Paolo Ciuccarelli

Paolo Ciuccarelli is an architect, communication designer, and Professor of Design at Northeastern University's Center for Design, Art + Design, where he serves as Director. He previously spent twenty years at Politecnico di Milano, where he coordinated the Communication Design program (BSc and MSc), served on the PhD in Design board, and founded the award-winning DensityDesign Research Lab.

• Education:
  • M.S., Architecture (5 Years), Politecnico Di Milano

Paolo’s research centers on data visualization, information design, and metadesign, with a focus on transforming complex data into actionable insights. He explores methods for public engagement with science and technology, particularly through visual poetry and rhetorical strategies for addressing controversial social issues. His work also investigates the evolution of design as a discipline via meta-design approaches.

His publications span topics in data visualization and information design, including collaborations with network science and interdisciplinary research. He has contributed to journals like Big Data & Society and curated content in Taschen’s Information Graphics bestseller.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2016 IEEE Multimedia Best Paper Award
  • VizSec 2011 Best Paper Award
  • DensityDesign Research Lab: 'Best Studio' (Kantar Information is Beautiful Awards 2017), Gold/Bronze Medals
  • Compasso d'Oro ADI award

As Director of Northeastern’s Center for Design, Ciuccarelli leads collaborative projects like Constructing the Biennale (2025 Venice Biennale) and Discover Together (2025 Lexus exhibit). His team includes collaborators such as Chloe Prock, Jasmine Yiming Sun, and Elizabeth McCaffrey.

His work intersects digital methods with public engagement, emphasizing design’s role in understanding complex systems. Current projects involve network science, sociotechnical systems, and immersive data art.