Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria | Italy
Profile
🎓Early Academic Pursuits
Education and Training
Lucia DELLA SPINA, an esteemed architect and academic, began her academic journey at the ‘Mediterranea’ University of Reggio Calabria, where she graduated in Architecture in 1989. Her academic zeal was evident early on, leading her to pursue advanced studies. In 1994, she completed her Ph.D. in “Evaluation Methods in Urban Planning and Architectural Design,” a pivotal milestone that would shape her future research and teaching career. During this period, she also received a scholarship at the Institute for Housing and Social Infrastructure (IRIS) in Bari, Italy, further enriching her academic foundation and professional network.
💼Professional Endeavors
Academic Positions
Lucia DELLA SPINA’s professional career has been closely tied to her alma mater, the ‘Mediterranea’ University of Reggio Calabria. Her career trajectory at the university is marked by progressive roles and responsibilities. From 1989 to 2002, she served as a researcher in Appraisal and Valuation. Her dedication and expertise earned her a position as an Assistant Professor from 2003 to 2005. Subsequently, she was promoted to an Aggregate Professor in Planning Evaluation and Project Appraisal, a role she held from 2005 until 2023. Her academic contributions were recognized with her appointment as an Associate Professor of Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation at the Department of Cultural Heritage, Architecture, and Urban Planning (PAU) in 2023.
Lucia’s professional journey is not limited to academia. She has held several significant institutional roles, including being a member of the Board of Directors of the “URBAN LAB S.r.l.,” a university spin-off of the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, since 2019. She also served as the Rector’s delegate for orientation activities between 2019 and 2022, demonstrating her leadership within the university.
📚Contributions and Research Focus on Community-Based Collaborative Urban Regeneration Processes
Lucia DELLA SPINA has made substantial contributions to the fields of urban planning, architecture, and real estate appraisal. Her research is deeply rooted in the evaluation and development of urban plans and projects, with a particular focus on urban regeneration and the circular economy. She has been the Scientific Director of LaborEst, the Economic Evaluations and Real Estate Appraisals Lab at the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, since 2011. Her research within this lab has concentrated on the value creation through social innovation processes, complex urban regeneration programs, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
Her research is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach that bridges the gap between academia and the local community. Through LaborEst, she has spearheaded initiatives aimed at transferring scientific knowledge and technological innovation to public institutions, focusing on sustainable urban and territorial development. Her work in these areas has been shared widely in national and international conferences, making her a recognized figure in her field.
🏆Accolades and Recognition
Lucia DELLA SPINA’s contributions to her field have been widely recognized. She has consistently ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, according to Scopus-Elsevier data. This recognition, achieved in 2020, 2021, and 2022, underscores her impact as one of the most cited researchers globally. These accolades highlight her prolific output and the significance of her research in the global academic community.
In addition to these global recognitions, she has received the “Best Paper Award” in 2017 for her article on an integrated assessment approach as a decision support system for urban planning and regeneration policies, published in the journal BUILDINGS. This award is a testament to her innovative research and its practical implications in the field of urban planning.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Community Impact
Lucia DELLA SPINA’s impact extends beyond her research contributions. As an educator, she has influenced a generation of architects and urban planners through her teaching and mentorship at the ‘Mediterranea’ University of Reggio Calabria. Her involvement in doctoral supervision and her role on various Ph.D. scientific boards have been instrumental in shaping the academic and professional trajectories of many students and young researchers.
Her influence is also evident in her editorial work. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Environmental Science and Sustainable Development (ESSD) and has been Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal LaborEst since 2011. Additionally, she is a member of several scientific editorial boards, including Sustainability, Land, and Buildings, where she contributes to the dissemination of high-quality research in her field.
🔮Legacy and Future Contributions