I am currently a Postdoctoral Researcher (funded by the Academy of Finland) at the Geography Department of Helsinki University. My postdoctoral project investigates the physical and social characteristics of intercultural urban public space in Toronto, where I am affiliated with the Faculty of Environmental Studies at York University as a visiting scholar. In late 2011 OURcity was accepted as one of the funded projects for the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012. I am one of the members of OURcity project. In early 2008 I graduated as a Doctor of Arts from the University of Art and Design Helsinki. My published dissertation Space Unjust, deals with socio-spatial discrimination taking place in urban public space against certain transnational people. In my master thesis Sustainable Public Space – 21st Century Agoras, for the Design Academy Eindhoven (NL), I dealt with the system of public space, people and things from the perspective of environmental sustainability. My diploma project in the Department of Architecture of the Polytechnic School of Aristotle University consisted of the design of an underground metro station seen as a public space with plazas, and promenades housing social interaction. I have worked as an architect, university lecturer and conducted my PhD supported by numerous scholarships and grants. I have worked as a free lance expert, giving lectures, and writing scientific and general interest articles about inclusive urban public space.
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