Architecture, Design, Planning
PHD PROGRAMME
An interdisciplinary doctoral programme bringing together the knowledge, methods and research cultures of architecture, design and planning to address the cultural, technological, environmental and social transformation of the built environment, cities, territories and landscapes.
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
Coordinator: Prof. Roberto Ruggiero
Institution: University of Camerino
Proposing School: School of Architecture and Design “Eduardo Vittoria”
Teaching location: Ascoli Piceno
Programme structure: Single-university PhD programme
Duration: Three years
Curricula: Three research curricula
Current teaching offer: Academic year 2025/2026
Institution: University of Camerino
Proposing School: School of Architecture and Design “Eduardo Vittoria”
Teaching location: Ascoli Piceno
Programme structure: Single-university PhD programme
Duration: Three years
Curricula: Three research curricula
Current teaching offer: Academic year 2025/2026
PROGRAMME COMMUNITY
15 PhD candidates currently enrolled
Cycle XXXIX: 4 candidates ·
Cycle XL: 3 candidates ·
Cycle XLI: 8 candidates
Cycle XL: 3 candidates ·
Cycle XLI: 8 candidates
Data updated: August 2026 · Active cycles XXXIX–XLI
PROGRAMME PROFILE
A shared research environment for architecture, design and planning
The programme is conceived as a research and advanced-training environment in which the different fields that historically form the broad area of architecture engage in continuous dialogue. This interdisciplinary structure responds to the need to update knowledge and skills in relation to cultural, technological, environmental and social change.
The three curricula combine complementary expertise and promote exchanges both within and across curricula. Research activities are closely connected with the scientific projects developed by the School of Architecture and Design and with national and international research networks.
Main research areas
01
Theories and systems for architecture and the built environment
Research into architectural theory, design culture, construction systems, representation, technological innovation and the environmental performance of the built environment.
02
Knowledge, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage
Research concerning architectural and cultural heritage, historic cities, territories and landscapes, combining knowledge, documentation, conservation, interpretation and contemporary transformation.
03
Industrial product and communication design
Research into products, communication, services and complex systems, with particular attention to innovation, sustainability, digital technologies, production processes and territorial identities.
PROGRAMME AIMS
Developing independent and socially relevant research
Original and independent research
The programme strengthens methodological knowledge, critical skills and research autonomy, preparing PhD candidates to develop original and innovative projects in architecture, design and planning.
Interdisciplinary design culture
Product and communication design, architectural design, the transformation of the built environment, territorial and landscape planning, history and conservation are developed through continuous comparison of methods, tools and research results.
Impact, knowledge transfer and public engagement
The programme develops research projects responding to the needs of businesses and public administrations and promotes the dissemination of research to citizens, schools, universities and professional communities.
RESEARCH PROFILE
Curricula
CURRICULUM 01
Architecture: Theories and Design
Curriculum lead: Prof. Gabriele Mastrigli
The curriculum develops research across the theoretical, historical, representational, design and conservation dimensions of architecture. Particular attention is devoted to the relationships between the built heritage, cultural landscapes, territorial transformation processes and contemporary architectural design.
Architectural culture is understood as an interdisciplinary field and as a critical instrument for interpreting and transforming the built environment at the scales of architecture, the city, the territory and the landscape.
Research addresses fragile and marginal territories, depopulation and abandonment, climate change, the transformation of natural and human-made landscapes, the effects of modernization on historic settlements and the recovery and enhancement of architectural, industrial and infrastructural heritage. The curriculum integrates theory and design, historical research, representation, technological innovation, restoration and conservation, with particular attention to sustainability, adaptive reuse and urban and territorial resilience.
CURRICULUM 02
Innovation Design
Curriculum lead: Prof. Carlo Vinti
The curriculum focuses on applied research into innovation processes concerning products, communication, services and systems, with particular attention to sustainability, circularity, digital technologies and the enhancement of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Design is understood as a strategic field in which cultural knowledge, technical and scientific expertise and innovation processes converge to develop complex and competitive design scenarios.
Research includes life-cycle-oriented strategies, circular production models, digital fabrication, communication and interaction technologies, Ambient Intelligence, Ambient Assisted Living, Industry 4.0, the Made in Italy production system and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises. The curriculum promotes action research and design experimentation and prepares researchers capable of transferring knowledge between universities, businesses, institutions and society.
CURRICULUM 03
Sustainable Planning, Cultural Heritage, Built Environment
Curriculum lead: Prof. Ilenia Pierantoni
The curriculum addresses urban, territorial and landscape regeneration through an integrated, systemic and interdisciplinary approach focused on sustainable planning, resilience and the enhancement of cultural and environmental heritage, with particular attention to fragile territories and inland areas.
Research develops advanced methods for understanding, planning and managing urban and territorial systems through the collection, integration and analysis of multi-source data relating to the built heritage, cultural landscapes and environmental systems.
Methods and tools include GIS, artificial intelligence, environmental and climate models, multi-risk analysis and digital technologies applied to planning, design and communication. Particular attention is given to climate adaptation and mitigation, green and blue infrastructure, environmental risk reduction and participatory and inclusive processes aimed at improving environmental quality, safety and quality of life.
ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE
Coordinator and PhD Programme Board
Academic coordination
The programme is coordinated by Prof. Roberto Ruggiero and supported by a nationally composed and scientifically qualified PhD Programme Board. The Board is responsible for scientific planning, doctoral training, candidate monitoring and programme quality.
DOCTORAL TRAINING
Research-led and interdisciplinary education
A training programme distinct from degree-level teaching
Doctoral education is specifically designed for advanced research and is clearly distinguished from first- and second-cycle degree teaching. It includes lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory activities and interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary training.
Common and curriculum-specific activities develop research methodology, academic writing, peer review, case-study research, data collection and integration, design research, representation and the critical use of digital technologies. A significant part of the training is delivered in English.
Educational activities 2025/2026
Current curricular educational activities for the 41st cycle.
21 ECTS · 147 total hours
| Educational activity | Lecturers | Scientific fields | ECTS | Hours | Year | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Research Methodology. Research Methods for Architecture, Design and Planning |
Carlo Vinti Gabriele Mastrigli Enrica Petrucci Maria Giovanna Putzu Elio Trusiani Ilenia Pierantoni Martina Attenni |
CEAR-08/D CEAR-09/A CEAR-11/B CEAR-12/B CEAR-10/A |
8 | 56 | 1st–2nd | I |
|
Resilient Urban Planning and Design: Adaptive Cities; Climate-Adaptive Urban Design |
Roberta Cocci Grifoni Rosalba D’Onofrio |
CEAR-08/C CEAR-12/B |
2 | 14 | 2nd | II |
| Scientific Research Methodology for Advanced Design |
Lucia Pietroni Daniele Galloppo Davide Paciotti |
CEAR-08/D | 7 | 49 | 2nd | II |
| Architects and Architectural Media |
Nicolò Sardo Giuseppe Bonaccorso |
CEAR-10/A CEAR-11/A |
4 | 28 | 2nd | II |
The 8-ECTS activity includes 49 hours in the first year and a 7-hour contribution by Martina Attenni in the second year, both delivered during Semester I. The educational offer will be updated at the beginning of Cycle XLII.
RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
Laboratories and research facilities
Shared Integrated Laboratory Centre – CLIC
SaadLab Automation — Home Automation and Robotics
SaadLab Diagnostic — Building Diagnostics
SaadLab Energy — Environmental and Energy Control Technologies
SaadLab Multimedia — Digital Communication and Production
SaadLab Prototype — Models and Prototypes
SaadLab Diagnostic — Building Diagnostics
SaadLab Energy — Environmental and Energy Control Technologies
SaadLab Multimedia — Digital Communication and Production
SaadLab Prototype — Models and Prototypes
Library and digital resources
The School of Architecture and Design library provides specialist collections supporting research in architecture, construction, urban planning and industrial design. Its holdings include 80 current journal subscriptions and 1,928 periodical years. Digital resources include Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals, DAAI, URBADOC, Wiley Online Library and SpringerLink, available through the UNICAM Library System and remote proxy access.
Software, study spaces and computing facilities
Available resources include AutoCAD Educational, QGIS, GIMP and LibreOffice, a 30-seat study room, a 42-seat computer room, network printers and plotters, A0 and A3 scanners and access to external computing centres such as CINECA.
CAREER PERSPECTIVES
Research, professional practice and project leadership
The programme prepares independent researchers capable of contributing to scientific and methodological advancement in architecture, design and planning, as academics, professionals, consultants or entrepreneurs operating in an international context.
Graduates may work in universities, cultural foundations, research centres, private companies and public administrations, including coordination and management roles. Their expertise applies to architectural design, the interpretation and representation of complex projects, urban and territorial transformation, environmental planning and innovation in products, communication and services.
INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION
International research, mobility and collaboration
The programme promotes international research agreements, cotutelle arrangements, exchanges involving PhD candidates and academic staff and doctoral courses delivered in English. Its international dimension also supports the participation of PhD candidates from different countries.
A research period abroad is compulsory and is generally planned for six months, within the limits and procedures established by the programme. Participation in international conferences and experience in academic and non-academic research environments are strongly encouraged.
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KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
Research with businesses, institutions and territories
The programme supports innovative and industrially oriented doctoral projects and develops collaborations with local and national companies, public administrations, cultural institutions and qualified research centres. These relationships encourage applied research, technological and cultural transfer and the development of projects responding to real territorial and societal needs.
ACCREDITATION AND QUALITY
Positive ANVUR evaluation – Cycle XLII
For the academic year 2026/2027, ANVUR issued a positive evaluation and proposed the accreditation of the PhD programme in Architecture, Design, Planning.
The requirements concerning the composition and scientific qualification of the PhD Programme Board, scholarships, programme sustainability, operational and scientific facilities and the doctoral training project were considered satisfied.
The evaluation records an average of 49 hours of doctoral education per year for each cycle. The training is clearly distinguished from first- and second-cycle degree teaching and is closely connected with advanced research, seminars, laboratories and interdisciplinary activities.
Admission and current calls
The number and type of available positions, scholarships, research topics and application deadlines are established annually by the official admission call.
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Contacts and programme support
Contact the Programme Coordinator, the curriculum leads or the ISAS Administrative Office for academic and administrative information.