Maria Luna Nobile

Maria Luna Nobile is an Associate Professor in Architecture at Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå University, Sweden since 2019, and currently serves as Head of Research and Chair of the Research Committee. She leads the research group Designing the Contemporary City and oversees the architectural design studio 'A Laboratory in the City.' Her research focuses on urban regeneration, reuse of abandoned spaces, and participatory methods in public space design.

Education: Graduated as an architect from the University of Naples Federico II (Italy), earned a PhD in Urban Studies there in 2010. Her dissertation on urban regeneration of industrial areas won awards at the University of Parma and IUAV in Venice.

Research Interests: Urban design strategies for contemporary cities, urban voids activation, transitory vs. permanent urban interventions, and spatial justice in tourism-affected historic centers. She coordinates a research project on 'The Short-Term City' funded by the Italian Ministry of Education.

Scientific Contributions: Editor-in-chief and co-founder of the peer-reviewed UOU Journal, guest editor of its first issue on Urban Commons. Authored the 2024 book Regenerate, Reuse, Reactivate (Edizioni Caracol), analyzing European urban regeneration through URBACT case studies.

Awards: Recognized for her doctoral work, including awards from University of Parma (2010) and IUAV Venice (2010).

Collaborations: Active in EURAU Symposium as Scientific Committee member, organizing the 2026 event in Umeå on 'LATITUDES: Situated Reflections on Architectural Research.' Collaborates with the University of Naples Federico II on research partnerships.