Mark Parsons

Mark Parsons is a Teaching Professor at the School of Architecture and Landscape, University of Sheffield. As co-founder of Studio Polpo (a social enterprise architectural practice) and the Sheffield Community Land Trust, his work bridges practice-based research, community engagement, and sustainable design.

• Ran M.Arch studios like Studio Waste (2021-22) and Studio Future Folktales (2023-24)
• Key research themes: waste in construction, climate emergency mitigation, and interdisciplinary collaboration with bio-engineers, artists, and community groups

Scientific Engagement:

• Shortlisted for ASBP Awards 2023 (Initiative category) for Heeley Mushroom Project
• Contributed to RIBA’s Demystifying Architectural Research publication

His projects—Taking the Pi$$ (Festival of the Mind 2024), High Street of Exchanges (Venice Biennale 2021)—explore public interaction, material innovation, and urban transformation. Studio Polpo’s work with third-sector organizations and academic institutions highlights his commitment to equitable, low-impact design.