The role of research in urban planning in professional practice today

PhD Programme in Urban Planning, Design and Policy Seminar Series

A limited number of places is available for external participants – please contact dafnitheodosia.riga@polimi.it for registration

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.

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.

Speakers: Stefano Recalcati, ARUP Italia; Samuel Tolentino, META srl.
Moderator: Paolo Beria, Politecnico di Milano, DAStU.
Discussants: Andrea Benedini, UPDP Ph.D. candidate, 38th cycle; Delia Valastro, UPDP Ph.D. candidate, 40th cycle.

Next seminars:

19/1/2026 – Seminar #5


Adriano Bisello, JAKALA; Franco Guidi, Lombardini 22.

Seminar Series Program

Coordinated by: 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

Contact: dafnitheodosia.riga@polimi.it