Guest lecturers
Invited by Pierpaolo Ruttico, for the Adaptive Facade Studio course at Politecnico di Milano
Flora Faleschini
Beyond Concrete
21 05 2025, Polimi Leonardo 7.0.1
To date, most of the 3DP construction projects have used concrete-like materials, whose sustainability profile is questionable. The versatility of 3D printing technology allows it to overcome current limits posed by traditional materials, meaning virtually any material can be extruded. Among the few non-concrete materials that have been researched for use in 3D printed buildings, geomaterials emerge as promising alternatives. The lecture will show how earth vernacular constructions can adapt to novel fabrication challenges by means of optimizing materials properties and design methods.
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Flora Faleschini is Associate Professor of Structural Analysis and Design at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova. Visiting researcher at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) in 2013 and 2017, and at the University of Cergy, Paris, France, in 2017-2019. She is co-founder and CTO of the startup and spinoff company Sustainable Constructions. Author of more than 150 scientific publications, co-author of the book “Sustainability Improvements in the Concrete Industry". Her research activity covers the following topics: use of recycled components for structural materials; sustainable reinforced concrete structures design and assessment; additive manufacturing for constructions.
Valentina Sumini
Extreme Habitat
23 04 2025, Polimi Leonardo 7.0.1
The lecture will explore how the principles of space architecture can drive innovation in architecture and building technology on Earth through a sustainability-by-design approach. Showcasing projects such as the Moon Village, the Moon Urchin, and the Martian city Redwood Forest, it will highlight computational design strategies that integrate sustainability, modularity, and adaptability - essential qualities for both off-world habitats and cutting-edge terrestrial architecture. Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective and a holistic design approach, the presentation will demonstrate how the extreme constraints of space exploration can act as a catalyst for reimagining the built environment on our planet - leading to more resilient, efficient, and future-ready architectural solutions.
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Valentina Sumini is a Visiting Professor at Politecnico di Milano and a Research Affiliate at the MIT Media Lab, where she collaborates with the Space Exploration Initiative and the Responsive Environments groups. With degrees in both Architecture and Engineering, she holds a PhD in the Preservation of Architectural Heritage. Her research focuses on computational design methods for multi-performance habitats, soft robotic wearable devices for IVA and EVA spacesuit design, and advanced construction techniques using in-situ resources. Her most renowned projects include MARINA, a space hotel in Earth's orbit, the Moon Village, developed in collaboration with ESA and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and SpaceHuman, a soft robotic prosthetic system designed to enhance mobility and dexterity in microgravity. She is currently investigating innovative solutions in robotics, XR, and energy storage to improve sustainability at Coesia.
Giacomo Righi
Parametric Design
02 04 2025, Polimi Leonardo 7.0.1
How do we shape complex ideas? Through parametric design, we can create architecture while maintaining control over complex geometries, element quantities and resource consumption, while incorporating sustainability principles into the process. Some of Mario Cucinella Architects' most important projects will be presented from the point of view of modelling through generative algorithms, strategies essential for the realization of bold and responsible projects.
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Giacomo Righi Grimaldi is a Computational Design Expert at Mario Cucinella Architects in Milan and Professor of Digital and Parametric Design at SOS – School of Sustainability Master Program. He graduated in Building Engineering - Architecture at the Faculty of Bologna with a master’s thesis entitled 'Tubular assemblage', an architectural system based on a self-organized assemblage of adaptive tubular elements, that recreates architecture by condition of growth. During graduation, he worked as intern for WASP, an Italian 3D printing company, pioneer of the architectural scale of 3D printing technologies. He participated also at digitalFuturesWORLD workshop series, organized by masters of computational design such as Gilles Retsin and Kevin Saey.
Donato Labella
Sustainable Shapes
02 04 2025, Polimi Leonardo 7.0.1
Sustainable design is the challenge of the new generation of architects and designers. Through a selection of striking international projects realized by Mario Cucinella Architects, we will explore the challenges of building envelope design, highlighting the complex balance between performance requirements, environmental responsibility, and high quality design intent.
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Donato Labella is Design Leader at Mario Cucinella Architects. He graduated in Architecture from the University of Rome La Sapienza in 2012 and then moved to Tokyo, Japan, where he worked for a major international studio on retail and workspace projects. He returned to Rome in 2015, where he worked with a large international studio as Design Leader, carrying out several projects from concept to construction. In 2018 he joined Mario Cucinella Architects, where he specialises on three-dimensional and parametric modelling for interior design management and the application of innovative construction technologies. Furthermore, he oversees projects through all phases, from concept design to construction delivery. He is an expert in integrated architectural design of complex projects and interior design. He possesses strong skills in artistic management and supervision of projects, technical understanding of materials and construction solutions, and activity coordination. These skills were further honed through his postgraduate Master's degree in "Project Management in Construction Works with BIM" at the Politecnico di Milano.
Mariela Tsopanova
Total Architecture NOW
15 05 2024, Polimi / Online
The lecture revisits the foundational principle of "Total Architecture", pioneered by Arup's founder, Sir Ove Arup, in the 1970s, contextualising its relevance in today's dynamic AEC landscape. Focused on the emerging field of Computational Design, the talk delineates the evolving roles and challenges encountered by contemporary architects and engineers. The talk emphasises the importance of achieving a balance between leveraging technology and digital tools to enhance design efficiency and quality, alongside prioritising a user-centric approach and fostering robust interdisciplinary collaboration. Several case studies will be presented, spotlighting key themes such as geometry rationalisation, process automation, software interoperability, and generative design exploration.
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Mariela is a senior computational designer, architect, and digital consultant at Arup. She is passionate about technology and innovation in the AEC sector and specializes in crafting user-centered digital solutions that transform manual processes into seamless, data-driven workflows. Mariela has collaborated with and delivered projects to diverse clients from luxury retail brands to urban developers and city councils, coordinating and delivering solutions that enable users to explore a wide variety of options and take informed decisions backed up by data in an efficient and agile manner.
Nicoletta Meloni
Complexity in Facades
24 04 2024, Room E.P.7 - Polimi / Online
Facades go beyond just aesthetics! Nicoletta will delve into the complexity of building envelope design through a selection of captivating international projects. She will discuss the relationship between facade performance requirements and architectural intent, highlighting the challenging yet feasible process of bridging the gap between design and fabrication.
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Nicoletta Meloni is a graduate of Politecnico di Milano, having completed her studies in Building Engineering with a final Master's Thesis that delved into Innovative Lithic Scenarios of Stone Reuse.
After collaborating with Architectural Studios in Milan and Barcelona, she moved to New York, where she worked as a façade engineer at Werner Sobek Consultancy practice before relocating to London.
Currently, she holds the role of a Senior Facade Engineer and Project Manager in London at BG&E Facades, an Australian Consultancy practice operating internationally. Her focus spans facade engineering, coordination, and developing sustainability tools to enhance awareness in this area. In parallel, she continues to pursue her passion for stone, exploring its potential in design applications.
At the core of her responsibilities lies the management and leadership of complex projects on a mid to large scale. Nicoletta's portfolio boasts an array of cultural, hospitality, residential, and commercial buildings for esteemed institutions such as the Aga Khan and multiple UK and international developers and main contractors.
Marzia Bolpagni
Information Management
17 04 2024, Room E.P.7 - Polimi / Online
What is Information Management (IM) and how is it linked to Building Information Modelling (BIM)? Marzia presents the main standards related to IM and their application. She also shares her career experience between industry, academia, and standardization.
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Marzia works as Head of BIM International at Mace where she develops and implements digital construction solutions for public and private international clients. She is a Building Engineer and she holds a PhD in ICT and Smart Construction. She is an expert at the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) TC 442 and ISO/TC 59/SC 13 - where she chairs a Work Group on information requirements standardisation. She is lead author of the Level of Information Need standard EN 17412-1 (ISO 7817-1), PastChair of EC3 Modelling and Standards Committee, Honorary Assistant Professor at UCL The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and Visiting Professor at Northumbria University. She is also the founder of Italians in Digital Transformation UK. She received 30+ awards for her activities including Young Engineer of the Year by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Edoardo Iero
AEC Digital Shift
27 03 2024, Room E.P.7 - Polimi
The AEC industry is undergoing a generational shift thanks to digital tools and design methods such as computational design and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Edoardo Iero's presentation shows some practical applications of computational design in different areas of the construction industry.
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Edoardo Iero is a building engineer from the Politecnico di Milano, currently working in Milan as a BIM Manager and Computational Designer for Tekne Spa. Edoardo has worked on several major international projects and had the opportunity to work
as the architectural and structural BIM coordinator on the construction phase of the new ENI headquarters in San Donato, designed by Morphosis. Thanks to his skills, Edoardo is particularly focused on implementing computational design thinking in every phase of the construction project lifecycle, from feasibility studies to facility
management.
Luciano Ambrosini
Text-to-Image AI
06 03 2024, Room E.P.7 - Polimi
The diffusion of technologies capable of generating images based on descriptive-text input has peaked through the introduction of web-based artificial intelligence platforms. The toolkit developed by Luciano Ambrosini shows how to integrate the Large-scale Text Generative Models (LTGMs) technology introduced by the OpenAI and StabilityAI platforms into the creative design process as well as the Dense Prediction Transformers (DPT) technology capable of predicting a 3D-shaped object started from a 2D image generated by the AI. The research presented bears witness to a first step foot with a new paradigm that uses Diffusion Models in the computational design workflow.
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Luciano Ambrosini is an architect with a PhD in architecture from the University of Naples “Federico II”. He is an independent researcher focused on environmental and computational design. He has published scientific articles on parametric design, BIM and the computational approach to architecture. He has consulted for the Apple Developer Academy of Naples, worked with i-Mesh Company (Italy) for the Expo Dubai 2020 and Foster & Partners (UK) as an environmental design analyst. He is attentive to the integration of new technologies even AI-powered to enhance architectural design with the development of tools and workflows based on team expertise.
Giulia Grassi
Material agency
17 05 2023, Room E.P.1 - Polimi
The use of additive manufacturing (AM) in architecture often requires ad hoc solutions combining design constraints, material properties and available technologies. We will dive into different large scale 3D printing technologies for various applications in the construction sector and we will explore how computational design is applied in design for AM (dfAM). How to program material properties and dfAM to create shape shifting responsive structures? Let's discover 4D printing.
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Giulia Grassi is an additive manufacturing expert and computational designer with a background in architecture.
Currently technical specialist at Desktop Metal, leader company in metal 3D printing, Giulia has explored many techniques and materialities in the additive realm. During her research at Politecnico di Milano she explored large scale additive manufacturing for architecture by 3D printing a shading facade system for Dubai expo 2020. Her doctoral studies focused on 4D printing, additive manufacturing of stimuli responsive materials and its potential use in architecture.
Arianna Brambilla
Cities like forests
10 05 2023, Room E.P.1 - Polimi
Cities like forests: Shifting buildings from being one of the biggest carbon emitters to regenerating our environment.
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Arianna is an Associate Professor in Architecture, with a PhD in Building Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano (2015).
Arianna’s background merges the fields of architecture, construction, building physics and engineering, with special expertise sitting at the nexus of the built environment and sustainability.
Arianna’s research has a particular focus on building envelope performance – or the building’s ‘climate control’ provided by its outer shell. She considers the impact of building envelopes on our comfort, as well as the outdoor microclimate and the broader ecosystem.
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Alberto Sangiorgio
Digital workflows on building renovations
10 05 2023, Room E.P.1 - Polimi
Testing digital workflows on building renovations – The case study of F10 New Law Building for the University of Sydney.
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With more than a decade of experience in the field of Façade engineering, architecture, and construction, Alberto joined Mott MacDonald in 2022, where he is currently Façade Engineer and Eng. Sciences Practice lead for the Australian region.
He started his career in Façade engineering - contractor side, before joining renowned architectural practices such as Foster and Partners and Grimshaw. As an in-house facade consultant, he developed a strong experience in integrated design and architectural detailing.
Alberto has worked on several flagship projects across Europe, the UK, and Australia, including certified Passivhaus and Leed Platinum projects. This has allowed him to build solid international experience with a focus on the resolution and optimization of high-performance building envelopes, from concept to completion. Additionally, his involvement in teaching and research activities with the University of Sydney has led to the development of a solid body of research in moisture management and façade innovation, as well as the publication of several scientific publications and two books titled ‘Rethinking Building Skins’ and ‘Moisture and Buildings’.
Whitney Bevan
Creative thinking
03 05 2023, Room E.P.1 - Polimi
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Whitney is a Lecturer in Construction Management at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment at Robert Gordon University. Whitney is motivated to create an environment where students are encouraged to be innovative, creative in their thinking, are curious as to how classroom theory works in practice and have the opportunity to discover what ignites their passions within the Construction Industry. Whitney’s research and key interests surround sustainability within the Built Environment, skills for the construction workforce, low-carbon building delivery and sustainable, healthy communities. Whitney has previous experience working at Western Sydney University, Australia and started her academic career at the University of Reading. Whitney’s enthusiasm and promotion for well-being extend beyond working hours as she is a keen ultra-runner and Nutrition Health Coach.
Michele Andaloro
Designing complexity
19 04 2023, Room E.P.1 - Polimi
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Michele Andaloro is a Building Engineer from Politecnico di Milano, working between New York and Milan as an Associate at Werner Sobek.
After graduating in 2015 with a thesis on algorithmic design and robotic fabrication—developed at Indexlab in the framework of the "Digital Takes Command" exhibition by Triennale di Milano—he joined Werner Sobek in New York, where he focuses on design, engineering, and sustainability.
He is responsible for managing and leading the design of complex projects internationally; his portfolio includes academic and cultural buildings for major institutions—such as Harvard, ITT, FIT, and the Smithsonian—art installations and a wide range of public and private projects across different scales and programs. He has been a lecturer, guest critic, and tutor in numerous universities, including Politecnico di Milano, The Cooper Union, The University of Pennsylvania, Pratt Institute, and Rice University.
Andrea Vanossi
Construction management
29 03 2023, Torre Unipol, Milano
Designing complex architecture with a focus on sustainability is a pivotal challenge in contemporary architecture. During a visit to the Unipol Tower in Porta Nuova, Milan, engineer Andrea Vanossi demonstrated the key aspects of this challenge in person. The tower showcases innovative design solutions prioritizing energy efficiency and seamlessly integrating with the urban context. As a result, it serves as a prime example of how architects strive to address sustainability concerns while creating visually striking, functional structures for modern society.
Andrea Vanossi, architect, PhD engineer, is an adjunct professor at Politecnico di Milano and BIM Manager for CMB - Cooperativa Muratori e Braccianti di Carpi.
Abderrahim Hamdi
Discrete Architecture + Metaverse
29 03 2023, Room E.P.1 - Polimi
Discrete architecture can represent an innovative way to design and experience the built environment in the Metaverse. Utilizing a computational urban proliferation model, Abderrahim Hamdi explores the potential of modular, interconnectable units to form dynamic, adaptable urban landscapes.
The educational playground of Archiversus, within the Cryptovoxels metaverse, has hosted an immersive urban experience, challenging traditional notions of city design and planning.
Abderrahim Hamdi is an architect based in Milan, he focuses his research on computational design and innovative approaches for the metaverse.
Recently graduated from Politecnico di Milano in building engineering-architecture, he developed his thesis at Indexlab on computational design strategies for the metaverse.
Andrea Riva
Computational sustainability
15 03 2023, Room E.P.1 - Polimi
Andrea is a building engineer with an international mixed background in engineering and architecture. He studied building engineering in Italy graduating from the Politecnico of Milan in 2019 with a master’s thesis in computational design and robotic fabrication. Just after graduating in 2019, he started working at Werner Sobek New York, designing and building several high-profile projects in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. In two years at Werner Sobek Andrea focused on façade engineering, lightweight structural design, sustainability, and complex geometries. He has contributed to the design of multi-scale projects from the first conceptual phases to the construction, implementing novel computational approaches for structural and geometrical optimization where required. Since April 2022, Andrea has joined HERZOG & DE MEURON as a Building Engineer. He is currently involved in the project development of Forum UZH in Zurich.
Marco Guarany
Hybrid assemblies
01 03 2023, Room E.P.1 - Polimi
By leveraging algorithmic programming and digital fabrication, it is possible to optimize resources and establish new connections between natural and artificial systems. Marco Guarany's lecture on hybrid assemblies features three projects that highlight the potential of interdisciplinary and innovative thinking in creating new construction systems for the AEC industry.
Marco Guarany is an Architect based in Turin and Rome, focusing on the themes of computational design and design for manufacture (DFM).
He holds a Master's degree in Architecture at Politecnico di Milano and a Master's degree in Design for Manufacture at The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL).
As a computational designer and DFM specialist he collaborated with international firms and institutions such as Indexlab, Nemesi Studio and Rimond Group. He has also been involved in teaching activities at Università degli Studi Roma Tre and presented his research at the AA School of architecture.
He is currently part of Carlo Ratti Associati Make, a Design and Build company pioneering the digital revolution in construction, founded by MIT professor Carlo Ratti.
Paolo Silvestrelli
Leading innovation
11 05 2022, Room 7 - Polimi
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Paolo Silvestrelli, Project Control Manager at WeBuild SpA, has 5 years of international experience on large scale construction projects; specialized in Budgeting, Planning and Project Controlling activities, passionate about digital innovation. Graduated (MSc) in Building Construction Systems Engineering at Politecnico di Milano in 2016, he is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2019. He has taken a pre-MBA certificate program at Harvard Business School, currently pursuing an Executive MBA at MIP Graduate School of Business, Politecnico di Milano.
Andrea Zani
Constructing visions
27 04 2022, Room 7 - Polimi
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Andrea Zani is the Building Physics Leader at Permasteelisa North America, where he works with his team on assessing thermal and acoustic performance, delivering highly complex curtain wall facade systems. During his PhD at Politecnico di Milano and UC Berkeley, he researched new composite materials and performance-based form-finding to optimize daylight and energy performance of solar shading systems. In addition, Andrea collaborates with LBNL Window Group and CBE Berkeley on research activities.
Michele Andaloro
Complexity
20 04 2022, Room 7 - Polimi
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Michele Andaloro is a M.Sc. Building Engineer from Politecnico di Milano, working between New York and Milan as a Senior Project Manager at Werner Sobek. After graduating with a thesis on algorithmic design and robotic fabrication—developed at Indexlab in the framework of the "Digital Takes Command" exhibition by Triennale di Milano—he joined Werner Sobek in New York, focusing on enclosures, specialty structures, and sustainability. As a Senior Project Manager, he is responsible for managing and leading the design of complex projects internationally; his portfolio includes academic and cultural buildings for major institutions—such as Harvard, ITT, FIT, and Smithsonian—art installations as well as a wide range of public and private buildings projects across different scales and programs.
Claudia Brisolin
Additive-ering
13 04 2022, Room 7 - Polimi
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Claudia joined Eckersley O’Callaghan in December 2019 as a Graduate Engineer following the completion of her MSc, which focused on energy analysis and the optimisation of building systems. She has since used her advanced understanding of these principles to design complex facade systems for a range of projects around the world, from commercial and residential buildings in Europe, to an entertainment venue in the Middle East. Claudia has extensive capabilities of using the latest computer software to design and analyse facade systems and components. Combined with her sophisticated knowledge of materials and production methods, this makes her a valuable asset for any project.
Erica Gamba
Orange&blue
30 03 2022, Room 7 - Polimi
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Erica Gamba is an Engineer, born and based in Milan; after graduating in Building Engineering-Architecture at Politecnico di Milano, with a dissertation on 3D printing and computational design adopted by architecture, she attended a II level Master in International Construction Management. She is currently employed by WeBuild SpA – Lamaro Appalti SpA Joint Venture, for the construction of new ENI headquarters in San Donato Milanese, as Technical Office Engineer with a focus on finishes and architecture.
Lila Panahikazemi
Workflows
23 03 2022, Room 7 - Polimi
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Lila Panahikazemi is a computational designer focusing on the integration of advanced digital technologies in architectural workflows. During her career, she balanced between developing applied computational research for various offices (KSP Engel, Cyrus Moser Architects, ATP) and teaching digital design techniques in various universities (TU Darmstadt, HfG Offenbach, Politecnico di Milano / Indexlab, University of Buffalo). She holds a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering, a Bachelor in Architecture from Leeds Beckett University, as well as a Master in Architecture from the Dessau International Architecture Graduate School. She is currently a computational design specialist for ATP Hamburg, focusing on research and development of automated design workflows between parametric and BIM tools.
Andrea Rossi
Interfaces
16 03 2022, Room 7 - Polimi
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Andrea Rossi is an architectural researcher and computational designer. He is a doctoral candidate at the DDU Digital Design Unit at TU Darmstadt, as well as research associate at the Experimental and Digital Design and Construction chair at the University of Kassel. His current focus is on discrete design, robotic fabrication strategies and bio-based material systems. This led him to develop Wasp, an open-source Grasshopper plug-in for discrete modelling. Previously, he has been a research associate at ETH Zurich, robotic fabrication specialist at Coop Himmelb(l)au (Vienna), as well as robotics specialist at IndexLab (Politecnico di Milano). He taught workshops on digital tools and fabrication in Italy (Politecnico di Milano), Germany (HfG Offenbach, Leibniz University Hannover), USA (University of Buffalo), and Israel (Technion Haifa). He holds a BSc in Architecture from Politecnico di Milano and a Master of Architecture from the Dessau International Architecture Graduate School.
Stefano Arrighi
Feedbacks
02 03 2022, Room 7 - Polimi
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Stefano Arrighi is an Architect and Computational Designer based in Berlin. After his studies at Politecnico di Milano he collaborated with several international firms, as IndexLab, Studio Tomás Saraceno, and HENN. In parallel to his professional career, he has been guest professor at the Institut für Architekturbezogene Kunst (IAK) in Braunschweig (DE) and has lectured, published, and taught workshops internationally. He is currently part of the “Advanced Geometries” department at Studio Olafur Eliasson.