Luis Santos y Ganges

Luis Santos y Ganges is a Professor at the School of Architecture of the University of Valladolid, specializing in Urban Planning and History. He holds dual doctorates from the Universities of Valladolid (Urban Planning, 2002) and Burgos (History, 2015). His research focuses on railway-urban interrelations, spatial planning, and industrial/cultural heritage preservation. He directs Ciudades Magazine and previously led the University Institute of Urban Planning (2020–2025). He has collaborated with institutions like the University of Burgos’s GEOTER research group and taught internationally in Mexico, Portugal, and Argentina.

Education:

• PhD in Urban Planning (University of Valladolid, 2002)
• PhD in History (University of Burgos, 2015)
• Master’s in Land Transport (Complutense University of Madrid, 1989)

Research Interests: His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary urban challenges, particularly railways’ impact on cities, spatial planning policies, and industrial heritage. Key projects include studies on Francoist housing policies, the National Mint’s paper factory in Burgos, and optical telegraph networks. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating geography, architecture, and sociology.

Teaching & Innovation: Coordinates courses on Urban Theory, Territorial Mobility, and Research Methodology. Led award-winning educational projects like Urban Heritage(ies) (rated excellent in 2017) and Innovation and Transversality. Member of the University of León’s GID 058 Id-ARTE group.

Awards & Recognition: Received the prestigious ISTOCARTA Award (2018) for his monograph on the Burgos Paper Factory. Recognized for pedagogical innovation through the University of Valladolid Social Council Award.

Professional Engagement: Served on university governance bodies, including the School of Architecture’s Board. Conducted research stays at universities in Mexico, Portugal, Belgium, and France. Active in professional associations like the Spanish Association of Urban Technicians and the Iberian Railway History Association.