Joint Seminar Week

9-16 June 2013 | Patras, Greece

Since spatial planning and integrated infrastructure systems in Greece is a problem of strategic importance, new ideas and planning methods are urgent. Based on the Swiss-Greek Symposium preparatory meeting, Joint Seminar Week took place in Patras and was organized by ETH, University of Patras and University of Athens. The given case study was the future rail corridor between Kiato and Patras and the integration of the railway towards the sustainable urban development of Patras. Mixed student groups from the three Universities, approximately 40 students in total, provided alternative ideas for a possible gradual implementation of rail works with manageable costs. Moreover, a great approach on urban planning and architecture for sustainable growth was achieved. Despite the different background of each University the spirit of collaboration and communication was outstanding, while the critical discourse during the presentations resulted significant remarks. Furthermore, a team of interdisciplinary experts from the academic and professional field supported the process by informative lectures and continuous supervision. The final results were presented to public at the Municipal Conference Center “Agora Argyri”. Beyond the final solutions, the most important outcome of such an initiative is the spirit of cooperation and the promotion of young people in the field of spatial planning, urban planning and architecture of the European research community.