Valeria Minucciani

Valeria Minucciani is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where she has been a faculty member since 2001. She is a member of the Master's and Continuing Education School and serves as the Coordinator of the Level I Master's Program in Interior, Exhibit & Retail Design. Her academic and professional roles include leadership in research, teaching, and institutional governance, such as being an elected member of the Academic Senate and the Council of the Master's School.

• University: Polytechnic University of Turin
• School: School of Architecture
• Department: Department of Architecture and Design
• Position: Associate Professor
• Research Focus: Interior Architecture, Exhibition Design, Museography, Well-being in Interiors

Her research interests revolve around the interplay between architecture and human experience, particularly in cultural and interior spaces. She investigates how museography can enhance cultural inclusion and how interior design impacts well-being. A significant focus is on the disciplinary contamination between architecture and neuroscience, especially in museum environments, examining emotional responses and spatial cognition. She also explores the musealization of religious and archaeological heritage and accessibility in cultural heritage.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward integrating neuroscience and technology into architectural and museological practice. There is a clear emphasis on emotional engagement, inclusivity, and accessibility in museum and heritage settings, often using neuroaesthetic and human factors approaches. Her work increasingly employs digital tools like virtual reality and neuropsychological detection to study visitor behavior and design more inclusive spaces.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• President of the Scientific Committee, APM National Association of Small Museums
• Scientific Director, APM (2022–present)
• European Commission Reviewer for Horizon 2020 and 7th Framework Program
• Member, Scientific Committee for the new Diocesan Museum of Fossano (2019)
• Coordinator, Master in Interior, Exhibit & Retail Design (2019–present)

She actively mentors PhD students, including Daniel John Mangano and Gianluca D'Agostino, and leads major research projects such as META-MUSEUM and NEURO-MUSEUM, which are funded by competitive EU and national grants. Her collaborative work spans institutions and disciplines, reflecting a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research. She is involved in numerous research agreements with museums and municipalities, demonstrating applied impact. Her leadership in the Interuniversity Research Center on Heterotopia in Architecture (RHeA) underscores her role in fostering academic collaboration.

Labs and Research Teams:

• Lead researcher in projects involving neuroaesthetics and spatial cognition
• Member of research groups focused on accessibility and inclusion in museums
• Scientific Director for collaborative agreements with the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia and the Municipality of Chiomonte
• Coordinator of the RHeA - Centre of Research on Heterotopia and Architecture