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Dimitra Ntzani   BSc & MArch equivalent, MSc, PhD

Dr Dimitra Ntzani

(she/her)

BSc & MArch equivalent, MSc, PhD

Senior Lecturer in History and Theory of Architecture

Welsh School of Architecture

Email
NtzaniD@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 29225 10193
Campuses
Bute Building, Room Room 3.09, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB
Users
Available for postgraduate supervision

Overview

I joined the Welsh School of Architecture in January 2019.

I am an architect by training and practice since 2003, a researcher in design problematics of heritage management since 2010, and an educator of architectural history, theory and design since 2013.

I hold a Diploma in Architectural Design and Engineering and an MSc in Architectural Design, Space and Culture, from the National Technical University of Athens. I also have a doctoral degree (PhD) in design aspects of critical engagement with archaeological heritage from the University of Edinburgh. My research is interdisciplinary and brings theories and methods from cognitive studies in architectural design.

I am  a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece, the Memory Studies Association, and the Association of Critical Heritage Studies. I have collaborated with various cultural institutions (AOC Archaeology-Group, Northlight-Heritage, Kelvingrove Museum and Arts Gallery, Museum of Asian Arts Corfu) for research purposes. I am currently leading BSc Year1 programme, teach theory and design across various levels of WSA programmes, and supervise doctoral students who investigate heritage design-management phenomena.

Publication

2024

2023

2021

2016

2015

2014

2013

2007

Articles

Book sections

Conferences

Thesis

Websites

Research

My research is interdisciplinary and brings theories and methods from the field of cognitive linguistics and distributed cognition into design studies and in particular in the design management of cultural heritage. Over the past 12 years, I collaborated with various cultural institutions in Greece and Scotland, for the design/study of public exhibitions and engagement programmes (AOC Group, Northlight Heritage, Museum of Asian Arts Corfu, etc). Parts of my doctoral research were funded by Edinburgh College of Arts and the Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities.

More broadly, my research focuses on spatial metaphors as cognitive scaffoldings and their ability to shape architectural design, and support empathetic engagement in various educational environments (HE & heritage institutions). I am currently looking into metaphors that shape the design of contested, difficult or dark heritages, and at their impact on visitors' experience.

I am also member of the academic committee of a newly established GW4-funded research community that gathers and grounds academic knowlegde on architectures of alterity. Architectures of Alterity_GW4 Research Community

Last but no least, I am interested in Inclusive Design pedagogies, or in design-learning strategies that support and create more inclusive mindsets in architectural education. Current research focuses on performing arts and their impact on design-learning, as means for achieving an empathetic understanding of design users with physical and/ or learning disabilities. Empathetic Design Learning

I am currently supervising PGR students who are interested in contested and nomadic heritages, but also in the bottom-up design management of cultural assets and their possible effects on community empowerment and well-being.

I am also a an external reviewer for Charrette, the Journal of AAE.

Recently Completed & Currently Running Projects

     

 

Teaching

Dimitra is currently the Deputy to March 2 Chair and leader of Research Preparation and Dissertation MArch1/2 modules. She acted as BSc1 Chair and leader of Year 1 Architectural Design module from 2019-2022 and was awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award for her services in Year 1 development during the Covid-affected years. She also supervises MARCH, PG dissertations and doctoral research on relevant to her research subject areas.

She succesfully co-led the Vertical Studio programm in 2019-21 and academically supported the public exhibition of its design outputs in SHIFT_Cardiff, a multidisciplinary research & development arts space.

For more info, please visit the link below: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/architecture/courses/undergraduate/undergraduate-portfolio/bsc-architectural-studies-portfolio/vertical-studio

Supervisions

Architecture, Design & Cognition, Heritage Design, Contested Heritages, Nomadic Heritages

Current supervision

Nilsu Erkul

Nilsu Erkul

Graduate Tutor