Charalampos Tsavdaroglou is a distinguished researcher specializing in urban and regional planning, with a focus on critical and radical geography, refugees’ housing, and urban commons. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Rural and Surveying Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where he developed a foundational understanding of spatial analysis and planning. He then pursued a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at the same institution, where his thesis explored the dialectic relationship between commons and enclosures in spatial contexts. His research has garnered significant recognition, including top-cited articles and prestigious fellowships, reflecting his impact on the field.
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Education:
Tsavdaroglou completed his undergraduate and Master’s studies in Rural and Surveying Engineering at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. His Master’s thesis investigated transportation systems in Mediterranean metropolitan regions, focusing on Thessaloniki’s unique challenges. He furthered his academic career with a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from the same institution. His doctoral research, entitled “Commons and Enclosures: Dialectic Approach of Space,” was notable for its innovative approach and was awarded without corrections.
Experience:
Tsavdaroglou’s professional experience spans several prestigious institutions across Europe. Currently, he serves as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam, focusing on housing-energy nexus projects, and as a Principal Investigator at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, leading research on refugee solidarity cities. His previous roles include positions at the University of Thessaly, the Hellenic Open University, and as a visiting fellow at the University of Antwerp. He has also held various adjunct faculty roles, contributing to both teaching and research in urban planning and human geography.
Research Interests:
Tsavdaroglou’s research interests encompass critical urban theories, autonomy of migration, and urban commons. He is particularly concerned with the spatial justice issues faced by migrants and refugees, exploring how informal and commoning practices offer alternatives to state-run housing solutions. His work integrates aspects of postcolonial theory, intersectionality, and economic geography, focusing on how urban and social movements can reshape spatial governance and policies.
Awards:
Tsavdaroglou’s contributions to the field have been recognized with several awards. Notably, he received the Wiley Top Cited Article Award for his 2022 paper on refugees’ caring practices under COVID-19. He was also honored with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship in 2018 for his research on refugee housing rights and state policies. His proposal on refugee housing commons was awarded the Seal of Excellence in 2017, highlighting its exceptional quality and relevance.
Publications:
Tsavdaroglou’s publication record reflects his extensive research contributions. Key articles include:
“Bye bye Moria: Escape commons vs policies of military campization”, Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2024.
“Migrants in the old train wagons borderland in Thessaloniki: From abandonment to infrastructures of commοning”, Urban Planning, 2024.
“Homeless migrants’ commoning practices. ‘Our House’ solidarity project in Athens’ Omonoia square”, European Journal of Geography, 2024.
“The second displacement of refugees: Urban regeneration against commoning practices in Belgrade’s waterfront”, Antipode, 2024.
“Post-democratic governance in refugee camps versus newcomers’ architectural housing commons in Athens and Thessaloniki”, The Journal of Architecture, 2023.
“The refugees’ right to the centre of the city. City branding versus city commoning in Athens”, Urban Studies, 2022.
“Refugees’ caring and commoning practices against marginalisation under COVID-19 in Greece”, Geographical Research, 2022.