Michela Benente

Michela Benente is a Tenured Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) at Politecnico di Torino, where she actively contributes to teaching, research, and institutional leadership. She is affiliated with the PhD program in Architectural Heritage and serves on the College of Architecture and Design and the Planning and Design Board.

• University: Politecnico di Torino
• Department: Department of Architecture and Design (DAD)
• Academic Rank: Assistant Professor

Her research centers on architectural conservation, with a strong emphasis on resilience, accessibility, social inclusion, and the sustainable management of cultural heritage. She investigates how cultural assets evolve through natural and anthropogenic events, advocating for resilience as a key interpretative framework in heritage interventions. Her work bridges theory and practice, particularly in post-crisis reconstruction and inclusive heritage design.

The recent publications analyzed show a consistent focus on heritage resilience, value analysis, interdisciplinary integration, and the transformative role of restoration. These works reflect a deep engagement with both theoretical discourse and practical applications in conservation. Her research projects, including EU-funded META-MUSEUM and nationally funded NEURO-MUSEUM, explore neuroaesthetic and emotional dimensions of museum accessibility and heritage understanding.

Michela Benente supervises PhD students, including Daniel John Mangano and Gianluca D'Agostino, supporting research on the social role of museums and heritage participation. She leads multiple funded research initiatives, including commercial contracts and memoranda of understanding with institutions such as the Royal Museums of Turin, WWF Italia, and the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia.

She leads or participates in significant research collaborations, including:

• META-MUSEUM (2024–2027): EU-funded project on emotional engagement in European museums
• NEURO-MUSEUM (2023–2025): PRIN-funded research on spatial cognition and emotions in heritage accessibility
• Memoranda with Musei Reali di Torino, WWF Italia, and La Consulta Per le Persone in Difficoltà
• Scientific leadership in inclusive design guides and workshops at heritage sites like the Valley of the Temples