Dr. Penny Travlou

Biography

Penny Travlou is a Senior Lecturer in Cultural Geography Theory at the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of Edinburgh. Her work is interdisciplinary, combining cultural geography, landscape studies, and critical urban theory, with a research focus on networks, spatial justice, collaborative practices, and decolonial methodologies. Over the past 15 years, she has collaborated with academics, artists, and community activists across multiple countries and contexts, actively engaging in ethnographic research that aims to empower marginalized communities and redefine cultural production. Travlou has successfully led and contributed to numerous funded projects, focusing on themes such as cultural commons and solidarity networks, particularly in relation to the urban landscape. Her teaching emphasizes a research-led approach, applying participatory pedagogy to enrich undergraduate and postgraduate courses. She is also the Programme Director for the MSc in Architecture, Landscape & Environment, supervising students and contributing to discussions in her field through public engagements and scholarly publications. Her work has been recognized internationally, influencing policies and discourses on collaborative economy and social justice through various platforms.

Research Interests

Experience