Louis WASSENHOVEN

l.wassenhoven@dpu-associates.net

[Alternative e-mail address: lwassen@arch.ntua.gr]

Specialisation
Urban and regional planning (teaching, research, writing, consultancy).

Country experience
Greece, Great Britain, European Union countries, Indonesia.


Languages
Greek (mother tongue), English, French.


Educational and professional qualifications

To date
Member, Technical Chamber of Greece and Association of Greek Urban and Regional Planners.

Past Member, Royal Town Planning Institute, UK.

1980
PhD, London School of Economics and Political Science (Dept. of Geography), University of London.

1971
Postgraduate Diploma in Planning, Architectural Association School of Architecture, London.

1967
Certificate of Studies in Town Planning Techniques, Ministry of Housing, France.

1961
Master in Architecture, National Technical University of Athens, Greece.


EMPLOYMENT AND APPOINTMENTS

2020
Member of a committee of experts for the production of a new code of urban and regional planning legislation, Greek Ministry for the Environment.

2005-to date
Professor Emeritus, National Technical University of Athens (Greece), and Researcher, Laboratory for Spatial Planning and Urban Development; teacher in postgraduate courses.

Independent consultant(urban and regional planning), Greece.

2010-2015
Member of the Board of the company Hellinikon s.a. (management and redevelopment of the site of the former Athens international airport).

2009-2013 and 2001-2002
Chairman of the Greek National Council for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development.

2005-2009
Regular Teacher (urban and regional planning), Postgraduate Course in Regional Administration, Greek National School of Public Administration; supervisor of postgraduate students.

2001-2004
Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Greek State Scholarships Foundation.

1987-1990
Chairman, Greek Centre of Development Studies / Director of European Community – funded training programmes.

1987
Chairman, Urban Planning Committee for the National 5-year Development Plan of Greece.

1985-2005
Director, Laboratory for Spatial Planning and Urban Development, National Technical University of Athens.

1983-2005
Full Professor (urban and regional planning), Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens, Greece.

1982-1983
Professor, Chair of Town Planning II, National Technical University of Athens.

1979-1980
Advisor, Regional Planning and Environment Secretariat, Ministry of Coordination, Greece (on leave from UCL).

1978-1979
Head, Long-term policy and research section,Greek Public Corporation for Planning, Urban Development and Housing (on leave from UCL).

1976-1982
Senior Lecturer, Development Planning Unit (DPU), Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning (then School of Environmental Studies), University College London (UCL), University of London.

1973-1976
Full-time Lecturer, Development Planning Unit (DPU), Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning (then School of Environmental Studies), University College London (UCL), University of London.

1972-1973
Part-time Lecturer, Development Planning Unit (DPU), Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning (then School of Environmental Studies), University College London (UCL), University of London.

1966-1969
Tutor, Chair of Town Planning, School of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens.

Researcher, Town Planning Research Centre, National Technical University of Athens, and team leader in research projects funded by the Greek government.

1964-1966
Assistant, Chair of Town Planning, School of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens.

1961-1964
Military service in the Greek Navy as 2nd Lieutenant (Public Works).



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OTHER ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

2013-2015
Member of the University Council, Polytechnic University of Crete.

2007-2008
Visiting Professor, Dept. of Geography, Harokopeion University of Athens.

1988
Australian Government Scholar for a period of 3 months at the University of Melbourne.

1983
Visiting teacher / Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia, with DPU / University College London "Bandung project".

1975-1977
Visiting teacher, Postgraduate programme in Social Planning, London School of Economics and Political Science.



Teaching at the National Technical University of Athens

  • Regular lectures and project classes in the undergraduate courses of the Schools of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying and Mining Engineering.
  • Regular lectures and project supervision in the postgraduate courses of the Schools of Architecture (urban and regional planning), Civil Engineering (water management), and Surveying (environment and development).
  • Supervisor of 12 doctoral theses of the School of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens.
  • Member of supervising committees of 18 doctoral theses of the Schools of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Surveying, National Technical University of Athens.
  • Member of examination committees of several doctoral theses.

Teaching at the Development Planning Unit, Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning, University College London

  • 1972-1982: Regular lectures and project classes in postgraduate courses.

Other lectures and examinations

  • Various lectures at the University of Melbourne, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the Architectural Association School of Architecture, the University of Thessaly (Greece), the Harokopion University of Athens, and the Greek National Centre of Public Administration.
  • External examiner of doctoral theses at the University of Manchester, the University of Strasbourg (Louis Pasteur) and the University of Paris.

Publications

See my publications list here.


Scholarship examinations

  • External examiner for the award of scholarships by the Greek State Scholarships Foundation.


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RESEARCH, TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY

Research

Note: Several of the projects undertaken as research projects of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) have an applied character and aim at providing an advisory service to government departments for policy planning purposes.



Research projects funded by European Commission or OECD

After retirement from NTUA

2010-2013
European Seas and Territorial Development, Opportunities and Risks (ESaTDOR). ESPON Project - Applied Research 2013/1/5. European Commission. 2010 – 2013. Lead Partner: University of Liverpool. Greek partner: University of Thessaly (L. Wassenhoven: Member of the research team).

2010-2011
Growing Inequality and Social Innovation: Alternative Knowledge and Practice in Overcoming Social Exclusion in Europe (KATARSIS). Coordination Action, 6th Framework Programme (Priority 7: Citizens and governance in a Knowledge-based Society), European Commission. L. Wassenhoven: Member of the NTUA research team. Lead Partner: University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

2005-2007
An eco-place approach to the identity of urban movements: An inter-scientific contribution to urban eco-development. A bi-national (French and Greek) project of scientific and technological cooperation. In cooperation with the laboratory “Image et Ville” of the Louis Pasteur University of Strasbourg. Project directors: L. Wassenhoven and Ch. Petropoulou.



Before retirement from NTUA

2004-2006
Governance of Territorial and Urban Policies from EU to Local Level,ESPON 2.3.2 Project, European Commission. L. Wassenhoven: Leader of the NTUA research team and member of the project core group. Lead Partner: University of Valencia.

2000-2002
Harmonization of spatial planning systems with European Union and OECD policy guidance and cross border co-operation: The case of Greece and Bulgaria, OECD Development Assistance Committee Programme and Ministry for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Public Works / National Technical University of Athens (collaboration with Bulgarian National Centre for Regional Planning and Housing Policy). L. Wassenhoven: Project director.

1999-2001
Spatial policy programme of regulations, projects and actions for the sustainable management of water resources in the Northern Dodecanese islands, European Union Initiative Interreg IIC and Ministry of National Economy. L. Wassenhoven: Project director.

1998-2000
Sustainability through Spatial Planning: An examination of the capacity of spatial planning systems in Europe to develop and implement policy for sustainability / SPECTRA, DG ΧII, European Commission. L. Wassenhoven: Leader of the NTUA research team. Lead Partner: University of the West of England.

1995-1997
Management Across Levels of Government, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. L. Wassenhoven: Sub-contractor and author of the chapter on Greece of the OECD publication of the same title.

1994-1997
Τhe Compendium of Spatial Planning Systems and Policies, DG ΧVI, European Commission. Contractors: “Chesterton” and University of the West of England. L. Wassenhoven: Sub-contractor and author of the volume on Greece (“The EU Compendium of Spatial Planning Systems and Policies: Greece”, European Commission, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 2000, ISBN 92-828-2692-9).


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Research projects of the National Technical University of Athens funded from Greek sources

(Project director: L. Wassenhoven)

2007
Updating and extension of the research programme on the redevelopment of the site of the Hellinikon airport in Athens. Funded by the Organization for the Master Plan and Environmental Protection of Athens (L. Wassenhoven: Research coordinator and main researcher. Project director: S. Avgerinou - Kolonia).

2002-2004
Methodology of environment-friendly tourism development: Application in the case of Mantamados. Municipality in the island of Lesvos, Mantamados Municipality.

2001-2004
An approach to peri-urban space as a spatial category from an eco-landscape perspective, Programme “Thales” of basic research, National Technical University of Athens.

2000-2001
Renewal potential and development of Olympic facilities in the old Hellinikon airport and the Agios Kosmas coastal zone, Organization for the Master Plan and Environmental Protection of Athens

2000
Two Athens neighbourhoods (Kypseli and Agios Ioannis Rentis): Historical, cultural and social determinants of urban sustainable development, Ministry for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Public Works.

1998-1999
Re-organization and relocation of road haulage firms of the industrial area of Elaionas in Athens, Association of Greek Road Hauliers.

1997-1999
Management of urban renewal areas and organization of development agencies: The case of the Elaionas industrial area in Athens, Organization for the Master Plan and Environmental Protection of Athens.

1996-2000
Critical analysis of regional spatial planning: Spatial plans and development programmes in a national and European context, General Secretariat of Research and Technology.

1996-1999
The role of 2nd tier prefectural self-government authorities and their departments in environmental, spatial and development policy and planning, Ministry for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Public Works.

1996-1998
Problems of economic and spatial restructuring of rural mountain areas: The case of the Katouna area in the Prefecture of Aetoloakarnania, Katouna Association of Municipalities.

1995-1999
Development of the site of the Athens international airport at Hellinikon, following its closure, Organization for the Master Plan and Environmental Protection of Athens.

1995-1998
Local development, use of local resources and protection of the natural and cultural environment: The case of the Vonitsa area area in the Prefecture of Aetoloakarnania, Municipality of Vonitsa.

1994-1999
Formal and informal role of the state, social institutions and client relations as factors influencing government policy on urban expansion, General Secretariat of Research and Technology.

1994-1996
Operational emergency plan of the Municipality of Athens following an earthquake disaster, Organization of Earthquake Disaster Planning and Protection and Municipality of Athens.

1994-1995
Renewal programmes of industrial zones in cities and relocation of economic activities: The case of the industrial area of Elaionas in Athens, Organization for the Master Plan and Environmental Protection of Athens.

1993-1995
Population relocation in semi-permanent shelter after an earthquake: Planning parameters, social impacts and technology of industrial production of housing units (case study: Kalamata, Peloponnese). Organization of Earthquake Disaster Planning and Protection and Secretariat of Research and Technology.

1992
Town planning restructuring and renewal of the industrial area of Elaionas in Athens, Municipality of Athens.

1991-1995
Estimation of fire hazards in forest land and disaster - spatial planning: A study of the Attica region, General Secretariat of Research and Technology.

1991-1992
Survey, viability and spatial analysis of industrial activity in the industrial area of Elaionas in Athens, Association of Municipalities for the Management and Development of Elaionas (overall project management: NTUA School of Chemical Engineering; L. Wassehoven: Head of urban planning team).

1988-1992
Vulnerability analysis and earthquake disaster mitigation in wider urban areas and small scale town planning units: The case of the commercial “triangle” of Athens, General Secretariat of Research and Technology.

Development of a data base of urban and regional information of the Attica region, Ministry of Education.

1986-1988
Preliminary study for the integrated development of a rural mountain area: The case of the province of Voion in the Prefecture of Kozani, Agricultural Bank (Co-director: El. Panagiotatou).

Spatial study of the area of the Megalopolis coal fields and power stations, Ministry for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Public Works.

Relations of economic and physical planning: Interaction of policies for the renewal in urban areas with the operation of small manufacturing firms: The case of the centre of Athens, General Secretariat of Research and Technology (Co-director: El. Panagiotatou).

1985-1989
Planning and organization of two industrial parks in the region of Attica, Ministry for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Public Works.



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Research projects of the National Technical University of Athens funded from Greek sources

(L. Wassenhoven: Member of research team)

2010
National Climate Change Adaptation Strategies of European States from a Spatial Planning and Development Perspective. German Federal Ministry for Transport, Building and Urban Development and University of Dortmund, 2010. Coordination: Prof. Stefan Greiving, University of Dortmund.

2009-2011
Enhancing resilience of communities and territories facing natural and na-tech hazards (ENSURE). Project financed by the European Commission through the Seventh Framework Programme Area “Environment”, Activity 6.1 “Climate Change, Pollution and Risks”, 2009 – 2011. Lead Partner: Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières BRGM), Paris (Director of Greek research team – Charokopeion University: K. Sapountzaki).

2008
Principles of spatial and housing re-organization of fire-stricken areas of the Eleia Prefecture – Pilot reconstruction project. National Technical University of Athens.

2005-2006
Integrated, operational development plan of the Prefecture of Athens, Prefecture of Athens (Project director: M. Angelidis / Collaboration with University of Thessaly)

2000-2003
Strategic spatial development framework for Athens and the Attica region, Ministry for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Public Works (Project director: K. Gerardi / L. Wassenhoven: Responsibility for regional spatial analysis and planning).

2000-2001
Strategic action plan for the sustainable development of small and medium towns and of the countryside, with emphasis on islands, Ministry for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Public Works (Project director: M. Angelidis).

1999-2002
Industrial activity in modern cities and choice of policies and interventions: Legislation revision for the industrial sustainable development of Attica. Ministries of Development and the Environment. National Technical University of Athens. Project director: N. Markatos.

1996-2000
Contribution of urban tourism programmes to the development and renewal of historic centres: The case if Athens. Ministry for the Environment. National Technical University of Athens. Project director: S. Avgerinou-Kolonia.

1996-1997
Programme for the development and life-quality upgrading of the island of Megisti (Castellorizo). Ministry for the Environment and Megisti Municipality. National Technical University of Athens. Coordination: L. Papagiannakis, in association with L. Wassenhoven.

1995
Functional improvements of the port of Zakynthos island. Zakynthos Port Authority. National Technical University of Athens. Coordination: K. Moutzouris. Leader of urban planning team: L. Wassenhoven.

Evaluation of the deviation plan of Acheloos River. Ministry for the Environment. National Technical University of Athens. Project director: G. Tsakiris. Head of regional planning team: L. Wassenhoven.

1993-1994
The development of the region of Thrace: Challenges and perspectives. Research programme of the Academy of Athens. Project director: L. Papagiannakis. Supervision by A. Angelopoulos, X. Zolotas and J. Pesmazoglou, members of the Academy.

1984-1985
City and earthquake. Ministry for the Environment. National Technical University of Athens. Project director; P. Carydis.

1980-1982
Energy Systems and Design of Communities (EN.SY.DE.CO.) Research project undertaken by Thymio Papayannis and Associates (project manager: Th. Papayannis; deputy project manager: L. Wassenhoven), under Annex VI of the Implementing Agreement on Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems of the International Energy Agency. Participating countries: Germany, Greece, Italy and USA. Project Operating Agent: National Energy Council, Greek Ministry of Coordination.

1969
Master plan of the city and region of Kalamata (Peloponnese). Ministry of Coordination. National Technical University of Athens. Project director: A. Aravantinos.

1968-1969
Spatial investigation of the regions of Epirus and Thessaly, settlement restructuring of earthquake-stricken area, and plans for three settlements. Ministry of Public Works. National Technical University of Athens. Project director: A. Kriesis.

1965-1968
Analysis of catchment area and master plan of the earthquake-stricken town of Andritsaina in the Peloponnese. Technical Chamber of Greece and National Technical University of Athens. Project director: A. Kriesis.



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Training programmes

(L. Wassenhoven: Programme director, unless otherwise specified)

1991
Training programme for the young of the Island of Milos, Greece, Centre of Studies on the Interdisciplinary Approach to Development for the European Social Fund (PETRA Programme). L. Wassenhoven: Member of Organizing Committee.

Training programme for unemployed university graduates on national and European Community urban development policies and programmes, National Technical University of Athens for the European Social Fund and the Greek Ministry of Labour.

1990 & 1992
Training programmes for the professional and social orientation of the young and for supporting local development in the Island of Leros, Greek Centre of Development Studies for the European Social Fund (PETRA Programme).

1986-1987
Training programme for local development officials, National Technical University of Athens for the General Secretariat of Youth.



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Consultancy

(participation in consultancy projects, in addition to applied research programmes)

2015-2020
Study of the revised Spatial Organization Plan of the Island of Skyros (Sporades Islands). Advisor to the Municipality of Skyros, in a personal advisory capacity.

2013-2017
Study of the revised General Urban Plan of the city of Naflion (Peloponnese). Municipality of Nafplion and company “Axon Environmental”.

2013-2014
Consultant to the European Commission Task Force for Greece to provide “Assistance to coordinate legislative reform processes related to land development and environment protection” (contract VC/2014/0152).

2004
Plan for the development of new industrial and business areas of national significance, ETVA-VIPE s.a. for the Greek Ministry of Development (Operational “Competitiveness” Plan).

2002
Study for the protection and improvement of three coastal zones of Cyprus. Cyprus Gevernment. Project director: K. Moutzouris.

1996
Marina in Paphos, Cyprus: Environmental impact study. Cyprus Tourism Organization and Proplan Ltd (Nicosia).

1993
Tourism development study of the Prefecture of Rethymna,Theorema s.a. for the Prefecture of Rethymna.

Socio-economic study of the development potential of the mountain area of Grammos, Greece, Theorema s.a. for the Prefecture of Kastoria.

1992
Planning operations for the transport network of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Greece) and evaluation of alternatives and impacts on the region’s development, Theorema s.a. for the Regional Secretariat of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

1983-1984
General Town Plan and Local settlement extension plan of the town of Palamas (Prefecture of Karditsa, Thessaly). Ministry for the Environment. Planning consultancy firm “Meletitiki, Company ltd.

1978-1979
Residential settlement of the Greek Aircraft Industry in Avlona: Social services and necessary land. Greek Public Company of Urban Development, Settlement and Shelter.



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