As part of the DAAD university partnership ‘Centres of the Future’ with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Rainer Danielzyk and Johanna Richter from the Spatial Planning and Regional Development work group took part in a research visit to Thessaloniki in February. The aim of this visit was to gain deeper insights into the urban and regional development processes of Thessaloniki, the region of Central Macedonia and the neighbouring region of Thessaly. A highlight of the trip was the visit to the city of Larissa. Thanks to the support of Fyllio Katsavounidou, Professor at Aristotle University, and Mr Mavidis, Managing Director of the Larissa Waterworks, the participants gained valuable insights into the strategies and developments in Larissa and the Thessaly region. They were welcomed by the President of the Thessaly region, Mr Kouretas, among others. They also visited the municipality of Thermi, a dynamically growing suburban town to the east of Thessaloniki near the airport. These visits provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and discuss current planning approaches.
After decades of construction, the Thessaloniki metro has been in operation since November 2024, a significant milestone for the city. The presentation of archaeological finds from more than 2300 years of the city's history is outstanding. The members of the work group took the opportunity to visit this too.
At the beginning of September, a summer school is planned in Hanover, also with students and teachers from Thessaloniki, to promote exchange between the partner universities.
A field trip to Thessaloniki will follow at the end of September. Further information is available at: https://future-centres.eu/
