Skip to main content

InhAbiting the Transition

the project

InhAbiting the Transition (AbiT) emerges as a groundbreaking initiative led by the Department of Architecture (DiARC) at the University of Naples Federico II. It focuses on adapting living spaces and models towards more sustainable settlement, production, and consumption patterns. The project embraces an experimental approach to architecture and design, considering historical, social, and environmental aspects.

mission and vision

We value education, innovation and collaboration

AbiT’s mission is to strengthen the Department’s capacity to address emerging environmental, socio-economic, and technological challenges. It seeks to navigate the transition towards more sustainable living spaces and models through an experimental approach that integrates historical, social, and environmental considerations. AbiT operates through the Transitional Lab (Tlab), which fosters collaborative research, education, and third mission activities.

AbiT’s vision is to establish a collaborative and integrated hub for the Department of Architecture. This ecosystem, driven by the newly established Tlab, aims to leverage the expertise within the Department to enhance research, education, and third mission activities. The vision includes the development of eco-innovative solutions that improve living conditions and navigate the transition towards sustainable settlement, production, and consumption patterns.

transition 

transition 

transition 

transition 

transition 

the concept of transition

Our perspective on sustainable change

Embedded in the essence of AbiT is a profound comprehension of the concept of transition, strategically addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by contemporary ecological, technological, social, and cultural shifts. This conceptual framework stands as a response to the explicit demands outlined in the project’s mission—navigating the transition towards more sustainable settlement, production, and consumption patterns. AbiT’s vision embraces the transition as a critical juncture, necessitating the adaptation of living spaces and models. It’s an evolutionary process extending from the immediate challenges of the short term to the far-reaching transformations of the long term.

At its core, this transition is a dynamic interplay between societal evolution and the built environment. AbiT recognizes that the architectural landscape is not merely a reflection of change; it is an active participant in shaping the future. Sustainability is the guiding principle, ensuring that this transition is not just about forward movement but also about the preservation of collective values. In the words of AbiT, this means safeguarding environmental, historical, and heritage assets—a commitment outlined in its mission.

This holistic perspective transforms the concept of transition from a mere adjustment to a narrative where adaptation is coupled with innovation. It’s a strategic and thoughtful approach, where AbiT envisions a built environment that not only meets the challenges of today but also anticipates and shapes the needs of tomorrow. In this narrative, the architectural landscape becomes a canvas, a living expression of AbiT’s dedication to integrating historical, social, and environmental aspects into the fabric of sustainable design.

discover tlab

The spaces of collaboration

Transitional Lab (TLab) is the collaborative epicenter of AbiT’s endeavors: TLab serves as an architectural nexus where diverse expertise converges to pioneer experimental design and eco-innovative solutions. Beyond being a physical space, TLab encapsulates AbiT’s commitment to navigating the transition towards sustainable living through cutting-edge research and collaborative synergy.

EXPLORE TLAB'S PAGE

discover habit

Designing the future

The Ph.D. Habitat in Transition (HabiT) is th realization of AbiT’s vision for sustainable living spaces. Developed by the Department of Architecture at the University of Naples Federico II, HabiT eloquently responds to the contemporary challenges outlined in the project’s mission. It is a meticulous adaptation of living spaces, harmonizing historical, environmental, and modern facets—an embodiment of AbiT’s commitment to sustainable settlement, production, and consumption patterns.

EXPLORE HABIT'S PAGE

the governance

The professors and institutional figures at the forefront of shaping AbiT

Management Committee

Marella Santangelo

Director of DiARC

Marella Santangelo is Director of the Department of Architecture at the University of Naples Federico II and Full Professor of Architectural and Urban Design. She is a member of the Academic Senate (2025–2027) and serves as Rector’s Delegate for the Campania University Prison Campus.
She is a member of the PhD Board in Architecture and of the Executive Committee of CUIA (Italian University Conference of Architecture). Her research and institutional activity focus on the relationship between architecture, space, and rights, with particular attention to penal architecture.
She has been appointed by the Italian Ministry of Justice to several national committees on prison architecture and coordinates scientific agreements between the University of Naples Federico II and the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Prison Administration, and multiple Italian correctional institutions. Since 2022, she has been Principal Investigator of the FRA-funded research project “RiSP”, exploring spatial justice in places of detention.
She is also responsible for international academic agreements with universities in Argentina, Cuba, and Peru and is a member of the Graduate and Master’s Faculty at the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina).
Management Committee

Michelangelo Russo

ABIT Manager

Michelangelo Russo is a Full Professor of Urban Planning at the Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II (UNINA). Since 2019, he has served as Director of DIARC (Department of Architecture). From 2013 to 2019, he was Coordinator of the PhD Programme in Architecture at UNINA.
From 2014 to 2018, he was National President of the Italian Society of Urban Planners (SIU), a scientific society recognized by ANVUR for the competitive sector 08-F. Since 2020, he has been Vice President of CUIA (Italian University Conference of Architecture).
He has conducted nationally and internationally funded research projects and currently coordinates the Naples Research Unit within the international network of the project “REPAiR – Resource Management in Peri-urban Areas: Going Beyond Urban Metabolism,” selected in December 2015 with an excellent evaluation by the European Commission for Horizon 2020 funding.
Management Committee

Sergio Russo Ermolli

Head of TLab

Sergio Russo Ermolli is Associate Professor of Architectural Technology at the Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, and has held the Italian National Scientific Qualification (ASN) for Full Professor since 2019. His research focuses on the relationship between digital methodologies, architectural design, and low–environmental-impact production and assembly techniques for building products and systems.
From 2000 to 2005, he served as Adjunct Lecturer in Architectural Technology in degree programmes at the University of Camerino and the University of Naples Federico II, and he is currently a member of the PhD Board in Architecture. He regularly participates in national and international conferences and in European research programmes addressing the integration of construction technologies with energy and environmental issues.
Since 2014, he has been a member of the Executive Board of SITdA – Italian Society of Architectural Technology, serving as Head of Communications. Since 2013, he has been a member of the Scientific Committee and Teaching Board of the Second-Level Master’s Programme in “Architectural, Urban and Environmental Design and Regeneration with Innovative Technologies” at the Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II. Since 2016, he has also been a member of the Scientific Committee and Teaching Board of the Second-Level Master’s Programme in “Building Information Modeling and Integrated Sustainable Design” at the Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II.
He represents DIARC in the UNI/CT 033/GL 05 Committee on the codification of construction products and processes, contributing to the development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards, and is a member of the University Task Force “Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Development”, focused on research, knowledge development, and technology transfer in the field of Industry 4.0.
Evaluation Committee

Maria Cerreta

Maria Cerreta is Full Professor of Real Estate at the Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II. She holds a PhD in Evaluation Methods for the Integrated Conservation of Architectural, Urban, and Environmental Heritage, and has been awarded the Italian National Scientific Qualification for Full Professor.
Her research focuses on integrated evaluation methods, decision-support tools, and urban and territorial planning, with particular attention to sustainability, urban regeneration, and heritage conservation. She has conducted research activities at national and international institutions, including the Joint Research Centre (ISPRA) and the Institut d’Urbanisme de Paris, and has been involved in numerous research projects, conferences, and scientific publications.
She teaches in undergraduate and graduate programmes, postgraduate courses, and specialization schools at the University of Naples Federico II. She is Director of the Advanced Course in Real Estate Market and Urban Regeneration (MIRU) and Coordinator of the Second-Level Master’s Programme in Sustainable Planning and Design of Port Areas. Since 2021/2022, she has served as Coordinator of the Single-Cycle Master’s Degree Programme in Architecture (ARC5UE).
She is an active member of several national scientific associations in the fields of urban studies, appraisal, and environmental evaluation, serves on editorial boards of international journals, and holds institutional roles within the Italian National Institute of Urban Planning (INU), contributing to national working groups on the evaluation of plans and programmes for territorial governance.
Evaluation Committee

Pasquale De Toro

Pasquale De Toro is Full Professor of Real Estate at the Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, and holds the Italian National Scientific Qualification for Full Professor. He earned his PhD in Evaluation Methods for the Integrated Conservation of Architectural, Urban, and Environmental Heritage, following research experiences in Italy and abroad, including the University of East Anglia (UK) and the University of Maryland (USA).
His research focuses on decision-support methods, multi-criteria evaluation, and environmental, urban, and architectural assessment, with particular attention to sustainability, protected natural areas, and integrated planning strategies. He has participated in European research programmes and advanced training initiatives on integrated environmental assessment.
He teaches in undergraduate and graduate programmes, postgraduate courses, and specialization schools at the University of Naples Federico II, and is a member of the PhD Board in Architecture. From 2016 to 2022, he served as Director of the Interdepartmental Research Centre in Urban Planning “Alberto Calza Bini.”
He holds several institutional and professional roles and is actively involved in national scientific associations in the fields of appraisal, environmental analysis, and urban planning, serving as President of the Campania Section of the Italian National Institute of Urban Planning (INU) and as a member of the National Executive Board of the Association of Environmental Analysts (AAA).
Evaluation Committee

Massimo Perriccioli

HabiT Doctoral Program Coordinator

Massimo Perriccioli is Full Professor of Architectural Technology at the Department of Architecture (DiARC), University of Naples Federico II. He holds a PhD in Architectural Technology and has an extensive academic career spanning research, teaching, and institutional leadership at the Universities of Camerino and Naples Federico II.
From 1995 to 2017, he taught Industrial Design, Construction Systems Design, and Technological Culture of Architecture at the School of Architecture and Design “Eduardo Vittoria” of the University of Camerino, where he also served as PhD Programme Coordinator, Degree Programme Chair, and member of the School Executive Board. Since 2018, he has been Full Professor at the University of Naples Federico II, where he currently holds several institutional roles, including Third Mission Delegate of the Department, Coordinator of the Master’s Degree Programme “Design for the Built Environment”, and Coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree Programme “Design per la Comunità.”
His research focuses on technological innovation, environmental design, and experimental construction systems, with particular attention to emergency and temporary architecture, low-cost and low-energy housing, lightweight and prefabricated systems, and, more recently, digital fabrication and the impact of digital technologies on domestic living spaces.
He has coordinated national and industry-funded research projects on prefabrication, sustainable construction, and innovative materials, and plays an active role in the scientific community as a member of the Executive Board of SITdA (Italian Society of Architectural Technology) and Editorial Director of the book series “Architetture della tecnologia” (Franco Angeli).
Evaluation Committee

Federica Palestino

Maria Federica Palestino is Full Professor of Urban Planning at the Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II. She holds a PhD in Evaluation Methods for the Integrated Conservation of Architectural, Urban, and Environmental Heritage and has been awarded the Italian National Scientific Qualification for Full Professor in Urban and Territorial Planning.
Her research focuses on urban regeneration, reuse of modern heritage, and the social construction of plans and programmes, with particular attention to participatory processes, local identities, and the strategic role of cultural policies and creativity in contemporary cities. She has developed specific expertise in listening-based methodologies, stakeholder engagement, and place-based observation in urban transformation processes, including fragile and marginal contexts.
She is a member of the PhD Board in Architecture and of the National PhD Programme (DIN) in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, New Media, New Technologies, Music and Cultural Heritage, within the curriculum Art, Music, Science, Territory and Community. She serves as Editor of the journal Crios – Critica degli ordinamenti spaziali and is Delegate for Strategic Programming of Knowledge Valorisation for the Department of Architecture.
She has coordinated national and international research projects, including an international cooperation agreement with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, and has held key academic roles such as Coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Sustainable Urban Development and Departmental Delegate to the University Prison Campus. Her recent research explores capacity-building strategies enabling communities and fragile territories to address socio-ecological decline.
Evaluation Committee

Donatella Chiodo

Competitive Funding Calls Coordinator

Daniela De Leo

Daniela De Leo is an Architect and holds a PhD in Rationality and Operability of Environmental Planning, and is Full Professor of Urban Planning and Design at the Department of Architecture (DiARC), University of Naples Federico II.
Her research integrates planning theory and practice, with a focus on urban and territorial regeneration, collaborative governance, inequalities and spatial justice, peripheral and intermediate territories, and the relationship between legality and urban policies. She coordinates and carries out applied research and consultancy activities for public authorities on landscape, environmental, and strategic planning tools and processes, including within international cooperation frameworks.
She has extensive teaching experience in urban planning and regeneration courses and design studios, as well as in advanced training programmes (PhD courses, Master’s programmes, and summer schools). She is actively involved in institutional roles and Third Mission / public engagement activities, and participates in national and international scientific networks.
Advisory Board

Diane Davis

Advisory Board

Jose de Coca Leicher

Advisory Board

Camilla Mileto

Advisory Board

Roberto Morabito

Advisory Board

Greg Morrisett

Advisory Board

Arjan van Timmeren

TLAB Section Heads

Mara Capone

Understanding & Knowledge

Mara Capone is Full Professor of Drawing and Representation at the Department of Architecture (DiARC), University of Naples Federico II. She holds a PhD in Representation and Survey of Architecture and the Built Environment and has extensive teaching experience in architectural drawing, geometry, and digital representation.
Her research focuses on architectural survey, digital documentation, and advanced methods of visualization and interpretation of architectural and archaeological heritage, with particular attention to complex geometries, historic structures, and inclusive and accessible heritage fruition. She has coordinated and participated in numerous national and European research projects on digital heritage, archaeological sites, and innovative platforms for knowledge dissemination and cultural valorisation.
She has been Visiting Professor at the University of Valladolid and the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris–La Villette, and regularly contributes to international conferences as a speaker and peer reviewer. Her academic activity integrates research, teaching, and international cooperation, with a strong focus on the relationship between analog and digital representation, survey technologies, and architectural geometry.
TLAB Section Heads

Paola Scala

Design & Visioning

Paola Scala is an Architect and holds a PhD, and is Associate Professor of Architectural and Urban Design at the Department of Architecture (DiARC), University of Naples Federico II. She is a member of the PhD Board ATESIP – “Architecture for the Ecological Transition Between Internal Spaces and Landscape” at the University of Palermo, and serves on the University Teaching Quality Assurance Committee (PQA).
She teaches Architectural Design in the Landscape Architecture Design Studio of the single-cycle Master’s Degree in Architecture (ARC5UE) and in the Sustainable Habitat Design Studio of the Bachelor’s Degree in Community Design (CODE). Her research and design activity focus on architectural and urban design, with particular attention to the transformation of compositional tools, models, and techniques in contemporary practice. She has coordinated applied research and consultancy activities, including studies supporting the definitive design of Palazzo Penne in Naples, and has participated in numerous national and international research projects.
In 2019, she co-founded ICDS – Informal City Design Studio, a research laboratory dedicated to public space design based on the analysis and interpretation of informal uses and social relations within urban contexts. Within this framework, she contributed to research on the Vasto area in Naples, aimed at fostering the integration of migrant communities; the project won First Prize at the international i-Rec Student Competition. In 2023, she served as Italian Design Ambassador in Nicosia (Cyprus), presenting the work developed within ICDS.
TLAB Section Heads

Sergio Pone

Prototyping & Fabrication

Sergio Pone is an Architect and holds a PhD in Architectural Technology from the Politecnico di Milano. He is Full Professor of Architectural Technology at the Department of Architecture (DiARC), University of Naples Federico II, where he teaches in the Final Synthesis Design Studio in Architectural Technology and in Prototyping and Modeling within the Master’s Degree in Design for the Built Environment. Since 2012, he has coordinated ArcLab, the architecture section of the Villa Pennisi in Musica Summer School.
His research focuses on industrialized building, technological innovation in construction, and the evolution of prefabrication systems—both heavy and lightweight—particularly in residential architecture. He has investigated post-earthquake construction technologies in Naples, dry-assembled and lightweight systems, emergency and temporary architecture, and innovations in load-bearing structures, including large-span roofs. In recent years, his work has also explored innovative uses of traditional materials (wood, terracotta, and leather) and the transformation of technical media and knowledge dissemination in architecture.
He has coordinated and participated in nationally funded research projects (PRIN, FAR–MIUR) and led applied research on gridshell structures and temporary acoustic architectures, including a project awarded the Peter Lord Award (Institute of Acoustics, London). His teaching activity includes extensive experience in advanced training, international workshops, and professional programmes. He is currently Scientific Head of the Technical Area of DiARC and Director of the TLAC Laboratory (Lightweight Technologies for the Built Environment), and has supervised numerous doctoral and master’s theses.
TLAB Section Heads

Gilda Berruti

Interaction & Engagement

Gilda Berruti is Associate professor in Urban Planning at the Department of Architecture, Federico II University of Naples (Italy). Her research interests include public spaces between urban form and social dimension, the social construction of urban plans, the sustainable city as an aspect of the new urban question. At present, she is focusing on the relationship between planning and urban informalities. Currently associate at the National Institute of Planning (INU) since 2007, member of the INU Regional Committee (Campania Region) since 2013, from 2014 has been promoting and coordinating Inu Award for urban planning literature. Component of the Association of European School of Planning (AESOP) she is involved in the Thematic Group on “Public Spaces and Urban Cultures”.
Portal Technical Officer

Pietro Nunziante

Pietro Nunziante is Associate Professor of Industrial Design at the Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II. He holds a PhD in Industrial Design, Fine and Applied Arts and his research focuses on the relationship between design, digital creativity, and technological innovation.
His scholarly work explores digital design systems, advanced modeling and simulation, digital manufacturing, IoT, and ubiquitous computing, with a strong theoretical and critical perspective rooted in Design Research and Material Culture studies. His research outputs include publications, applied research projects, educational programs, and contributions to prototyping, information systems, and digital tools for public institutions, research centers, and industry.
He is a member of the board of the AURORA European Universities Alliance (Erasmus+), where he serves as University Coordinator for the domain “Digital Society and Global Citizenship.” He is also part of the coordination group of the University of Naples Federico II strategic project F.E.D.E.R.I.C.O., focused on innovation in higher education and academic staff development.
From 2016 to 2019, he was Head Teacher and Design Lecturer at the Apple Developer Academy, and he currently leads the Apple Foundation Program at the Capodimonte Museum, dedicated to digital solutions for cultural heritage. He has extensive experience in international teaching, research projects, and academic partnerships, and is Co-founder and President of LAN – Laboratorio Architettura Nomade, a non-profit cultural association active in research, education, and cultural initiatives.