Thomas Watkin

Thomas Watkin is an Associate Professor in Urban Design and Sociology at the Université de Nîmes, affiliated with the PROJEKT research team. His academic journey includes a Doctorate in Sociology from EHESS (Paris), a Master in Design Studies from Harvard University, and a DPLG Architect degree. He focuses on urban dynamics, social design, and public policy, particularly intergenerational cohabitation and metropolitanization. His research integrates design methodologies with sociological analysis, emphasizing participatory practices and sustainable urban living.

Education: DPLG Architect (École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Versailles, 2001), Master in Design Studies (Harvard GSD, 2002), PhD in Sociology (EHESS, 2014). Professional roles include teaching at universities in France, Mexico, and Tunisia, and research collaborations with institutions like PUCA and I2ML.

Research Interests: Urban development, public policy design, intergenerational housing, social innovation through design. Current projects include SOLIDHAGE (intergenerational cohabitation in Gard), POPSU (Montpellier metropolitanization), and PRISME (social innovation in Mexico). His work bridges design education and urban sociology, advocating for inclusive urban strategies.

Key contributions include developing tools like the 'frieze for territorial futures' for participatory design and co-producing knowledge with communities. His research emphasizes visual ethnography, design pedagogy, and the socio-political role of urban design.

Labs/Teams: PROJEKT research team (UPR 7447), collaborating with PUCA and I2ML. Grants include projects on social housing and urban co-production. Teaching focuses on direct observation methods, public design, and sustainable development.