Luca D'Acci

Luca D'Acci is an Associate Professor in Sustainable Urban Forms and Evaluations at the Polytechnic of Turin, affiliated with the Interuniversity Department of Territorial Sciences, Planning and Policies (DIST). He holds additional affiliations as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth and as a member of research networks at the University of Birmingham and Erasmus University Rotterdam. His academic journey includes international roles such as Head of Urban Environment at Erasmus University Rotterdam and visiting researcher positions at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and ETH Zurich.

Education:

• MSc in Architecture-Science of Cities, Polytechnic of Turin (2003, cum laude)
• PhD in Economic Assessments, Polytechnic of Turin (2007)
• BSc in Mathematics, University of Turin (2007)
• BSc in Construction Engineering, Polytechnic of Turin (2009, cum laude)
• Post-PhD in Urbanism, University of Campinas (2010)
• Anthropology, University of Oxford (2020, 20 credits)

Luca D'Acci’s research focuses on urban morphology, urban allometry, isobenefit urbanism, and the socio-economic-environmental impacts of urban form. His work bridges humanistic and quantitative approaches, integrating engineering, architecture, economics, and anthropology. He investigates how urbanicity, urban form, and spatial configuration influence well-being, sustainability, and resilience.

His recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong trend toward computational modeling and simulation of urban growth, particularly through the lens of isobenefit urbanism—a concept he has pioneered. These works combine cellular automata, agent-based modeling, and morphogenetic frameworks to simulate sustainable urban futures. He also explores fractal patterns in housing markets, the psychology of urban living, and the mental costs of urbanicity. His research spans disciplines including urban science, environmental psychology, urban economics, and complex systems.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Fellow, Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation (EHERO), Erasmus University Rotterdam (2022–)
• Senior Research Fellow, University of Portsmouth (2017–)
• Fellow, Cluster for Sustainable Cities, University of Portsmouth (2017–2020)
• Fellow, Urban Morphology Research Group, University of Birmingham (2016–2021)
• Member, Cambridge Networks Network, University of Cambridge (2016–)
• Honorary Fellow, University of Birmingham (2016–)

Luca D'Acci actively advises PhD students as a member of the Doctoral Collegium for Urban and Regional Development at Politecnico di Torino (2020–2024). He has secured and contributed to significant research grants, including projects funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Commission, EPSRC, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and University College London (Future Urban Growth Lab). His editorial roles include membership on the boards of PLOS ONE, PLOS Mental Health, and Humanities & Social Sciences Communications.

Labs and Research Networks:

• Future Urban Growth Lab (UCL, 2019–)
• LEUr Urban Ecology Lab (UFSC, 2022–)
• URban Evolution Morphology (UReM, 2024–)
• Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (EHERO, 2022–2024)
• Spatial Intelligence Unit (SPIN Unit), Estonia (2013–)
• International Society of Biourbanism (2013–)