Minister to define the legal and institutional concerns that need to be taken into consideration so that the legal framework and policy provisions are modified to suit the needs of homeless people in Greece
1996 Participation in the United Nations Habitat II Conference in Istanbul as member of the official Greek team
1995 Participation in the National Committee to prepare the participation of Greece in the United Nations Habitat II Conference in Istanbul and co-editor of the National Report

2017 - --

Professor
Professor of Architecture & Urban Design
University of Thessaly

2014 - 2017

Associate Professor
Associate Professor of Architecture & Urban Design
University of Thessaly

2007 - 2014

Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor of Architecture & Urban Design
University of Thessaly

1996 - 2007

Staff member
Adjunct lecturer
University of Thessaly

1993 - 2006

Country representative for Greece
European Observatory on Homelessness
FEANTSA (Federation Europeene d’ Associations travaillantes avec les sans-abri)

1976 - 2012

Chief architect and planner
Self employed consultant
Aris Sapounakis & associates

Most significant housing, planning and urbanistic projects in Greece: Coordinator in the following funded projects:
- 2014-15 Promoting protection of the right to housing – Homelessness prevention in the context of evictions
- 2008-09 Specialized urban planning study for the design briefing and development of town block n.387 in the central area of the Municipality of Zographou in Athens
- 2006 Protection and development Study for the traditional village Vitsa, Epirus, NW Greece (coordinator)
- 2005 Preparation of the Terms of Reference for the Regional Plan of the Tirana – Durres corridor funded by the EU
- 2004 Project of specifying the desired character of the Hydra harbour embankment (coordinator)
- 2003-04 Study of the Redevelopment of the centre and coastal zone of Nea Iraklitsa in Northern Greece (coordinator)
- 2003 Study of the Organisation of space for the Establishment of the multi-use Peloponnisou Square in the deprived part of Ano Liossia, Greater Athens area (coordinator)
- 2002-03 Improvement of the western entrance to the Greater Athens conurbation in Schisto (coordinator)
- 2001-02 Relocation Programme for the central government agencies in Athens (coordinator)
- 2001 European Project for the Development of the Breginj valley settlements in Kobarid, Slovenia (coordinator)
- 2000-01Redevelopment study for the traditional town centre of the city of Corfu (coordinator)
- 1997-98 Establishment of a Network of Green Spaces in the city of Volos (coordinator)
- 1992-93 Feasibility Study for the development of public property in the periphery of Serres and Edessa, Northern Greece (coordinator)
Partner in the following funded projects:
- 2013 Master Plan for the redevelopment of the former Hellinikon airport site in Athens
- 2010-11 Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the project of the Limassol Marina
- 2010-11 Protection and improvement of the peri-urban landscape in the Region of Magnesia
- 2009-10 Urban development study for the Industrial Zone of Vamvakia in Elefsina, Greater Athens
- 2005-06 Integrated sustainable development plan of Aigaleo, Greater Athens, based on the Habitat II Agenda
- 2005-06 Redevelopment of the Ioannina industrial zone plan
- 2004-05 Integrated sustainable development plan of Ano Syros, based on the Habitat II Agenda
- 2004-05 Integrated sustainable development plan of Karpenisi based on the Habitat II Agenda
- 2003-04 Development strategy for the underdeveloped western coastal zone of the city of Herakleion, Crete
- 2003 Master Plan for the development of a 6.000 staff Science Park in the Greater Athens Area
- 2002-03 Urban renewal plan for the Ai-Yiannis Roma population neighbourhood in the Municipality of Ano Liosia
- 2002 Environmental Impact Assessment Study due to the expansion of mining activity of the Tamnava West lignite field in the Kolubara Basin area in Central Serbia
- 2002 Resettlement Plan for the affected households of the villages Kalenic and Mali Borak due to the expansion of mining activity of the Tamnava West lignite field in the Kolubara Basin area in Central Serbia
- 2001-02 Strategic Action Plan for the Prespa Lakes area for the establishment of a multi-national ecological park
- 2001 Establishment of business incubators in areas of industrial decline in Bulgaria
- 2001 Feasibility study for the development of a logistics center in the 0.8 Ha site owned by ELBIEMEK in Oinofyta
- 2000-01 Strategic development plan for the underdeveloped mountainous zone of Lefkada island
- 1998-99 Upgrading of the image of the city of Athens and its immediate periphery in view of the 2004 Olympic Games
- 1998 Feasibility Study of the rehabilitation of the Old Bazaar and the development of the new industrial park of Korca, Albania, funded by the EU
- 1997-98 Development plan for the region of Arcadia in the Peloponnese
- 1997 Editing of the Terms of Reference for the protection and development of the walled town Stanjel, Slovenia
- 1997 Business plan for the development of the Zahrada Zech exhibition centre in Northern Bohemia, funded by the EU
- 1995 Business plan for the development of an office block in central Athens as a National Book Centre
- 1993-94 Regional Development Plan for the coast of Epirus, Northwestern Greece

Books/Monographs

Anderson, Isobel, Isabel Baptista, Judith Wolf, Bill Edgar, Lars Benjaminsen, Αristides Sapounakis and Heinz Schoibl (2006) “The Changing Role of Service Provision: Barriers of Access to Health Services for Homeless People“, FEANTSA, Brussels. (ISBN 9789075529586).
Anderson, Isobel, Isabel Baptista, Judith Wolf, Bill Edgar, Αristides Sapounakis and Heinz Schoibl (2005) “Services for Homeless People and Inter-Agency Working“, FEANTSA, Brussels. (ISBN 9075529546).
Edgar, Bill, Isobel Anderson, Isabel Baptista, Judith Wolf, Αristides Sapounakis and Heinz Schoibl, (2004)“Organisational factors affecting the delivery of services in Europe“, FEANTSA, Brussels. (ISBN 9075529414).
Edgar, Bill, Isobel Anderson, Isabel Baptista, Judith Wolf, Sirkka-Liisa Karkkainen, Αristides Sapounakis and Heinz Schoibl (2003) “Service provision for homeless people in Europe: Regulation and funding Implications for service development“, FEANTSA, Brussels. (ISBN 9075529201).

Chapters in collective volumes

Sapounakis A., (2009) ‘Landscape management of the periphery of four small dams in river Aliakmon’ in 25 documents on the Spatial Development, Department of Planning and Regional Development of the University of Thessaly, Thessaly University Publications, Volos, 2009, pp. 167-191.
Sapounakis A., “Homelessness in a Mediterranean Country: the Case of Greece” in ‘Homelessness in Europe’, edited by V. Polakow και C. Guillean, Greenwood Publishing, University of Michigan, 2000.
Sapounakis A., “Urgent Accommodation Shelters for Homeless People in Greece: Who provides the Services and Who Uses them”, in “Coping with Homelessness: Issues to be tackled and Best Practices in Europe”, edited by Dragana Avramov, Ashgate, Aldershot, Brookefield USA, 1999.
Sapounakis A., “Responses to Youth Homelessness by the Statutory Authorities in Greece”, in “Youth Homelessness in the European Union”, edited by Dragana Avramov, FEANTSA, Brussels, 1998.
Sapounakis A. & Economou D., “Social Exclusion and Housing Policy” prepared for “Social Exclusion in Greece” conducted by EKKE – Hellenic Centre of Social Research (in collaboration with D. Economou), Athens, 1996 (in Greek).

Journals articles with reviews

Sapounakis A.& Katapidi I, (2017) “Evictions from primary residences in Greece: Methodological concerns regarding the collection of data from Civil Courts’ records for tenancies” Homeless in Europe, bi-annual edition by FEANTSA Brussels, Volume 11 (2), September 2017, Brussels.
Sapounakis, A. (2014) «Peri-urban landscape in Greece; threats and perspectives», Aeihoros Nov 2014, pp. 58-80, University of Thessaly (in Greek).
Sapounakis, A. (2010) «Housing conditions of immigrants in Greece: A challenge to their smooth integration in the Greek society», Homeless in Europe, FEANTSA (Federation d’ Associations Nationaux Travaillant avec les Sans-Abri), Brussels, Summer 2010, pp.4-6.
Lalenis, K., Sapounakis, A. (2010), «From Decay to Opportunity: Planning Education as a Means for Reversing the Impacts of Economic Crisis», ‘Transactions, Centre of Education in the Built Environment’ vol.7, 2, pp. 70-94, December 2010, ISSN: 1745-0322 http://ctiweb.cf.ac.uk/transactions/list.php?identifier=cebe.ltsn.ac.uk:437390273114&edition=7.2.
Sapounakis A. (1997) “Pedestrian space in Greece and the problematic use of the private motor car”, ‘Environment and Justice’, vol.1, January-April 1997, pp.43-66.

Journals articles without reviews

Sapounakis, Α. Stathakis, D, (2014) “Methods of landscape analysis and design” introduction to the Aeihoros special edition on Landscape, University of Thessaly, Volos November 2014.
Sapounakis, A. (2007) ‘Γωνιές αστέγων’ in ‘Architektones’ vol. 63, B period, Athens May/June 2007.
Sapounakis, A. (2002) ‘Migration and Access to Housing in Greece’ in Newsletter of FEANTSA titled ‘Immigration and Homelessness’ FEANTSA, winter 2002.

Conference proceedings with reviews

Apostolou, G. and Sapounakis, A. “Urban Regeneration as a Policy for the Development of Tourism and Culture: the Case of Palaia in Volos” 5^th Hellenic Conference of Planning and Regional Development, September 2018.
Samaras, N. and Sapounakis, A. “The Approach to Authenticity in Viewing the Centres of European Cities” 5^th Hellenic Conference of Planning and Regional Development, September 2018.
Nentoudi, I. and Sapounakis, A. “The River as a Challenge for Urban Development” 5^th Hellenic Conference of Planning and Regional Development, September 2018.
Sapounakis, A. and Nikiforos, G. (2017) “Identity and Identifiability of Aegean island settlements and the special case of Lakki in Leros”, 2^nd National Placemarketing & Branding Conference organized by the University of Thessaly, Larisa 2017.
Sapounakis, A. and Nikiforos, G. (2017) ‘Protection and Enhancement of Ambivalent Cultural Heritage; the Case of Lakki, Leros island, Greece’ at the International Conference “Nature & Culture: Heritage in Context” organized by the University of Massachusetts and the Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague 2016.
Sapounakis, A. “Rented Accommodation in the Period of Economic Crisis in Greece” 4^th Hellenic Conference of Planning and Regional Development, September 2015.
Sapounakis, A. “The need for Interventions in a Medium Sized City in Greece: the Case of Volos” 4^th Hellenic Conference of Planning and Regional Development, September 2015.
Sapounakis, A. (2014) “Housing in Greece during the economic crisis”, proceedings of the 5th international conference organized by the Hellenic Social Policy Association, Panteion University, Athens 2014.
Sapounakis, A. (2012) ”Mediterranean Networks and the Shaping of Built Form’ at the 3rd International Conference on Heritage and Sustainable Development organized by the Green Lines Institute for Sustainable Development, Porto 2012.
Rogogkou I., Sapounakis A., Lalenis K., (2009) ‘The role of boundaries in the behavior and predisposition of users of space’ 2nd Hellenic Conference of Planning and Regional Development, vol.1, Thessaly University Publications Volos, pp. 539-546 (in Greek).
Sapounakis A., Athanassopoulou E., Zoulias A., (2009) ‘Analysis of the Impact of the General Master Plan for Greece in private Businesses’, 2nd Hellenic Conference of Planning and Regional Development, vol.1, Thessaly University Publications Volos, pp. 35-42 (in Greek).
Sapounakis, A. (1998) “Social Housing in Europe and in Greece”, in ‘the Perspectives of Social Housing in Greece’, conference organized by the Worker’s Housing Association OEK, Athens 1998 (in Greek).

Announcements in scientific conferences without proceedings

Sapounakis, A. “Improving the image of medium sized cities in Greece: the case of Alexandroupoli” in the meeting organized by the municipality of Alexandroupoli on the Future of the Alexandroupoli, January 2019.
Sapounakis, A. “The Management of Cultural Heritage as a Lever for the Development of Mountainous Areas” in the Conference for Development Strategies in Mouzaki Greece December 2018.
Sapounakis, A. “The dynamics of the modern society against the exceptional natural and man-made environment of Mount Pelion in Central Greece” in the 8^th International Conference on Tourism and Sustainable Development in Kathmandu May 2018.
Sapounakis, A. ‘Regeneration of run down urban waterfronts: the case of Heraklion in Crete’, INURA (International Nerwork of Urban Research and Action) conference, Havana, Cuba, November 2017.
Sapounakis, A. ‘Mediterranean Networks and the Shaping of Built Form’ 3rd international conference on Heritage and Sustainable Development organized by the Green Lines Institute for Sustainable Development, Porto, June 2012. (awarded presentation).
Katapidi, I. Sapounakis, A. ‘Location patterns and social integration of economic immigrants: a comparative analysis of the Greek and Northern European context’, European Conference on Homelessness, Migration and Demographic Change in Europe organized by FEANTSA, Pisa, September 2011.
Sapounakis, A. ‘Mediterranean Places and Networks’ round table on ‘The Mediterranean Experience of a Common, Collective and Plural Past’ at the International Conference “Why does the Past matter” organized by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, May 2011.
Sapounakis, A. ‘Immigrants in Greece: are they welcomed or not?’ Just Metropolis International Conference organized by the Plannersnetwork, Berkeley San Fransisco, June 2010.
Sapounakis, A. ‘The early stages in the Life of Immigrants in Greece: a Case of Extreme Conditions of Poverty and Homelessness’ European Conference on Homelessness and Poverty in Europe organized by FEANTSA, Paris, September 2009.

Conference proceedings without reviews

Komninou, E. and Sapounakis, A. “The impact of the current economic crisis on the access to housing for vulnerable social groups in Greece” AESOP annual Conference, Venice, July 2019.
Komninou, E. and Sapounakis, A. “Komninou, E. and Sapounakis, A. “The impact of the current economic crisis on the access to housing for vulnerable social groups in Greece” AESOP annual Conference, Goteborg, July 2018.
Sapounakis, A. and Chatzikyriakou, F. The New Museum of the Acropolis: a ray of hope amidst the harsh reality of the Greek financial crisis” AESOP annual Conference, Goteborg, July 2018.
Katapidi, I. and Sapounakis, A. “How do conservation policies affect the way in which people value heritage”, AESOP annual Conference, Lisbon, July 2017.
Sapounakis, A. “Rented accommodation in Greece: Shortcomings and challenges in view of the recent economic crisis” 4^th World planning Schools Congress Rio de Janeiro 2016.
Sapounakis, A. “Cultural development in the Mediterranean basin as perceived by the shaping of built form” 4^th World planning Schools Congress Rio de Janeiro 2016.
Filis D. and Sapounakis, A. “The consolidation of two refugees settlements in Athens, through a thematic public space which revives the historical memory of Asia Minor Disaster” AESOP annual Conference, Prague, July 2015.
Athanasopoulou, E., Katapidi, I. and Sapounakis, A. ‘Securing Public Space in the Greek City: Institutional and Legal Defficiencies’ AESOP annual Conference, Ankara, July 2012.
Alexis, A, Katapidi, I. and Sapounakis, A. ‘Urban regeneration of the Heraklion Western Waterfront’ AESOP annual Conference, Helsinki, July 2010.
Athanasopoulou, E., Sapounakis, A. ‘The Image of the City and Cultural Events: The Case of the Patras Carnival Festival’ AESOP annual Conference, Liverpool, UK, July 2009.
Athanasopoulou, E., Sapounakis, A. (2008), ‘Patras, European Cultural Capital of 2006: a lost chance in urban development and planning context for the third largest Greek city’ 3^rd World planning Schools Congress, Chicago, USA, July 2008.

Other work

Discussion and Working Papers

Filis, D. &. Sapounakis, A. (2015), ‘Reviving the historical memory and promoting the understanding among different cultures: The consolidation and transformation of two refugee settlements in central Athens’ DPRD discussions papers 2018, 24 (2) pp.15-36.
Sapounakis, A. (2012), ‘Mediterranean Networks and the Shaping of Built Form’ DPRD discussions papers 2018, 24 (4) pp.49-58.
Athanasopoulou, E., Katapidi, I. & Sapounakis, A. (2012), ‘Securing Public Space in the Greek City: Institutional and Legal Defficiencies’ DPRD discussions papers 2018, 24 (3) pp. 37-48.
Athanasopoulou, E. & Sapounakis, A. (2008), ‘Patras, European Cultural Capital of 2006: a lost chance in urban development and planning context for the third largest Greek city’ DPRD discussions papers 2018, 24 (1) pp.1-14.

Reports

Research on homelessness, published and circulated in limited number of copies by FEANTSA
- 2005-06 Barriers to Health Care for Homeless People in Greece
- 2004-05 Interagency working in Policies and Services for the Homeless in Greece
- 2003-04 Organizational Parameters that affect the Delivery of Services for the Homeless in Greece
- 2002-03 Funding and Management of Services for the Homeless in Greece
- 2001-02 Migration and Homelessness in Greece
- 2000-01 Access to Housing for Vulnerable Social Groups in Greece
- 1999 Women and Homelessness in Greece
- 1998 Best Practices for Homeless People in Greece
- 1997 Support in Housing for Homeless People in Greece
- 1996 Youth Homelessness in Greece
- 1995 Risk of Becoming Homeless in Greece
- 1994 Housing Rights in Greece
- 1993 Dimensions of Homelessness in Greece
Other research on homelessness
- 2014-15 Promoting protection of the right to housing – Homelessness prevention in the context of evictions
- 2000-01 European initiative INTEGRA
- 1997-98 European project EUROHOME
Research on urban development issues
- 2010-11 The character of the peri-urban landscape in the Region of Magnesia, Greece
- 2008-09 Housing conditions of immigrants in Greece
- 2003-04 Exploration of the development potential of the centre and coastal front of the town of Nea Iraklitsa, Northern Greece
- 2003-04 Investigation of the best possible manner to restore the dock of the Hydra harbor
- 2000 Exploration of the development potential of the deprived western coastal front of Herakleion, Crete
- 1994 The character of pedestrianization schemes in modern Greek cities

Edition of Special Issues

Sapounakis, A. and Stathakis, D. (2014) Editors of the special edition of Aeihoros journal on “Methods of Analysis and Management of the Greek Landscape” November 2014 (in Greek).

Other publications

“Good Practices for the Landscape. Catalogue of Good Practices for the Landscape in Periurban Areas and Third edition of the Mediterranean Landscape Award 2011” (2012), Pays.Med.Urban, http://www.paysmed.net/upl_download/allegato_spa-18.pdf
“Virtual Observatory of the Mediterranean Urban Landscape” (2012), Final report of the European Programme Pays.Med.Urban, http://www.paysmed.net/upl_download/allegato_spa-14.pdf.
“Periurban Landscapes_Landscape Planning Guidelines” (2012), Final report of the European Programme Pays.Med.Urban, http://www.paysmed.net/pays-urban/pdf/LINEE%20GUIDA%20ITALIANO.pdf
“Evolving landscapes_European Landscape Convention and Participation, the Pilot Actions of the Pays.Med.Urban Project” (2012), Final report of the European Programme Pays.Med.Urban, http://www.programmemed.eu/uploads/tx_ausybibliomed/PMU_8_REPORT_ABOUT_THE_PILOT_ACTIONS_EXPERIENCES_EN_IT_01.pdf
“Paesaggio e Attrativita dei Territori e dei Talenti” (2012), Final report of the European Programme Pays.Med.Urban, http://www.paysmed.net/upl_doc_upload/allegato-139-1.pdf
‘Awareness Raising on Landscape’ (2012), Final report of the European Programme Pays.Med.Urban, http://www.programmemed.eu/uploads/tx_ausybibliomed/PMU_7_AWARENESS-RAISIN_ON_LANDSCAPES_EN_IT_01.pdf
MedWet (2003) “Strategic Action Plan for the Sustainable Development of the Prespa Park“, the Prespa lakes protection Institute, medwet.org/prespa/publications/sapen.pdf
Ministry of the Housing and Environment (1996) «National Report for Habitat II in Istanbul», Ministry of Housing and Environment.