PhD defence S. (Sahar) Abdollahi

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

My PhD research examines how medieval city centres in the Low Countries (the Netherlands, Belgium, and northern France) have changed over time. Using theories of urban evolution and the concept of “critical junctures,” the study shows that cities do not develop through a smooth, gradual process. Instead, their form changes through long periods of stability interrupted by shorter moments of rapid transformation.
By analysing the historical development of eleven cities, the research identifies the events that had the strongest impact on the physical urban structure: major fires, wars, political shifts, changes in trade routes, and the introduction of new technologies. The findings show that while each city follows its own unique path, there are common patterns that can also be recognised elsewhere. These insights help explain why medieval structures survive in some places but not in others, and they offer useful parallels for today’s urban challenges. Understanding how past shocks shaped cities can inform how contemporary crises—such as climate change, energy transitions, or digitalisation—may influence urban development in the future.