Organizing Committee

DesArDo Lab is a multidisciplinary research unit established in the faculty of Applied Arts and Design. The research that’s done under its auspices is focused on issues of design creativity and aesthetics, human-centered spaces and interior architecture, sustainability and visual communication. The lab is dedicated to the study and development of innovative concepts and technologies that bridge the realms of design, architecture, and communication.

Through its collaboration with local communities, the DesArDo Lab aims to promote design as a tool to formulate social and interactive spaces in the public sphere. The lab has 15 founder members of the academic staff of 3 departments of the faculty, 12 collaborating researchers, 6 PhD candidates and 1 post-doc researcher.

The lab works on a range of initiatives, including the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in interior design, historical documentation of spaces, and the creation of immersive experiences. It fosters collaboration between designers, architects, and audiovisual professionals to generate innovative solutions for cultural heritage, sustainable architecture, and media production.

By combining design, technology, and audiovisual documentation, the DesArDo Lab plays a pivotal role in promoting design theories. For this reason, it publishes the International Journal “Design| Arts |Culture” (ISSN 2732-6926) in collaboration with a yearly rotation of 5 partner Universities. DAC is a digital open access and peer-reviewed multi-disciplinary journal, running at the Greek National Documentation Center’s Platform. (https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/DAC)

Web: https://designlab.uniwa.gr

Prof. Zoe GEORGIADOU is the Director of DesArDo Lab (Design, Interior Architecture, and Audiovisual Documentation Laboratory) since 2015, and the Chief editor of the International Journal “Design| Arts |Culture” (DAC), since 2019.

Prof. Zoe Georgiadou is a full professor in the Department of Interior Architecture at the University of West Attica. Her expertise lies in the field of design theory and interior architecture, focused on space’s materiality and syntactic characteristics, as well as its meaning as field for social coexistence and action. Her research interests include sustainable architecture, social design, and constructive materials innovation.

She holds a Ph.D. from the School of Architecture of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), where her research addressed the intersection of architectural design and social sciences in the context of spatial environments. Additionally, Professor Georgiadou holds a Bachelor (with integrated MSc) in Architecture from NTUA and a Bachelor, in Interior Architecture from the School of Graphic and Decorative Arts from the Technological Educational Institution of Athens.

Her published work includes 7 books and 50 peer- reviewed articles and conference papers. She is a reviewer, in several journals, and a member of several organizational and scientific committees. She has been elected Dean of the School of Art Studies (2010-2014) and Director of the Master Program of “Interior Architecture: Sustainable and Social Design” of the Department of Internal Architecture (2020-21).

As director of Design, Interior Architecture, and Audiovisual Documentation Lab, professor Georgiadou has established memorandum agreements for collaboration between the lab and several local communities in the context of design, architecture, and communication.

Assist. Prof. Angelos PSILOPOULOS is a Founding Member of DesArDo Lab (Design, Interior Architecture, and Audiovisual Documentation Laboratory) at the University of West Attica. He holds a Ph.D. in the Theory of Architecture and specializes in the historical and critical interpretation of interior spaces and design practices.

Prof. Psilopoulos studied Architecture at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and continued his studies at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), where he completed his master’s and Ph.D. degrees with a scholarship from the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) between 2003 and 2007.

He has been practicing as an architect since 1998 and has been teaching continuously at the Department of Interior Architecture of the University of West Attica (formerly: Department of Interior Architecture, Decoration, and Object Design of the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Athens) since 2003. In 2014, he became a tenured member of the teaching and scientific staff.

His research focuses on Architectural Theory, Historical and Critical approaches to Interior Architecture, Design and issues of Adaptive Reuse, and Design Education with a keen focus on the creation of meaning. His research background also includes the study of Architectural Competitions. He has participated in numerous international research projects and published articles in reputable scientific journals and conferences.

As a member of the DesArDo Lab, Prof. Psilopoulos plays a crucial role in exploring and expanding knowledge in the field of Interior Architecture, drawing from the past to create innovative, sensitive, grounded approaches for innovative design solutions.

Assist. Prof. Penelope PETSINI studied photography in Athens and the UK, holding an MA in Image and Communication from Goldsmiths College, University of London, and a PhD from the University of Derby, both supported by the State Scholarship Foundation (I.K.Y.). Her research, both in terms of theory and practice, focuses on photography’s relationship to memory, history, and politics.

She has exhibited and published widely in Greece and internationally, and has curated numerous photography and visual art exhibitions. Recent curatorial projects include Another Life: Human Flows | Unknown Odysseys (Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, 2016–2017); Sites of Memory (Benaki Museum, 2016); and the major historical exhibition (Her)stories: Photographic Practices, 1974–2024 (MOMus). She also curated the 2018 Photobiennale with two group exhibitions—Capitalist Realism: Future Perfect | Past Continuous—at the Museum of Photography and the Center of Contemporary Art/MOMus, along with the accompanying publication (University of Macedonia Press, 2018).

Her recent publications include Sites of Memory: Photography, Collective Memory and History (2016); Censorship in Greece (2016) and Companion of Censorship in Greece: Weak Democracy, Dictatorship, Metapolitefsi (2018), co-edited with Dimitris Christopoulos; as well as Photography and Collective Identities: Greek Photography Studies I (2021) and Photography and the Anthropological Turn: Greek Photography Studies II (2023), co-edited with John Stathatos.

She was Principal Investigator of the postdoctoral research project CIVIL (Censorship in Cinema and Visual Arts: The Greek Experience from the Post-War Years to the Present, 2018–2022, ELIDEK, Panteion University). Since 2004, she has taught photography theory and contemporary art at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has lectured in the MA programs Political Science and Modern History (Panteion University, 2018–2023) and Art and the Public Sphere (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). She is Assistant Professor at the Department of Photography and Audiovisual Arts, University of West Attica.

Space, Aesthetics, and Sustainability (S.A.S.) Research Lab is based at the Department of Interior Architecture within the School of Applied Arts and Culture, University of Western Attica. This lab explores the intersection of space design, aesthetic theory, and sustainability practices, with an emphasis on their integration within architectural and environmental contexts. The lab’s activities aim to advance research in spatial theory, promote the understanding of aesthetics as a critical aspect of design, and highlight the importance of sustainability in both new constructions and the restoration of heritage buildings.

A key goal of the lab is to bridge traditional knowledge with cutting-edge research, offering a platform for new perspectives in interior architecture. The lab not only supports educational initiatives at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels but also engages in collaborations with universities, research centers, and professional associations both locally and internationally. This helps ensure that students are exposed to the latest developments in the field and contribute actively to the scientific community’s understanding of spatial design.

Additionally, the lab’s focus on sustainability advocates for the application of eco-friendly practices in all aspects of spatial design, including construction and urban planning. This commitment is reflected in the lab’s research projects, which analyze sustainable methodologies and strategies in real-world scenarios. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, the lab also contributes to the development of new educational frameworks, ultimately enhancing the reputation and appeal of the Department of Interior Architecture.

Web: https://spaceaestheticssustainability.wordpress.com

Prof. Eleni TATLA is an architect and holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh. She has been teaching at the Department of Interior Architecture, School of Applied Arts and Culture, University of West Attica (UNIWA), since 1990. Currently, she holds the position of Full Professor in Architectural Theory and Design. In addition to her role at UNIWA, Prof. Tatla has been a long-term collaborator with the Interdepartmental Master’s Program in Architecture at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), where she teaches the philosophy of architecture.

Her research interests focus on the integration of architectural theory with sustainable design, aesthetics, and sustainability. As the Director of the Research Laboratory of Space, Aesthetics, and Sustainability (S.A.S.), she leads interdisciplinary research and collaborations with national and international institutions. She is currently the acting President of the Department of Interior Architecture and has been the Associate Director of the Master’s Program in “Interior Architecture: Sustainable and Social Design” since 2018.

Prof. Tatla has contributed to numerous research projects and publications aimed at promoting sustainability and aesthetics within architectural design. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between theory and practice in the field of architecture.

She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Society of Aesthetics  (https://hellenicaesthetics.gr/?lang=en).

Articon Lab, established in 2015, specializes in the application of advanced technologies in diagnosis, documentation, conservation-restoration, governance and promotion of cultural heritage collections, with a focus on visual art, books and archival material. The lab supports both educational and research activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It conducts research, organizes scientific events, develops training & lifelong learning programs and collaborates with various institutions, both domestic and international. Additionally, ARTICON engages in raising awareness about the importance of cultural heritage protection and provides advisory services. The lab’s activities also include the actualization of competitive national and international research projects and grants as well as service provision to private and public entities.

Web: http://articon.lab.uniwa.gr

Prof. Athina Georgia ALEXOPOULOU is a Chemical Engineer at the Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art at University of West Attica. She holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the National Technical University of Athens, focusing on diagnostic methods for conservation science in art. She is teaching at UniWA since 1985, becoming a full professor in 1999. Prof. Alexopoulou is a member of the University Board of Directors and scientific advisor of the National Gallery and Alexandros Soutzos Museum as well as recently completed her appointment in the Scientific Advisor Committee of the National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation

Prof. Alexopoulou founded and leads ARTICON Lab, specializing in advanced interdisciplinary applications for the conservation and governance of artworks and cultural heritage collections. Her research spans non-destructive diagnostic methods, spectral imaging, and chemical microanalysis for which she has received funding from multiple competitive national and European research grants. She has substantial experience working with paintings, frescoes, ceramics, and manuscripts, and has contributed significantly to scientific literature, by authoring books, monographs, educational manuals and a number of scientific articles and conference papers. Her educational contributions are also recognized in open academic resources, providing accessible learning materials on topics of conservation and cultural heritage management.

The Research Laboratory for the Study and Conservation of Ancient and Modern Cultural Properties (CULTLAB) was established in 2019 with the primary aim of supporting research and education in the study, protection, and conservation of both Cultural and Natural Heritage. It is composed of members with extensive experience in conservation, education, and research, many with over thirty years of expertise. This is evident through their participation in national, international, and European research programs, institutional collaborations, and their role in supervising postgraduate theses and doctoral dissertations.

The laboratory’s expertise enables it to provide high-level research and educational services in the protection and conservation of cultural and natural heritage. It is involved in strategic planning and field studies for conservation projects, offering consulting and technical support, as well as drafting comprehensive technical reports. Furthermore, the laboratory conducts diagnostic tests to characterize and evaluate the condition of materials used in the construction of artworks, cultural artifacts, and heritage sites. In addition, it specializes in the study and implementation of preventive conservation measures, alongside designing and preparing conservation work proposals.

CULTLAB also undertakes the execution of conservation tasks on monuments, artworks, and cultural objects, and is at the forefront of developing new materials, technologies, and practices related to conservation. It is actively involved in the supervision of museums, monuments, and heritage sites, assessing their preservation environment, and evaluating the effectiveness of conservation interventions. Moreover, the laboratory contributes to the development of interpretive tools for museum displays of cultural artifacts and conducts research on the materials, technologies, and techniques of conservation for cultural heritage objects and their replicas.

CULTLAB’s role extends to historical and technological research to interpret artworks and archaeological studies to identify the origin, typology, and history of cultural objects. The laboratory’s comprehensive expertise allows it to address both theoretical and practical challenges in cultural heritage conservation, fostering collaboration with academic institutions, museums, and cultural organizations globally. Through its efforts, the laboratory makes a significant contribution to the safeguarding of shared cultural heritage.

Web: https://cultlab.uniwa.gr/

Prof. Vasiliki (Bessie) ARGYROPOULOS is a Professor of Metals Conservation at the University of West Attica and Director of CULTLAB. She has been actively involved in European and national research projects, including Horizon 2024-2028 on advanced photonics for cultural heritage monitoring. Her research focuses on the conservation of antiquities, corrosion studies, and the development of innovative conservation materials and techniques. She has led major international projects, such as PROMET (EC 6th FP) and “Witness the Past” (EC Culture Programme), contributing to advancements in conservation science.

With a background in chemistry and a Ph.D. in cultural heritage conservation, Prof. Argyropoulos has held prestigious research positions at institutions such as the Canadian Conservation Institute and ARC’Antique in France. She has collaborated on conservation initiatives across Europe and the Arab region, playing a key role in the development of diagnostic analysis methods for metals and composite artifacts. She also served as the Convenor of the European standards technical committee CEN/TC 346 WG2, focusing on materials conservation, and as a board member of ENCoRE.

Beyond research, she has been instrumental in shaping conservation education and training, supervising numerous Ph.D. and Master’s students while organizing international workshops and conferences. She has coordinated conservation efforts for significant cultural heritage sites and artifacts, including the iron paddle wheel from the “Patris” shipwreck (1868). Her commitment to international collaboration is reflected in her contributions to standardizing conservation practices and promoting mobility for conservation professionals across Europe.

Prof. Argyropoulos has published extensively, with over 70 peer-reviewed articles, as well as edited books and journals on cultural heritage conservation. She continues to drive innovation in conservation science, integrating sustainability, advanced materials, and digital technologies into her research and teaching.

The Architectural Conservation Laboratory, in accordance with recent developments in the scientific and technical field of conservation, focuses its activities on the characterization and quality control of materials; the evaluation of their properties and microstructure; the examination of surfaces and interfaces (materials/materials, materials/environment); the investigation of the physicochemical properties and durability of materials over time and under environmental exposure; the evaluation of the environmental impact on the surfaces of architectural and building materials; and the evaluation of the environmental impact of materials on the environment.

The main research team’s scientific field is the study of the pathology, conservation, and protection of architectural monuments and sculptures, as documented by their scientific and teaching work. The research group participates in international research and educational projects and maintains a wide range of collaborations with other educational and research institutions (NTUA, EKPA, AUTH, University of the Aegean, University of the Peloponnese, NCSR “Demokritos,” FORTH), the Ministry of Culture (Directorates and Ephorates of Antiquities), and international organizations and institutions (ICCM, ICOM-CC, IIC, ICCROM, Getty Conservation Institute, J.M. Kaplan Fund).

Web: http://acl.uniwa.gr

Assist. Prof. Alexis STEFANIS is teaching architectural conservation at the Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art of the University of West Attica.  He is a graduate of the same Department (1997), holds a master’s degree (MSc) in Conservation for Archaeology and Museums from the Institute of Archaeology, University College London (1999) and a PhD degree from the Department of Environment, University of the Aegean (2008). He has worked at the Greek Ministry of Culture as a Head architectural conservator and has produced a significant number of studies on the restoration of the building and decorative elements of historic buildings.

He was elected tenured member of the Faculty at the Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art of the University of West Attica in 2011. He has been involved in a number of projects concerning the conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of architectural heritage such as the restoration of historic buildings of the Medieval city of Rhodes, the restoration and rehabilitation of the archaeological site of Akrotiri in Thera (Santorini), the study for the architectural remains of the Neolithic settlement of Dispilio, Kastoria, and the study and risk assessment of the Minoan sites of Mochlos and Pseira in Crete, an ongoing training project of the Architectural Conservation Laboratory of the University of West Attica. He is an expert member of the European Committee for Standardization. The results of his research have been published at various international conferences and journals.

GRAPHMEDLAB is dedicated to advancing the fields of graphic arts, printing technologies, and media communication. Through interdisciplinary research, it explores innovative materials, sustainable printing methods, and novel applications for the creative industry.

Since its establishment, GRAPHMEDLAB has actively participated in academic research, industry collaborations, and European projects, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly printing solutions and smart packaging materials. The lab has also been engaged in the EKFI Plus Erasmus KA2 project, focusing on the creation of innovative educational resources for the cultural and creative sectors.

The mission of GRAPHMEDLAB is to bridge scientific research with industrial applications, fostering sustainable and cutting-edge technologies in printing, packaging, and visual communication. By integrating modern digital workflows, functional printing, and material science, the lab aims to drive innovation while addressing contemporary challenges in environmental sustainability and technological evolution.

With a strong network of academic and professional partners, GRAPHMEDLAB continues to shape the future of graphic media and printing technologies, ensuring their adaptation to the rapidly evolving digital and sustainable landscape.

Web: https://graphmedlab.uniwa.gr

Assist. Prof. Marios TSIGONIAS specializes in Graphic Arts, Printing Technologies, and Sustainable Materials. As Director of GRAPHMEDLAB, he leads research in advanced printing processes, functional materials, and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Holding degrees in Graphic Arts Technology, Polymer Science, and a Ph.D. in Holistic & Environmental Packaging Design, he has collaborated with NCSR “Demokritos” on membrane technologies and protective coatings. His research integrates sustainability with printing innovation, bridging academia and industry. He serves as a Member of the Board of the Hellenic Union of Graphic Arts and Media Technology Engineers and is an active member of FESPA Hellas, promoting technological advancements in printing. Through scientific and professional initiatives, he strengthens the link between design, materials, and creative industries.

The Design and Development of Innovative Knitted Textiles and Garments Laboratory (DIKNIGA) aims to support academic and research activities related to the design, engineering, optimization, manufacturing, and quality control of fabrics, garments, and industrial products.

The lab focuses on research and development of innovative textile products (fabrics and garments), new sustainable technologies for garment design and manufacturing, digital design of knitted fabrics, sustainability and circular economy, and the development of smart materials, smart technical textiles, and multifunctional garments. Research is also conducted in detailed product design, 3D parametric modeling, CAD, and CAGD for industrial products and garments. The Laboratory was established by Decision No. 24006, published in Government Gazette Issue B’ 2070 / 04.06.2019.

The laboratory supports a large number of academic courses related to these fields, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate diploma theses, and Ph.D. dissertations. Its research facilities consist of individual rooms equipped with the necessary tools and devices to support research in areas such as knitted fabric and garment design and manufacturing, and the development of innovative textile products.

Design – Students explore creativity using specialized tools.

Manufacturing – Initial ideas are transformed into reality.

Development – The latest technologies are used to address industry challenges.

By following global trends in textile innovation, the laboratory is dedicated to teaching, learning, research, and the development of modern textile applications.

Web: https://sapke.uniwa.gr/

Prof. Georgios PRINIOTAKIS is a faculty member at the University of West Attica, School of Engineering, Department of Industrial Design and Production Engineering, where he also serves as Head of the Department. He is the Director of the DIKNIGA Research Laboratory.

He earned his Ph.D. in Textile Sensors from the Textile Department at Ghent University, Belgium, in 2005. His background is in Technical Textiles, with a focus on Intelligent Textiles and Sustainable Technology Solutions.

For several years, he served as Greece’s National Representative on boards and committees within the European Research Area of Embedded Systems. He has published numerous scientific papers and has actively participated in international conferences over the past 25 years. He is also a reviewer for various scientific journals and has been involved in multiple research and education projects. Additionally, he is a member of various scientific conference committees and serves as Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the AITAE Conference.

Dr. Priniotakis has 766 citations and an H-index of 12 on Scopus.

The Department of Photography and Audiovisual Arts aims to provide theoretical, visual, and technological education of students in the fields of photography and video, with the aim of studying and researching contemporary visual culture and the creative development of knowledge in the fields of representational arts and their applications.

Web: https://phaa.uniwa.gr

Assist. Professor Io PASCHOU holds a PhD in the History of Art from the University of Paris I-Sorbonne, Institut d’Art et d’Archéologie. She received her master’s degree from the same university in the History and Aesthetics of Photography, with a scholarship from the Alexander S. Onassis Foundation. She teaches at the Department of Photography and Audiovisual Arts of the University of West Attica since 2009. She has taught as a Lecturer in Photography at the Department of Plastic Arts and Art Sciences of the University of Ioannina (2007-2010). She has participated in international conferences in Greece and abroad, as well as in research projects of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Marina Abramovitch Institute.

She has presented solo photography exhibitions in Greece (Photosynkyria, Athens Photo Festival, etc.) and abroad (France, Luxembourg, Italy, Belgium), while works of hers have been presented in several group exhibitions (Centre Photographique d’Ile-de-France, Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, Benaki Museum, House of Cyprus). IN 2014 she organized and coordinated the international Labs held at the Onassis Foundation titled, in 2014, ‘’The photographed city: approaches and implications’ and, in 2019, ‘’The image of the city: visuals of another Athens’.

From 1999 until today, Dr. Io Paschou published scientific articles in edited volumes or proceedings of peer-reviewed conferences as well as a wealth of printed and electronic articles on photography, its history and the critical view of the medium. She has also been responsible for the scientific editing of the university textbook of the Department of Photography and Audiovisual Arts that is provided to students for the courses of Critical Theory of Photography.

Her research interests include the critical theory of photography, history and aesthetics of photography, archaeology and photography, ancient landscape and urban place as a subject of representation, the false truth of photography.