Maria Olga Tomprou

Throughout my academic studies and professional work as environmental consultant, I have tried to employ tools from my natural science background, into the analysis of the urban environment and the implementation of integrated solutions in urban developments that correspond to current climate challenges. I have developed an interest to look at the potential of creating regenerative landscapes in urban transformation areas. My focal point is the integration of circularities in urban agriculture projects, with a focus on permaculture. The first part of my research provides a detailed analysis of the case of a landscape project in Klosterøya, the co-creation of an urban forest park inspired by permaculture. Through my analysis I used participatory action research to fully understand the processes of integration of the circular ideas in the landscapes, and followed the early design process. I used a series of interviews, participatory action research and document analysis in order to understand the challenges and opportunities with these solutions and the process of integration of various design ideas throughout the early design process. Drawing upon theories of ecological planning and regenerative landscape design, the specific objective of my PhD project is to critically revisit the concept of permaculture design.