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Adam WisemanView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Photography
• Architecture
• Migration
• +4 more

Adam Wiseman is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Architecture & Visual Arts, School of Architecture Computing and Engineering, University of East London. He serves as Course Leader for BA (Hons) Photography and BA (Hons) Commercial Photography, merging academic rigor with industry expertise. BA in Ethnographic Film (New York University, 1992) Diploma in Photojournalism (International Center of Photography, NY, 1996) Wiseman's research interrogates the subjective nature of documentary photography, challenging traditional objectivity through projects like Arquitectura libre (2020) and Tlatelolco desmentido (2018). His work explores intersections of photography, architecture, migration, and cultural identity, often incorporating process-driven methodologies. Over his career, Wiseman has received two SNCA/FONCA fellowships (2012–2015, 2018–2021), Photolucida Critical Mass top 50 (2012), and Photo Review Competition's Best of Show Award (2012). He has also been nominated for the Prix Pictet (2013, 2015, 2019) and featured in institutions such as the Smithsonian Institute and 9/11 Memorial NY. Mexico's Endowment of the Arts SNCA/FONCA fellowship (2012–2015, 2018–2021) Photolucida Critical Mass top 50 (2012) Best of Show Award (Photo Review Competition, 2012) PhotoEspaña Visionary Prix Pictet nominee (2013, 2015, 2019) His work has been published in Domus , Aperture Magazine , and Time , among others. Wiseman also contributes to teaching modules such as Application and Experimentation and Mental Wealth Level 4 , emphasizing creative exploration and independent research.

Alisa V. MoldavanovaView profile

Associate Professor

• Organizational Sustainability
• Civil Society and Democracy
• Nonprofit Management
• +3 more

Alisa V. Moldavanova is an Associate Professor and Director of the MPA Program at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware. She also serves as a Senior Faculty Fellow at the Institute for Public Administration and a Faculty Fellow at Arizona State University’s Center for Organization Research and Design. Her research focuses on organizational sustainability, civil society, and nonprofit sector dynamics in public service organizations. She holds a PhD in Public Administration (2013) from the University of Kansas and a PhD in Psychology (2007) from the National Pedagogy Academy of Ukraine, alongside a BS in Psychology (2000) from Odesa National Mechnikov University. Dr. Moldavanova’s work bridges public administration and nonprofit management, emphasizing inter-organizational networks, cultural sustainability, and democratization. She has authored seminal books including *Overlooked Pillar: Making a Case for Cultural Sustainability* (2024) and co-edited volumes on Eastern European civil society. Her research has been funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Paul A. Volcker Endowment. She actively serves on leadership boards, including ARNOVA and the American Society for Public Administration. Key research themes include: (1) How social infrastructure shapes community health and sustainability, (2) The role of arts nonprofits in urban development, and (3) Civil society’s role in advancing democracy under restrictive environments. Her recent work highlights adaptive strategies for organizations during fiscal crises and explores social capital’s impact in Central Asia. Notable awards include the 2024 Visionary Award from ACE and multiple teaching accolades. She advises on public administration education policy and collaborates on initiatives like the SNF Ithaca Initiative. Her research outputs span *Public Administration and Development*, *Journal of Urban Affairs*, and *International Journal of Sustainability Policy*.

• Polish Architecture
• Urban Heritage
• Architectural Conservation
• +3 more

Marta Anna Urbańska is an Associate Professor in the Department of History of Architecture and Conservation of Monuments at Cracow University of Technology's Faculty of Architecture. Her work focuses on Polish architecture, urban heritage, and architectural conservation. She has authored books like Jak studiować życie w przestrzeni publicznej (2021) and edited volumes such as Nagroda Województwa Małopolskiego im. Stanisława Witkiewicza. Katalog jubileuszowy 2003-2020 (2020). Her research explores topics including Japanese architectural influences, public space design, and the interplay between modernist architecture and cultural heritage preservation. Dr. Urbańska’s academic contributions span over 60 publications, with a focus on contextual architecture, urban rehabilitation, and the dialogue between historic preservation and contemporary design. She has been actively involved in international conferences, such as the SGEM 2018 sessions on urban planning and cultural studies. Her work emphasizes the importance of maintaining architectural identity in rapidly evolving urban landscapes. Education: BEng and PhD in Architecture (details not explicitly stated in text). Key Projects: Contributions to the International Biennale of Architecture Kraków, studies on the conservation of historic districts like Stargard, and analyses of site-specific architecture in Poland. Her research often bridges architectural history with modern challenges, advocating for sustainable urban development that respects cultural heritage. She has written extensively on topics such as Danish design philosophy, the legacy of Polish modernist architects, and the revitalization of historic structures like the Pastewnik hotel complex in Przeworsk.

Gianfranco BombaciView profile

Academic

• Architecture
• Urban Design
• Anthropological Methods in Architecture
• +3 more

Gianfranco Bombaci is a PhD Architect and academic, serving as Head of School of Design at IED Rome and Associate Lecturer in the ADS10 program at the Royal College of Art (RCA). He co-founded 2A+P/A, an architectural firm known for exploring anthropological and cultural dimensions in design. His academic roles include visiting lecturerships globally and curatorial initiatives such as co-founding San Rocco magazine and co-curating the CAMPO architectural space in Rome. His research focuses on the intersection of anthropology and architecture, exemplified by his book Design and Anthropology and the Savage Architecture exhibition. Education: Studied at Sapienza University (Rome) and KU Leuven, earning a PhD in Environmental Design. Research interests include urban design, interior space, and the relationship between architecture and human behavior. Awards include the Asia Architecture Award (2015) and Aga Khan Award nomination (2014). Exhibitions include venues like the Venice Biennale and MAXXI (Rome). Collaborations extend to institutions like the Architectural Association (London) and NAI Rotterdam. Publications span journals such as San Rocco , Abitare , and Domus , focusing on topics like Memphis design, Ettore Sottsass’s legacy, and sustainable architectural strategies. His work balances academic rigor with curatorial activism, reflecting a commitment to redefining architectural practice through interdisciplinary approaches.

Manuel Aires MateusView profile

Professor

• Architecture
• Sustainable Design
• Spatial Form
• +3 more

Manuel Aires Mateus is a Portuguese architect and academic, serving as a Professor at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa since 1998 and the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio, Switzerland since 2001. He co-founded Aires Mateus e Associados in 1988, a practice renowned for sculptural elegance and spatial authenticity. His academic collaborations span institutions like Harvard GSD, Cornell, and the University of Ljubljana. Education: Graduated in Architecture from the Technical University of Lisbon (1986). Research Interests: Explores architecture's role in enhancing life through form, materiality, and spatial experience. Emphasizes purity of design, void-solid relationships, and transparency to amplify authenticity. Projects often interrogate contemporary urban and environmental challenges. Exhibitions & Recognition: Featured prominently at the Venice Architecture Biennale (2010–2021), Seoul Biennale (2021), and Milan Design Week (2017). Works published in A+A Architecture Guide , El Croquis , and Domus . Practice & Impact: Leads Aires Mateus e Associados, with international projects showcased in major architectural forums. Known for blending academic rigor with visionary practice, fostering a dialogue between theory and built environment.

Michael AmbronView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Contemporary Art
• Material Studies
• Perceptual Art
• +3 more

Michael Ambron is an Adjunct Professor at The Cooper Union’s Albert Nerken School of Engineering, though his primary practice lies in contemporary art and paint-making. His work explores perception, altered states of consciousness, and material experimentation. Ambron holds a BFA from Tyler School of Art (2007) and an MFA from The Ohio State University (2012), where he received a Dedalus Foundation Fellowship. He has exhibited widely, including a 2024 solo exhibition No Time at Ortega y Gasset Projects, reviewed by prominent art critics. His research integrates hallucinatory experiences, sleep studies, and material science, using pigments, glass, stone chalk, and unconventional substrates. Ambron also runs Paint Makers Notes LLC , offering custom paints and workshops. Awards include the 2022 Dedalus Foundation Project Grant and the Fergus Memorial Scholarship. His art investigates the interplay between physical materials and intangible perceptual states, blending technical precision with visionary expression. Key themes include the ritualistic cultivation of altered consciousness through painting, the relationship between material agency and form, and the documentation of dream narratives. Recent works like Rain (2023) and Dilation (2023) exemplify his layered, texture-driven approach, while installations like Boundaries (2022) explore spatial and material tensions. Ambron’s practice bridges studio art, material innovation, and academic engagement, reflecting a commitment to both technical mastery and conceptual depth.

• Rural Governance
• Spatial Planning
• Regional Development
• +5 more

Marlies Meijer is an Assistant Professor at Wageningen University's Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning group, specializing in rural governance and planning. Her research focuses on community-led initiatives in depopulating regions, particularly exploring how non-governmental actors contribute to revitalization efforts. She holds a PhD from Radboud University (2018) and a BSc in Spatial Planning from Wageningen University (2010). Key research areas include governance innovations, community-government relations, and smart shrinkage strategies. She leads projects like Welcoming Spaces (EU-funded) examining migrant integration in shrinking regions and collaborates on Finland's Smart Shrinkage policy research. She teaches courses on planning methodologies and political dilemmas, advising students on topics like governance failures and adaptive rural strategies. Education: PhD in Human Geography (2018), Radboud University BSc in Spatial Planning (2010), Wageningen University Research Interests: Rural resilience and depopulation challenges Informal planning practices in Europe Community-based solutions for revitalization Projects highlight her focus on transnational collaboration, with Welcoming Spaces addressing migrant contributions to shrinking regions and Smart Shrinkage proposing adaptive governance frameworks. Her work bridges academic inquiry with practical policy interventions, emphasizing participatory approaches.

• Environment-Behavior Research
• Non-visual Aspects of Spatial Knowledge
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• +5 more

Assoc. Prof. Didem KAN is an academic at İzmir University of Economics, affiliated with the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design's Interior Architecture and Environmental Design Department. She holds multiple coordinator roles, including leading the Social Responsibility Project Unit and managing the Design Studies PhD and Master’s programs. Her expertise spans Environment-Behavior Research, Non-visual Spatial Knowledge, and Corporate Social Responsibility. She has conducted extensive research on daylighting in libraries, urban wayfinding for visually impaired individuals, and inclusive design projects like the Container Kindergarten and Toy Design initiatives. Education: B.Sc. in Architecture (İzmir Institute of Technology, 2006), M.S. in Design Studies (IUE, 2009), Ph.D. in Architecture (İzmir Institute of Technology, 2016). She has received awards such as the TÜBİTAK Scientific Encouragement Award and multiple recognitions from İzmir University of Economics. Her work includes over 20 publications, focusing on sensory studies, accessibility, and sustainable design. Research projects include the Container Kindergarten Project and Layered Interiors exhibitions. She advises numerous graduate students and teaches courses like 'Visionary and Future Interior Architecture Studies.' Her contributions to social responsibility and interdisciplinary research highlight her commitment to impactful design solutions.

• Architecture
• Urban and Regional Planning
• Design Practice and Management
• +3 more

Associate Professor John Doyle serves as Associate Dean of Architecture at the School of Architecture, Urban and Design (AUD), RMIT University. His research focuses on urban density, architectural innovation, and the intersection of design with cultural and socio-economic contexts. He actively supervises postgraduate research students in areas like transdisciplinary design, urban agriculture, and small-scale infrastructure hubs. Key research interests include hyper-dense urban environments, productive city design, and the socio-spatial dynamics of Asian urbanism. His work bridges theory and practice through projects such as Supertight and Infratecture , which explore spatial efficiency and community-driven infrastructure. Recent publications highlight themes of urban agriculture ( Cities Without Country ), cultural production in dense cities ( At the Table ), and formal urbanism ( Supertight: The Form and Texture of Tightness ). Doyle’s contributions emphasize sustainable, equitable urban futures through architecture and design. He collaborates on visionary projects like the Jabiru Masterplan and leads pedagogical initiatives in digital fabrication and future practice frameworks.

Bryan CantleyView profile

Professor

• Architecture
• Design Theory
• Architectural Representation
• +4 more

Bryan Cantley is a Professor of Design Theory at California State University, Fullerton, and founder of Form:uLA, an experimental design practice. His work bridges architecture, representation, and visionary spatial discourse, with exhibitions at institutions like SFMOMA, The Bartlett, and SCI-Arc. He holds a Master of Architecture from UCLA (1990) and a Bachelor of Art in Architecture from UNC Charlotte (1987). Research Interests: Exploration of organic growth vs. mechanical systems (exemplified by his concept Mechudzu ) Rethinking architectural palimpsests as layered temporal narratives Role of drawing in architectural discourse Synthetic chronologies in built environments Recent Projects: His solo exhibition Dirty Geometries + Mechanical Imperfections (2014–2015) and upcoming shows at University of Greenwich and Christopher Mount Gallery reflect his focus on hybridized architectural concepts. He is also authoring a second monograph. Awards: 2002 Graham Foundation Grant for architectural research. Teaching Philosophy: Emphasizes relentless inquiry through failure, inspired by his formative experience at UNC Charlotte. Advises students to 'ask as many questions as possible' and embrace challenging critiques. Labs/Teams: Leads Form:uLA, whose work examines the interplay between uncontrolled organic forms and industrial mechanization. The practice’s installations critique conventional architectural temporality through layered, non-linear spatial narratives.

Andrzej WielgoszView profile

Professor

• Experimental Design
• Urban Spaces
• Architectural Theory
• +2 more

Andrzej Wielgosz is a Professor at the University of Arts in Poznań (UAP), affiliated with the Faculty of Architecture and Design's Department of Bionics. He leads the Space Interpretation Design Studio , focusing on experimental design through projects like the ongoing Digital Database of Forms, Images and Design (2019), which extends his conceptual work Dictionary of Drawing Signs initiated in 1978. His academic leadership includes roles as Pro-Rector (2002–2008), Dean (1996–2002), and Head of Doctoral Studies (2013–2018). His research explores: Experimental design methodologies using digital tools to interpret urban spaces Axonometric visualization of cities (e.g., Poznań isometric projects) Public space theory in metropolitan contexts Architectural utopias in new media environments His publications analyze trends in urban vagabondage (flâneur concepts), design futurism, and cross-cultural public spaces. Exhibition participation includes the Venice Architecture Biennale (2014), National Museum in Poznań (2013), and international workshops from Toronto to Nairobi. Academic service includes membership in the Polish Accreditation Committee (2016), Polish Academy of Sciences Urban Commission (2019), and competition juries like Acanthus Aureus . He has lectured globally, including at Florida State University, University of Barcelona, and Hong Kong Polytechnic.

Barbara EngelView profile

Professor

• Urban Development
• Post-Soviet Urban Studies
• Eastern European Cities
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Barbara Engel is Professor of International Urban Planning and Design at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (since 2013). Trained as an architect at Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, she earned her PhD in 2004 with research on public spaces in Russian cities. Her professional experience includes leadership roles at Dresden's City Planning Office (2008-2013) and academic positions at Technical University Dresden, Kent State University, and BTU Cottbus. Her research examines urban transformations in post-Soviet territories and Eastern Europe, metropolitan development, public space design, and science communication. She employs comparative case studies across geopolitical contexts, with fieldwork spanning from Siberia to the Middle East. Recent work analyzes reconstruction in Beirut, heritage challenges in Odessa, and socialist housing legacies. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on: Post-socialist urban transitions in Eastern Europe/Russia Cultural heritage in conflict/reconstruction settings Participatory planning and digital engagement models Sustainable reuse of industrial spaces Awards & Honors: Otto-Borst-Preis Dissertation Award (2005) Teaching Award, KIT Faculty of Architecture (2014) She maintains extensive professional leadership as Vice President of the German Academy for Urban Development (DASL), design committee chair in Halle/Nuremberg, and member of Saxonian Academy of Arts. Her international engagements include lectures in over 15 countries and editorial leadership of the Metropol.x urban research series.

• Practical Theology
• Biblical Theology
• New Testament Studies
• +5 more

Professor Thomas Popp serves as President of the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg (EVHN) , a position he has held since October 1, 2022. Previously, from 2013 to 2022, he held dual roles as Professor of Practical Theology (Diaconia) at EVHN and Training Leader of Rummelsberger Deacons and Deaconesses . His academic authority stems from his professorial rank and ongoing theological leadership within this church-affiliated university focused on social work and diakonia. His educational foundation includes: PhD in New Testament from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (2000) Habilitation in New Testament from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (2009) Specialized training in community counseling (1998-2000) and volunteer management (2010-2011) Professor Popp's research centers on the intersection of theology and social practice, with particular emphasis on: Practical Theology and Diaconic Service Models Biblical Theology, especially New Testament Hermeneutics through diaconic lenses Community Development and Volunteer Management Systems Theology of Recognition and Coexistence (Konvivenz) His scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on applying theological insights to contemporary social challenges, with recent publications (2021) addressing education, family dynamics, humility, and self-care within diakonic frameworks. These works appear primarily in church-social work handbooks and theological journals, reflecting his commitment to practice-oriented theology. Professor Popp maintains significant connections beyond academia: 17-year tenure (1996-2012) as Officer in the Office for Community Service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria Leadership role (2013-2022) training deacons for Rummelsberger, Germany's largest charitable organization Board membership (2007-2010) at Evang. Bildungswerk Nürnberg focusing on biographical work

• Architectural Heritage
• Urban Design
• Sustainable Housing
• +3 more

Radek Toman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Monument Care at the Faculty of Architecture, Brno University of Technology. He serves as Vice-dean for Foreign Relations and participates in multiple institutional boards including the Board of BSP and MSP Architecture and Urban Design in English, Dean’s Advisory Board, and Information System Advisory Board FA. His work bridges academic research with practical architectural interventions. His research focuses on architectural heritage, sustainable housing models, and urban design at the rural-urban interface. Toman explores shared living spaces, monument restoration techniques, and participatory design approaches, particularly examining the boundary between individual and collective spatial organization. His work often manifests through exhibition architecture and competition projects that address contemporary urban challenges. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on collaborative design processes, with recurring themes in peri-urban development, cultural heritage reinterpretation, and innovative housing typologies. His projects frequently engage with specific Czech contexts like Brno, Polička, and Sarajevo, demonstrating international collaboration while maintaining local relevance. The work shows progression toward more community-engaged approaches in recent years. As Vice-dean for Foreign Relations, Toman facilitates international academic partnerships while maintaining active teaching responsibilities in heritage care studios. His educational focus includes master’s thesis supervision in heritage reconstruction and specialized studios in architectural design. His professional practice integrates exhibition curation, competition entries, and realized architectural projects, with notable works including “DELIRIOUS SARAJEVO” and “Participativní bydlení – Brno, Bohunice.” Toman’s work consistently connects theoretical research with tangible spatial interventions across the Czech Republic and international contexts.