Giuseppe Barbiero

Giuseppe Barbiero is a University Researcher in Ecology at the Department of Human and Social Sciences at the University of Valle d'Aosta, where he teaches Biology and Ecopsychology. He serves as director of GREEN LEAF, the Affective Ecology Laboratory, and co-director of the international scientific journal Visions for Sustainability. His academic career spans over two decades with continuous research contributions since 2006.

Barbiero's research primarily focuses on Affective Ecology, Ecopsychology, and the application of Biophilia theory in architectural and educational contexts. His work explores how human connection with nature affects psychological restoration, cognitive performance, and environmental behavior. He has pioneered research on biophilic design in educational settings, most notably with the development of Italy's first biophilic school in Gressoney-La-Trinité through the NASA (Nuova Architettura Sensibile Alpina) project. His theoretical framework examines biophilia as an evolutionary adaptation, investigating how different natural environments influence human wellbeing across various demographic groups.

His research portfolio includes significant projects such as Puck's Woods (Forest Therapies in Italian Forests, 2018-2025), the Biosphera Project (2015-2024) focusing on biophilic design in sustainable architecture, and Green space for active living (2019-2021) examining nature's impact on elderly wellbeing. His experimental work consistently demonstrates how biophilic environments enhance attention restoration, reduce stress, and strengthen human-nature connection, particularly in educational settings.

• 2017 Deposit in SIAE of the Biophilic Quality Index (BQI)
• 2008 Formez validation of 'Revealing biophilia in children' as a good prevention practice
• 1995 First prize Gigi Ghirotti Committee
• 2018 'Ecologia Affettiva' selected for the Scientific Dissemination Prize 'G. Dosi'

Barbiero leads multiple research initiatives and has established the GREEN-UniVDA research group (2021-2024). His work bridges academic research with practical applications through collaborations with schools, healthcare institutions, and architectural projects. He has developed the Biophilic Quality Index (BQI) as a tool to measure and enhance the restorative qualities of built environments, moving beyond conventional 'green architecture' to create truly biophilic spaces that support human cognitive and emotional wellbeing.