Scantamburlo

Maria

Scantamburlo

Ad-Hoc Expert

Generic Skills

B.1. Understanding of integrated and sustainable urban development:

I have always been fascinated by cities and considered them as complex ecosystems. For this reason, I studied Urban Planning and Policy Design at Politecnico di Milano and at the HafenCity University in Hamburg and I am keeping taking part in courses and workshops to deepen my knowledge in different fields. I’m drawn to work together with communities, local administrations and politicians, architecture and urban planning offices, companies that develop innovative products and models for the built environment, to contribute to city development. As I believe that cities start with people, I worked, firstly, as coordinator of public participation in urban planning and, later, in exchange and learning programs for city-practitioners to support the draft and the implementation of territorial development policies. I am now general manager in an urban development company group. I elaborate and follow up projects in Germany and other countries from the planning phase (analysis and assessments, design and financial architecture) to the implementation (real estate and community management). I am keen on leading by example integrating socially, environmentally and economically sustainable models and combining smartly topics and innovative elements in all concepts I develop.

B.2. Understanding of exchange and learning processes at transnational level:

During my studies, I enjoyed the advantages of an international learning environment: students and professors from other countries brought new perspectives in joint research and design projects. I also studied abroad, to get familiar with other local contexts and urban planning cultures. In addition, I took part in workshops in several foreign countries to experience directly good practices and different methodologies. This educational path led me to work as student advisor for Erasmus program and to write my master thesis on EU programs that support cooperation for urban and territorial planning. It also made me willing to develop my professional career in international exchange and learning networks. After graduation, I worked for a consulting company specialized in INTERREG project management. Then I joined the URBACT Secretariat team and this gave me a privileged perspective on the collaborative work of 7000 cities that between 2007 and 2013 learn a participatory method and draft integrated sustainable urban development plans. In my current position, I team up with colleagues with different nationalities and backgrounds on the development of concepts for buildings, districts, cities and regions worldwide, sharing our expertise and learning from each other constantly. The company is also participating in several EU programs, enabling communities to develop thank EU funding.

B.3. Proficiency in English:

The most of my university education has been in English. This has allowed me to deepen my knowledge in urban planning, to enlarge my technical vocabulary and to increase my overall communication skills in an academic environment. In addition, my main working language has often been English, in combination with Italian, German and French. Nowadays, my tasks are not just the development and delivery of urban planning concepts (graphics but especially texts), but also to perform meetings and moderate sessions in English. I am happy to benefit from the daily exchange and the teamwork with my Canadian colleagues and improve my writing and speaking skills further.

Expertise for the design and delivery of transnational exchange and learning activities:

Thematic expertise:

Theme / Policy:

Sustainable Urban Mobility

Summary Thematic expertise:

In all concepts I elaborate as urban planner, mobility is an important component. Physical transport infrastructures provide the framework, shape the design and the use of the space, guarantee accessibility. On the other side, they can separate parts of territories and generate conflicts amongst flows and users. Based on data analysis, direct observation, inputs from public participation and good examples from all over the world, I draft integrated and sustainable plans and develop design projects that contribute also to increase public transport services, to encourage slow modes, to secure appropriate mobility space and safety to all users, integrating the infrastructure in a vibrant urban environment. Amongst the project I have done with a specific focus on mobility, there is a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan of a mid-size city and a mobility strategy for 2050 for an enlarged metropolitan area. I am currently supporting the neighborhood association of my district in the elaboration of the local mobility plan. I’ve also worked on concepts for the redesign of mobility hubs and public squares with modal interchange in Milano and Hamburg. I have produced several reports comparing mobility systems of different cities and assessing mobility infrastructural projects and policies at different levels.

Theme / Policy:

Environmental Issues

Summary Thematic expertise:

The environment is the habitat of our society and the basic asset of our development. Where there is pressure for space, resources and growth, it is endangered, although it should be protected. While developing concepts, I try to simulate the impact on the environment (also using digital instruments), to make decisions amongst actions and to adapt the design. In addition, I always look for best practices from different countries to learn and test more environmentally sustainable products, solutions and models. Together with citizens, decision-makers and practitioners of urban and territorial authorities, I have elaborated several concepts for the redesign of green public spaces, buildings and districts in Italy and Germany. I have worked on strategic redevelopment plans for supra-municipality areas, such as a river basin, a regional park and different urban coastal waterfronts. I have also supported local administrations in the process of the integration of environmental and energetic concepts and assessments in regulatory frameworks, plans and projects.