Marco Spada

Marco Spada is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Suffolk, affiliated with the School of Business, Arts, Social Sciences and Technology. His work bridges urban narratives, cultural heritage, and sustainable urban development, focusing on the interplay between industrial legacies and contemporary city planning.

Education:

• BSc, MSc, PhD in Architecture (Sapienza University of Rome)
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)

Marco's research investigates how architecture and urban design can address degraded urban fabrics through memory-driven interventions. He explores the legacy of industrial plants, their socio-cultural impacts, and the application of historical urban theories like Gordon Cullen's Townscape to modern contexts. His recent projects include a critical reinterpretation of Cullen's work and field studies on steel mills' influence on UK urban development.

Notable scientific contributions include a Horizon Grant-funded study on steel-industry exposed areas and publications on Ted Cullen's workplace designs and unrealized architectural projects. His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations in Rome, Tuscany, Poland, Kenya, and the UK.

Scientific Awards:

• Award for Best Young Architecture Critic (2018)

Marco's research integrates architectural history with contemporary sustainability challenges, advocating for inclusive urban regeneration models that reconcile industrial heritage with ecological and social priorities.