Gedaan met laden. U bevindt zich op: ‘The Forest Re[-]collected: Post-fire landscapes as agents of reparative urbanism’ Genomineerde masterproeven 2025

‘The Forest Re[-]collected: Post-fire landscapes as agents of reparative urbanism’

Master of Urbanism, Landscape and Planning

Alexia Chalouli (KU Leuven)

My work shifts societal perceptions, framing wildfires as opportunities for renewal and community empowerment rather than solely threats.

What is your thesis about?

In my thesis, I focus on the 2021 Northern Evia wildfires, exploring them in the context of long-term environmental changes shaped by human activity, climate, and land use. I dive into the historical relationship between agriculture, forestry, and settlement, uncovering how these factors have made the landscape more vulnerable to wildfires. I propose new “forest urbanism” structures, which I believe hold significant potential for post-fire regeneration, balancing economic recovery with ecological restoration. Through these interventions, I aim to rethink land stewardship and settlement patterns in the fire-prone Mediterranean region. My goal is to present innovative strategies that can help create resilient, sustainable communities in the face of escalating climate threats.

How does your thesis contribute to sustainability?

In my thesis, I explore the environmental, economic, and social consequences of wildfires in Northern Evia, Greece, focusing on forest urbanism and landscape stewardship. After the devastating 2021 wildfires, I argue that human settlements, agriculture, and forestry need to coexist harmoniously with nature. My research offers innovative landscape planning strategies to promote ecological regeneration, rural livelihood recovery, and community resilience in fire-prone Mediterranean regions.

I advocate for a holistic sustainability approach, addressing ecological, economic, and social aspects. Ecologically, my design integrates post-fire regeneration and biodiversity enhancement through soil restoration, water management, and forest thinning. Economically, I propose systems that revive rural livelihoods through sustainable forestry and agriculture, integrating local industries like fig plantations into the sustainable land-use model. Socially, I emphasize community collaboration by incorporating local knowledge, creating shared infrastructures, and preserving cultural heritage.

I present in my thesis scalable strategies for fire-prone regions worldwide, emphasizing the need for landscape regeneration and wildfire prevention. I introduce fire-resistant landscapes that combine forestry, agriculture, and settlements, improving biodiversity and rural economies. My work also shifts societal perceptions, framing wildfires as opportunities for renewal and community empowerment rather than solely threats.

The thesis reimagines fire-prone landscapes through creative solutions like forest urbanism and the mosaic landscape model, integrating fire management and ecological restoration. This innovative approach blends design interventions with storytelling and mapping to inspire new land-use strategies. Ultimately, my research offers scalable solutions for sustainable spatial planning, contributing to the future of sustainability in the Anthropocene.