Pia Fricker

Prof. Pia Fricker is an Associate Professor and Vice Head of the Department of Architecture at Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture in Finland. She holds the Professorship of Computational Methodologies in Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, directing the Urban Studies and Planning Programme. Her research integrates urban design, landscape architecture, and digital design culture, focusing on data-driven methods, immersive environments, and adaptive urban development. Collaborations include ETH Zurich, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Hafencity University Hamburg. Key projects include the Metaversity and Future Smart Cities initiatives. Fricker has led over 80 publications and exhibitions globally, including at the Venice Biennale and National Design Centre Singapore. She is an editorial board member for the Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture and peer reviewer for multiple journals. Awards include the Digital Landscape Architecture Award (2018) and DLA Scientific Merit Award (2021). Her teaching emphasizes computational pedagogy and digital innovation in design education.

Education:

• PhD in Architecture (ETH Zurich, 2021)
• Postgraduate in Didactics (ETH Zurich, 2011)
• MAS in Computer Aided Architectural Design (ETH Zurich, 2003)
• MSc Arch in Urban Design & Landscape Architecture (Technical University of Karlsruhe, 2001)

Research Interests: Computational design, parametric modeling, mixed reality, climate-adaptive ecosystems, generative AI, and sustainable urban development. Her work bridges emerging technologies with ecological and urban challenges, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.

Grants & Projects:

• Metaversity (2023–2025, Principal Investigator)
• Future Smart Cities Sasakawa (2023–2024, Principal Investigator)
• ABRA (2020–2023, Project Member)

Awards:

• DLA Awards (2018, 2021)
• DLA Review Committee Awards (2020–2022)
• Exhibition Recognitions (Venice Biennale, National Design Centre Singapore)

Labs/Teams: Leads the Urban Studies and Planning Programme and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects like the RAILCORRIDOR Singapore initiative. Active in digital twin development and AI-driven design tools.