Giacomo Chiesa is a Full Professor at the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) at Politecnico di Torino. He is a member of the Interdepartmental Center Ec-L - Energy Center Lab. His research focuses on Architectural Technology , Bioclimatic Design , Building Performance , and Urban Climate . Research Interests : Building Simulation, Passive Cooling, Smart Buildings, Digital Twin, Climate Change Adaptation Recent publications analyze urban weather datasets for energy simulations, shading control thresholds , and ventilation strategies in educational buildings. His work covers energy renovation roadmaps , thermal comfort , and climate-resilient building systems . Teaching : PhD courses in Human-Centric Methodologies and MSc courses in ICT in Building Design Research Leadership : Scientific Director for projects like Urban Generation and Prelude , EU-funded initiatives
Francesca De Filippi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) of Politecnico di Torino . She contributes to international scientific cooperation through roles in the Vice-Rector for Internationalization and as member of the Politecnico University Centre for Social Affairs and the FULL - Future Urban Legacy Lab . Scientific branch: CEAR-08/C - Technological and Environmental Design of Architecture Key research domains: Appropriate technology, Bioclimatic design, Social innovation Her work addresses urban sustainability through digital platforms and community engagement. She specializes in smart cities , disaster risk reduction , and healthy urban environments , with projects spanning Ethiopia, Colombia, and Italy. Her recent publications examine the whole-life approach to energy-positive buildings and digital tools for civic participation. As director of the Journal of Urban and Regional Innovation (JUNCO) since 2014, she leads academic discourse on sustainable urbanism. She also supervises PhD candidates in Design and Technology , focusing on social cohesion and circular systems .
Maria Paola Gatti is a Full Professor at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento. Her expertise spans architectonic design, building technologies, and cultural heritage conservation, with a focus on vernacular and modern architecture. Education: Degree in Architecture (1989, IUAV University of Venice, 110/110 cum laude) Research Interests center on construction technologies, degradation analysis of existing structures, and sustainable reuse strategies. She investigates vernacular architecture at urban and building scales, emphasizing environmental adaptation, material sustainability, and historical stratification. Her work also explores military and civil architecture (1880–1950), bioclimatic design, and regenerative approaches. Research Projects include coordination of the FAMA Project (2018–2021) on Alpine environmental fragilities and participation in the APSAT program (2008–2012) studying fortified architecture. She led PRIN projects on hydroelectric power stations and military architecture, collaborating with firms like Volteco for material innovation. Memberships include DO.CO.MO.MO International, ISTeA, Ar.TEC, CICOP, and UNISCAPE. She serves as a peer reviewer for journals such as the International Journal of Sustainable Development & Planning (WIT Press) and MDPI group publications.
Silvia Ruggiero is a Researcher in the Department of Engineering at the University of Sannio, Italy, specializing in building energy efficiency and thermal performance with a focus on Mediterranean climate conditions. She teaches courses including Air-Conditioning Systems for Civil Buildings and Bioclimatic Architecture for the Civil Engineering program, with office hours held on Thursdays from 13:00 to 15:00 in the Building ex INPS. Dr. Ruggiero's research interests center on building energy efficiency, HVAC systems, thermal performance of buildings, cool roofs, building retrofit technologies, and nearly zero energy buildings specifically adapted to Mediterranean climate conditions. Her work combines experimental approaches with numerical modeling to evaluate energy-saving technologies including ventilated facades, smart glass systems, cool roof materials, and PV system integration. She has conducted extensive field monitoring campaigns in real buildings to validate theoretical models and assess the performance of innovative building technologies under actual operating conditions. Her publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on practical building energy solutions for the Mediterranean region, with particular attention to the seasonal variations and extreme weather events that characterize this climate zone. Recent work has addressed the effectiveness of cool roof materials during heating seasons, the performance of ventilated facades with different grill configurations, and the integration of smart glass technologies for building automation. Dr. Ruggiero collaborates extensively with researchers including Rosa Francesca De Masi, Giuseppe Peter Vanoli, and other colleagues at the University of Sannio, frequently publishing in high-impact journals such as Energy and Buildings, Applied Energy, and Energy Reports. Her research often involves experimental validation of building technologies through monitoring campaigns in test facilities at the University of Sannio.
Barbara Gherri is an Associate Professor in Architectural Engineering at the Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, where she has been a faculty member since 2017. She holds a PhD in "Form and Structure for Architecture" from the same university and completed a traineeship at TU Darmstadt. She is licensed as an architect and Energy Assessor in the Emilia Romagna Region. Her research is focused on enhancing urban and building resilience to climate change through Nature-Based Solutions and passive bioclimatic design. Key areas include daylighting assessment (static and dynamic methods), sustainable use of innovative and vernacular materials, energy-performance design, and retrofit strategies for existing buildings. She has authored two books on daylight assessment and numerous journal publications. The recent publications (2025) reflect a strong trend in climate-responsive architectural design, particularly in historical urban contexts and educational buildings. Her work integrates environmental modeling, microclimate simulation, and sustainable material innovation, with a focus on practical retrofit applications and heritage conservation. Topics span daylighting, prefabrication, cloister resilience, and urban adaptability in Southern Europe. She has been recognized as an invited speaker at major international events including Light Fair International (2011, Philadelphia) and the 4th VELUX Daylight Symposium (2011, Lausanne). Her books are held in prestigious university libraries worldwide, including Stanford, Harvard, Loughborough, and the Library of Congress. Barbara Gherri supervises various postgraduate and undergraduate courses in sustainable architecture, materials, and building technology. She also serves as the Rector’s Delegate for Sustainable Construction at the University of Parma, highlighting her leadership in institutional sustainability initiatives. She has not received specific scientific awards mentioned in the text, but her international presence and publication record reflect significant scholarly impact. She is actively involved in research lines related to ecosystem health, decarbonization, human health, and climate change adaptation in historical buildings. Her work often involves simulation-based assessment and interdisciplinary approaches to urban and architectural sustainability.
Natale Arcuri is a Full Professor in Environmental Technical Physics at the University of Calabria 's Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering. His research focuses on building energy efficiency, solar systems, and climate mitigation technologies. Thermal behavior of buildings Active/passive solar systems Phase change materials Zero energy districts Green climate mitigation As coordinator of multiple national/international projects including R-wine , SWEET HoMe , and I-BEST , he manages over €3 million in research funding. He leads the Efficienza Energetica degli Edifici laboratory and serves on the executive council of IBPSA-Italy . Recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Thermal insulation innovations (2025) Wooden wall energy performance (2025) Zero energy district frameworks (2024) Green trellis modeling in tropical climates (2024) Hybrid heat pump optimization (2025) Awards include memberships in: International Solar Energy Society (ISES) Italian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (AICARR) IBPSA-Italy
Dimitrios Kaliakatsos is Associate Professor of Environmental Technical Physics at the Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering of the University of Calabria. He is also affiliated with the University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia for Biomedical Engineering teaching. His career spans national and European research projects related to energy efficiency in buildings, with significant roles in laboratory development, policy drafting, and professional training. Member of PhD Academic Board in Mechanical Engineering Delegate for the Italian Association of Air Conditioning (AICARR) in Calabria Expert in Air Conditioning Plants for Calabria's Public Works Technical Committee His research focuses on Building Energetics , Thermal Comfort in HVAC systems, Applied Acoustics and Lighting , Solar Engineering and Daylighting technologies. Recent scientific publications analyze energy performance optimization through: Double Trombe wall systems Smart shading control with AI Photochromic window materials Bioclimatic greenhouse integration PV panel thermal modeling His laboratory work includes outdoor testing stations with variable orientation for building component analysis, supported by European Union funding. He has developed calculation models for natural daylight estimation and energy certification protocols. Scientific Contributions: Co-author of "Energetica" textbook and over 163 research publications. His 15 most recent works demonstrate expertise in: Smart ventilation control Photovoltaic thermal dynamics Advanced glazing systems Passive solar architecture Building energy simulation Indoor environmental quality
Chiara Chioni is a Research Fellow at the University of Trento in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering . Her academic career spans roles as a Post-doctoral researcher (2025–current) and Ph.D. candidate (2020–2024) under the curriculum Architecture and Planning, Landscape . She is affiliated with the Italian Academic Society of Landscape Architecture (IASLA), Unione Italiana Disegno (UID), and ISPRS Student Consortium. Ph.D. in Architecture and Planning, Landscape (Doctor Europaeus), University of Trento (cum laude) M.Sc. in Architecture and Building Engineering, University of Pisa (110/110 cum laude) Her research focuses on Digital Landscape Architecture , Urban Resilience , and 3D Photomodeling for sustainable development of marginal territories. Using tools like GIS, photogrammetry, and Structure from Motion (SfM), she explores digital twins, bioclimatic design, and heritage representation in alpine contexts. Recent projects include S-COOL and RESALIO , emphasizing green educational spaces and cable system-based park enhancement. Chioni has contributed to 15 recent publications (2024–2025) in Digital Landscape Architecture, with themes spanning virtual reality for heritage preservation, GIS-driven territorial mapping, and collaborative approaches to alpine water resource management. She has presented at international conferences like Digital Landscape Architecture Conference and European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools . Shortlisted finalist – West Midlands National Park Award Mention – Premio UID Giovani Vito Cardone As a teaching assistant and tutor (2021–2025), she has guided students in Architectural Survey, Landscape Architecture, and doctoral courses across multiple universities. Her work with research teams like PEARLS and S-COOL integrates digital workflows and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Piero Bevilacqua is a Researcher at the Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering , University of Calabria. His work focuses on energy efficiency in buildings, solar energy systems, and thermal properties of materials. Research areas: Rational energy use, building energetics Applications: Bioclimatic architecture, energy certification, passive solar systems His recent publications highlight innovations in parabolic trough collectors , phase change materials (PCM) for building envelopes, and LNG regasification energy recovery . Projects include solar-assisted heat pumps and thermal storage optimization in Mediterranean climates. He is part of the Environmental Technical Physics research group, working on national and international scales. Collaborators include Prof. Roberto Bruno and Natale Arcuri.
Francesca Thiebat is an Associate Professor (L.240) at the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) of Politecnico di Torino (Polytechnic University of Turin). She holds a prominent role in academic leadership as part of functions aggregated to the Vice-Rector for Education, overseeing first and second-level teaching programs. Research Focus: Technological and environmental design of architecture with emphasis on life cycle assessment (LCA), sustainable systems, and circular economy. Teaching: Leads courses in Energy Transition and Low-Carbon Architecture , Progettazione ecocompatibile dell'architettura , and Whole Life Carbon: Vision, Methods, and Tools at PhD and Master’s levels. Research Trends in her work include: Integrated LCA/S-LCA/LCC methodologies Sustainable materials and circular design Bioclimatic architecture for disaster relief Outdoor education spaces and inclusive environments Scientific Projects she leads or contributes to: EVER EARTH (2025-2027): Vernacular earthen heritage conservation LIFE23-CET-INDICATE (2024-2026): National building LCA data acceleration EPD Certification Consulting (2020-2021, 2023): LCA for construction products Scientific Awards include: SITdA Award (2009) in memory of Rosalba La Creta UIA International Competition (2008) for young architects Venice Arsenal interventions (2006) by Magistrato alle acque UIA Renewable Energy Competition (2006) for bioclimatic design Advising and Grants show her mentorship of three PhD students ( Fiamma Morselli, Mariapaola Puglielli, Chiara Senatore ) and leadership in 12 commercial research contracts with companies like ITALGREEN and Club del Sole. Labs & Collaborations include the TeAm research group at DAD and partnerships with cultural associations (LA FORNACE, The Ne[s]t) and educational institutions for outdoor sustainability projects.
Silvio Cristiano is an Adjunct Professor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics. He holds additional academic roles at multiple institutions, including Florence University of Architecture and the University of Iceland. His research focuses on interdisciplinary physics, urban resilience, socio-ecological transitions, and post-growth urbanism. He has been a Visiting Professor in Iceland, Spain, and the Netherlands, and has led projects funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and academic collaborations in regions like Friuli Venezia Giulia. Education: PhD in Architecture, City, and Design (University Iuav of Venice, 2018) Master of Science in Civil Engineering (University Roma Tre, 2012) Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (University Roma Tre, 2009) Advanced studies in Urban Planning, International Cooperation, and Sustainable Development Research Interests: Cristiano explores systemic sustainability assessment, urban metabolism, emergy accounting, and degrowth paradigms. His work bridges ecological economics with urban planning, addressing climate resilience, circular economy, and participatory design. He emphasizes frugal innovation in resource-poor settings and critiques greenwashing in contemporary policies. Awards: Italian Urban Planning Society Award for Best Paper (Under 40, 2021) Italian Evaluation Society’s Best PhD Thesis Award (2019) International Competition for Urban Renewal (2020) Teaching & Advising: Cristiano teaches courses on sustainability, environmental politics, and urban planning at Ca' Foscari International College and other institutions. He co-supervises theses in urbanism, environmental science, and regional planning. His teaching emphasizes participatory practices and global south perspectives. Professional Activities: He advises on urban resilience projects in Italy and abroad, including hydraulic studies for the City of Latina and sustainability consulting for NGOs like Emergency Onlus. He co-founded the Spaces Beyond Growth Network and participates in transnational academic initiatives like the Matteo Ricci Network. Labs & Networks: Active in research groups such as the Interdisciplinary Physics team at Ca' Foscari and the Postgrowth City Coalition. He organizes international conferences on socio-ecological transitions and serves on editorial boards of journals like Tracce Urbane and Sustainability.
