opened in Athens, at the Hellenic Open University (HOU)
From July 7 to 11, 2025
Monday, July 7, 2025 – Athens
The Erasmus+ PALETT-A project partners meeting opened in Athens, at the Hellenic Open University (HOU), marking the launch of an international workshop dedicated to prototyping and innovative pedagogical methodologies.
Participants were warmly welcomed by the Rector of HOU, Prof. Emmanouil Koutouzis, who presented the vision and missions of the university, founded on three pillars: accessibility, innovation, and sustainability.
The Vice-Rector, Prof. Efthimios Zervas, then highlighted the concept of a sustainable campus as well as the institution’s strategic research areas, fully aligned with the values of the PALETT-A project. The opening session was also honored by the presence of the Rector of the University of Sfax, Prof. Ahmed Haj Kacem, underlining the strong commitment of the Tunisian university to strengthening Euro-Mediterranean academic partnerships.
Afternoon of Monday, July 7, 2025 – Athens
Visit of the "Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center", a true cultural and architectural landmark of contemporary Athens. Designed by Renzo Piano, this unique site embodies a vision of culture that is open, sustainable, and integrated into its environment. It brings together the National Library of Greece and the National Opera under one roof, at the heart of an exemplary urban park.
This immersion in a space where architecture engages with education, memory, and innovation reinforced the core values of PALETT-A: transdisciplinarity, sustainability, and shared culture.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – Workshop 1: "NEW TOOLS FOR EDUCATION"A workshop led by Prof. Lampros Doulos exploring innovative tools for higher education, with a focus on experiential learning and sustainable development. Through immersive and interactive approaches, particularly in architectural lighting, this workshop demonstrated how educational environments can be transformed into true spaces of experimentation, fostering active engagement and the development of transversal skills.
Afternoon of July 8, 2025 – Workshop 2:
Workshop "Educational Methodologies for Digital Design" led by Prof. Iro Laskari. This session focused on designing content for distance learning, emphasizing clarity, coherence, and pedagogical diversity. Participants explored practical methods for transforming text into effective educational resources.
The workshop was enriched by a participatory session co-led with Prof. Stelios Zerefos, dedicated to adapting methodologies to existing courses, encouraging applied reflection on the pedagogical practices of PALETT-A project partners.
July 9, 2025: Prototyping and 3D Printing Workshop at Hellenic Open University, Athens
The third day of the Erasmus+ PALETT-A international meeting was dedicated to exploring rapid prototyping technologies and applied digital design.
Prof. Nikolaos Kourniatis opened the session by presenting the challenges of 3D design in pedagogical and professional processes. The day continued with Mr. Sotirios Kanavos, who guided participants through a complete immersion: from modeling to 3D printing, including maintenance techniques.
Through a combination of theoretical presentations and hands-on workshops, participants were able to experience the transition from concept to tangible object, reinforcing the experiential and transdisciplinary dimension of the PALETT-A project. This approach integrates digital design tools into a pedagogy focused on sustainability, innovation, and smart manufacturing.
Thursday, July 10, 2025 – Pedagogical Immersion through Virtual Reality at the Hellenic Open University, Athens
The fourth day of the PALETT-A international meeting opened a reflection on the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) for transdisciplinary higher education.
Thanks to the contribution of the partner ReadLab, an immersive demonstration showed how VR can:
- Enhance engagement and lived experience;
- Stimulate creativity, collaboration, and simulation;
- Address ecological issues in a sensitive and experiential way.
Friday, July 11, 2025: Visit to the Acropolis Museum, Athens
On the final day of the PALETT-A international meeting in Athens, partners visited the Acropolis Museum, a global reference in the valorization of classical heritage.
Combining contemporary architecture and immersive scenography, this emblematic site offers a unique museum experience, where each archaeological work is restored to its original context.
The discovery of the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offered PALETT-A project partners a moment of both symbolic and intellectual elevation.
Located at the heart of the Greek capital, this ancient citadel remains a living testament to the foundations of democracy, philosophy, and critical thinking.
