Sofia Avgerinou – Kolonia is an Architect, graduated from the National Technical University of Athens (N.T.U.A.) (1973) and Emeritus Professor at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of the School of Architecture, NTUA.

She holds a Doctorat of ΕΗΕSS in the field of Urban Geography (1986), a diploma from the Institute of Regional Development of Panteion University (1980) and of D.E.A. a l’ Histoire et Civilisation (Études Urbaines) of the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales-Paris. (EHESS, 1981). For her studies in France, she received the Onassis Foundation scholarship.

As a freelancer, she has worked on urban planning and developmental projects in the public sector.

From 1982 to the present, her teaching and research interests range in the field of Urban and Regional Planning. More specifically, she deals with issues of analysis and developmental planning of historical centers, historical towns and villages, as well as with research and recording of the processes of changing rural and urban areas, particularly areas in crisis: sensitive urban and rural area, areas with limited resources, that are seeking new, alternative directions for development in today’s swiftly changing reality.

Her recent research activity, of which she was the Scientific Coordinator, includes the research project: “ENPICBCMED_CROSS_BORDER COOPERATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN: MEDNETA – Mediterranean cultural network to promote creativity in the arts, crafts and design for communities regeneration in historical cities” (2014-2016), “SUPREME – Supporting maritime spatial Planning in the Eastern Mediterranean” (2016-2018), a research project within the framework of the «EASME/EMFF/2015/1.2.1.3» program. as well as ENI CBC MED “Promoting Upcycling in Circular Economy through Innovation and Education for creative industries in Mediterranean cities / INNOMED-UP” (2019-2022) in progress, and ENI CBC MEDITERRANEAN SEA BASIN PROGRAMME CARISMED-Capitalization for Re-setting Innovation and Sustainability in MED-Cities (2021-2022) in progress.

She is the President of SEPOH (Association of Greek Urban and Spatial Planners). She is also a founding member and has been President of the Society of Friends of the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens.

She has been:

• Director of the Laboratory for Spatial Planning and Urban Development (2005-2018) and Head of the Sector of Urban and Regional planning of the School of Architecture at NTUA (2004-2007, 2010-2013, 2014-2017).

• Member of the Scientific Committee for the Regulatory Plans & Urban Studies and also member of the Standing Committee of the Regional Planning of the Technical Chamber of Greece.

• Elected Member of the Scientific Committee of Architects at the Technical Chamber of Greece and of the Greek Architects Association. Today is member of the Disciplinary Board of the Technical Chamber of Greece.

• Elected member of Icomos board International Council of Monuments & Sites, for three consecutive terms (2008, 2011, and 2014). Member of ICOMOS Academy. Vice President of ICOMOS Hellenic.

• President of the International Scientific Committee of Historic Towns & Villages (CIVVIH) of ICOMOS. In her capacity she introduced the “Principles of Valetta for the Safeguarding and Management of Historic Cities, Towns and Urban Areas” adopted in 2011 by the ICOMOS 17th General Assembly in Paris.