Marco Maretto

Marco Maretto is Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Italy. He has held academic positions at Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Florence, and is a founding member and Vice-President of ISUFItaly, the Italian chapter of the International Seminar on Urban Form. He co-directs the international journal U+D. Urban form and Design and serves on multiple scientific committees and editorial boards.

• Ph.D. in Architecture, University of Genoa (2002)
• 5-Year Degree in Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome (1998)

His research focuses on Urban Morphology, Sustainable Urban Design, and Environmental Urban Design, emphasizing the integration of urban form, sustainability, and societal well-being. He investigates how urban fabrics influence climate resilience, public space quality, and neighborhood identity, often employing GIS, pedestrian tracking, and 3D urban surveying. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary design challenges, particularly in medium-sized European cities and historic urban centers like Venice.

His most recent publications explore sustainable neighborhoods, thermal resilience of open spaces, and pedagogical approaches to urban morphology. These works reflect a cohesive trajectory toward evidence-based, environmentally responsive urban design. Key themes include smart living integration, urban regeneration, and the redefinition of urban beauty through sustainability.

• Scientific Referee: Urban Morphology, Urban Design International, Sustainability, Buildings, Urban Science, City, Territory and Architecture
• Advisory Editor: The Urban Book Series, Springer
• Founder and Co-Director: U+D. Urban form and Design
• Council Member: ISUF (2010–2016), CISPUT (2017–present)

Maretto has advised over 25 Master’s theses and multiple PhD students, primarily at the University of Parma and Sapienza University of Rome. He leads and contributes to major international research projects, including EU-funded initiatives such as KAEBUP (Erasmus+) and ARCHEA, focusing on evidence-based urban practices and sustainable urban development. He also organizes international design workshops (WAM) and conferences on urban regeneration, involving institutions like ETSAB Barcelona, UPV Valencia, and FEUP Porto.

He is a member of the U.A.L. (Urban and Architectural Laboratory) at the University of Parma, where he leads participatory urban regeneration projects in the Emilia-Romagna region, including Casina Collaborator and Collaboratorio Vetto. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the practical application of urban research.