Dr Aris Gounaris to present online talk on famous urban planner, Constantinos A. Doxiadis

·

Dr Aris Gounaris will give an online-only lecture entitled Constantinos A. Doxiadis: An urban planner of global fame, on Thursday 26 August, at 7.00pm, as part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars, offered by the Greek Community of Melbourne.

Constantinos A. Doxiadis (1913-1975) was an architect/master planner educated in Greece and Germany who became one of the world’s most influential and sought-after urban planning and development consultants in the late-1950s and 1960s.

This seminar will explore the critical stages of Doxiadis’ life, including his wartime resistance and espionage activities, and his efforts to rebuild Greece after the withdrawal of the Axis powers in 1944.

The seminar will also reflect on Doxiadis’ innovative approach to urban planning, or the ‘science of human settlements’, as he called it and examine how his theories informed the master plan for a new capital city, a long way from Athens.

How did Doxiadis rise from obscurity to a prominent position in the Greek bureaucracy? How did he establish credibility with foreign power brokers, who authorised and funded his post-war reconstruction plans? How would Doxiadis help Greece get back on its feet after a brutal occupation? What did Doxiadis do in Australia prior to the most productive and successful phase of his career? And which capital city is Doxiadis most closely associated with?

To answer these questions, Dr Gounaris will bring together his knowledge of modern Europe, his passion for the history of cities and curiosity about the people that shaped them, and share some interesting stories along the way.

Aris Gounaris has a PhD in philosophy and history from La Trobe University, an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Melbourne University and a Graduate Diploma in Economics from Monash University. His thesis, Self-determination and Secession: A Remedial Rights Approach, examines the theory and practice of national self-determination with particular emphasis on the separatist conflicts in Kosovo, Chechnya and Aceh. Dr Gounaris has contributed to the ongoing debate about national self-determination through refereed publications, opinion pieces and public seminars. Dr Gounaris has delivered lectures on Nationalism in the Balkans, Greece and Yugoslavia under Nazi Occupation, Imperial Russia and Napoleon as part of La Trobe University’s Modern European History program. He also tutored in history and philosophy. Dr Gounaris is a Victorian public servant. He will present his views in a private capacity.

When: Thursday 26 August 2021, 7pm

Where: This is an online lecture and can be followed on Facebook and Youtube.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

PRONIA responds to allegations by President of Victoria’s Greek Elderly Federation

PRONIA has responded to serious allegations made by John Kostoulias, President of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizen Clubs in Victoria

The Cyprus War of Liberation: Honouring the sacrifice for a united and free island

It was to be a bloody cruel war, as the dwindling might of a fading empire became desperate to retain its global status.

Greek Rock to take over Sydney with rousing concert

The realm of Greek Rock is set to take centre stage in Sydney as IHO NYX prepares to thrill with a lively concert.

‘Speak Greek in March’ campaign sees GCM students visit Melbourne Zoo

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) City’s school unit successfully organised an educational excursion to the Melbourne Zoo.

Teen star Sam Konstas earns first Cricket Australia contract

Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old opener from New South Wales, has been awarded his first Cricket Australia contract for the 2025–26 season.

You May Also Like

Sydney restaurant Ammos earns prestigious Chef’s Hat

Ammos, located in Brighton-le-Sands, has made an impressive debut in the 2025 SMH Good Food Guide, earning a prestigious one-hat rating.

South Australia commemorates OXI Day with doxology, wreath laying and poems

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia held a commemorative event of almost 200 people for ‘OXI Day’ on Sunday.

Superstar tennis duo open up about 15-year friendship and life off the court

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis made waves at this year’s Australian Open. The duo is known famously as the “Special Ks."