Barbara Caselli

Barbara Caselli is a Fixed-term Researcher in Urban Planning and Techniques at the Department of Engineering and Architecture (DIA) of the University of Parma, where she teaches 'Urban Planning Evaluation Techniques' and conducts research on inner and marginal areas management, urban planning with focus on accessibility and active mobility systems, and urban regeneration with emphasis on public space and climate change adaptation solutions. She serves as research unit leader for the PRIN2022 project 'GO-IN! diGital platfOrm for INner areas' and coordinates task 3.2 within the Sustainable Mobility Center's Spoke 9 'Urban Mobility'.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Civil Engineering and Architecture (Urban Planning major) from the University of Parma (2017), followed by research grants (2017-2020) and research assistant position (2020-2025). Since 2017, she has served as contract lecturer in Master's programs in Architecture, Environmental Sciences, and Urban Regeneration, and taught at the University of Rwanda in 2021.

Caselli's research demonstrates consistent focus on urban accessibility, active mobility systems, and climate adaptation strategies, with particular attention to inner areas and medium-sized cities. Her publication record shows strong integration of GIS technologies with urban planning practices, especially in assessing pedestrian accessibility, public space quality, and soil permeability for climate resilience. Recent work increasingly emphasizes participatory approaches to urban planning and the development of digital platforms for inner area management.

• National scientific qualification as associate professor in competitive sector 08/CEAR-12 - Urban and Territorial Planning and Design (2023)

She leads the PRIN2022 'GO-IN!' project, coordinates the 'Platform for assessing active mobility' within the Sustainable Mobility Center, and participates in the 'Ecosystem for Sustainable Transition in Emilia-Romagna.' Her research involves numerous collaborations with public entities including the Emilia-Romagna Region and Regional Observatory for Landscape Quality. Caselli is active in multiple research networks including the Italian Society of Urbanists (SIU), Urbing network, Laboratorio del Cammino, CICCREI research center, and UNIPR City-Lab.

Her third mission activities include collaboration with Cittàslow networks and the Environmental Ethics Center of Parma, organization of public events for the ASviS Sustainable Development Festival, and the 'Ombre in centro' idea competition focused on urban green spaces and climate adaptation.