Paola Favaro

Dr. Paola Favaro is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Urban Design at the University of New South Wales' School of Built Environment, with over fifteen years of experience in researching and teaching architectural history and urban design. Her academic work integrates research, teaching, and community engagement through a multidisciplinary approach that connects architecture with urban history and context. She has professional experience in Italy and Canada and has held academic positions at IUAV Venice, University of Newcastle, and UNSW Sydney.

Favaro's research focuses on the intersection of architectural history and contemporary design challenges, with specialized interest in Australian architects influenced by European traditions. Her investigations examine architectural language within urban contexts, heritage interpretation in modern design, and sustainable approaches to urban development. Current projects analyze how historical precedents inform solutions for contemporary urban challenges like densification and climate adaptation.

Her publications demonstrate consistent exploration of architectural identity formation across cultural contexts, with recent work focusing on social sustainability in smart cities and adaptive reuse strategies. The research trajectory shows evolution from historical case studies toward applications in contemporary urban challenges, particularly regarding sustainable development and community-focused design.

Favaro has received recognition through multiple international architecture competition awards, including winning entries for the New German Parliament Spreebogen Area in Berlin (1992) and the European Competition Europan 2 for urban space requalification in Padua (1991). These awards recognize innovative approaches to integrating architectural design with urban context and historical sensitivity.

As coordinator of international programs including the Tongji/UNSW Dual Degree Program and Venice Design Studio, Favaro develops pedagogical frameworks connecting historical analysis with contemporary design practice. She has supervised multiple PhD candidates to completion on topics ranging from socio-spatial roles of transitional spaces to smart city implementation challenges.