CONSORTIS’ Contribution to Modern Spatial and Urban Planning in Greece
CONSORTIS, in collaboration with SAMARAS & ASSOCIATES S.A. and DIKTYO S.A., is actively contributing to Greece’s national programme for the preparation of Local Urban Plans and Special Urban Plans (LUPs/SUPs). The initiative is being implemented under the “Konstantinos Doxiadis” Programme, one of the most significant spatial planning initiatives ever undertaken in Greece.
The programme comprises 245 Local and Special Urban Planning studies across the country. These studies define land uses, building regulations and development restrictions, while establishing a coherent framework for spatial organization and sustainable development at both local and wider territorial levels.
CONSORTIS is involved in preparing studies for areas with highly diverse spatial and development characteristics, including urban and peri-urban zones, coastal and island regions, rural settlements, and areas facing significant tourism-related or environmental pressures. Planning was approached as an open process of negotiation between society and the environment, as well as between urban and rural areas. Accordingly, the methodology applied to each study was informed by extensive research and the distinctive characteristics of the area concerned, enabling planning proposals to be adapted to the specific needs, capacities and constraints of each location.
The study areas have a combined permanent population of almost 700,000 residents, according to the 2021 census of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). However, the estimated peak population exceeds 1.3 million due to intensive seasonal and tourism activity. This considerable fluctuation has a decisive impact on requirements relating to infrastructure, transport, public spaces, environmental management and spatial organization.
The studies were developed through the collaboration of interdisciplinary teams comprising spatial and urban planners, architects, rural and surveying engineers, civil engineers, environmental engineers, foresters, geologists, transport planners, legal experts and other specialists, depending on the particular requirements of each area.
Particular emphasis was placed on the delineation and redelineation of settlement boundaries. This constitutes a critical planning tool for defining the applicable development framework, protecting the natural and cultural environment, and reducing regulatory uncertainty for residents, investors and public authorities.
In parallel, Carrying Capacity Assessment Reports were prepared for areas including Rethymno, Halkidiki, Pieria, Corfu, Lagadas and Thermaikos. These assessments examined the capacity of each area to accommodate additional population, tourism and development pressures, taking into account available infrastructure, natural resources, and the environmental and operational limits of the area.
The completion of the current phase marks the transition to public consultation, statutory approval and implementation of the proposed plans. CONSORTIS continues to actively support this process, with the aim of delivering evidence-based, practical and locally tailored planning solutions.
Through its participation in the programme, CONSORTIS is making a significant contribution to the development of a modern spatial planning framework capable of supporting sustainable development, environmental protection and the long-term resilience of Greek cities and settlements.
