The Role of Research in Urban Planning in Professional Practice Today

PhD Programme in Urban Planning, Design and Policy Seminar Series

Who is questioning the challenges and transformations of the city today, and who is making an impact in this field? Is there still room for research in urban planning today? Who is pursuing it in professional practice? These are the questions that will guide the seminar series aimed at exploring the role of research in urban planning in contemporary practice. Through the involvement of professional firms that invest in research through research and development units and participation in research projects, the cycle will focus on three main areas of reflection:

1. The importance of research in urban planning in today’s professional context, analyzing whether and how it contributes to design practice and urban policy-making.
2. The areas of research currently explored by urban studies, highlighting emerging issues and areas of greatest interest, both theoretical and applied.
3. The frontiers of research in urban planning, the perspectives that studies wish to open or consolidate, and the skills required to meet these challenges.

Each seminar will host two invited guests from prominent urban planning firms. The speakers will present their recent and ongoing research projects, addressing the three core questions of the seminar. Following their presentations, they will engage in a rich discussion with doctoral students, exploring future challenges and the potential role of scientific research in urban planning in shaping the future of society.

Relatori: Silvia Botti, One Works Foundation; Andrea Gorrini, Transform Transport

Prossimi seminari:
03/11/2025 – Seminar #2
Antonello Magliozzi, ARCADIS Italia; Marina Trentin, Ambiente Italia
17/11/2025 – Seminar #3
Federico Parolotto, MIC-HUB; Nikolas Neubert, LAND Research Lab (tbc)
01/12/2025 – Seminar #4
Samuel Tolentino, META; Stefano Recalcati, ARUP Italia (tbc)
15/12/2025 – Seminar #5
Adriano Bisello, JAKALA; Franco Guidi, Lombardini 22 (tbc)

Responsabili: Eugenio Morello, Chair of the Ph.D. programme in Urban Planning, Design and Policy; Dafni Riga, Tutor to the Ph.D. programme in Urban Planning, Design and Policy

Contatti: dafnitheodosia.riga@polimi.it

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