Roberta Spallone

Roberta Spallone is a Full Professor in the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) at Politecnico di Torino, where she conducts research and teaches in architectural representation, digital modeling, and cultural heritage. Her work bridges historical architectural theory with cutting-edge digital technologies like AR, VR, and AI.

Research Interests: Her research focuses on 3D and reconstructive modeling, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) for cultural heritage, descriptive geometry, history of architectural representation, and the study of architectural treatises—especially those on military engineering. She explores digital technologies for the survey, representation, and communication of cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on geometric analysis and historical accuracy.

The trends in her recent publications reflect a consistent focus on the digital interpretation of early modern military architecture, particularly through parametric modeling and geometric analysis of treatises by figures like Guarini. She applies AR and VR to enhance accessibility and storytelling in museum and urban heritage contexts, emphasizing inclusive and sustainable cultural tourism.

Scientific Awards:

• Best paper award, Italian Union for Drawing - UID (2021)
• Best Paper, 40th International Conference of Teachers of Representation Disciplines UID (2018)
• Best paper, FORTMED Conference 2015 (Historical Research)
• UID Silver Plaque (1997)
• PhD 1st prize ex aequo, Italian Design Union (1997)

Advising and Grants: She supervises PhD students including Enrico Pupi and Fabrizio Natta. She leads the national PRIN research project INFORTREAT and multiple applied research contracts involving AR/VR for heritage sites like Palazzo Carignano and Mirafiori Castle. She is the Scientific Responsible for collaborative agreements with Fondazione Torino Musei and the Regional Directorate of Museums in Piedmont.

Labs, Teams, and Collaborations: She is a key member of the scientific committees of FORTMED, UID, and Nexus Architecture and Mathematics. She serves on editorial boards for journals such as Nexus Network Journal and Diseñar Con..., and has guest-edited special issues. She frequently collaborates with researchers across Europe on projects linking architecture, mathematics, and digital heritage.