Doctoral Student

PhD Opportunity: HyperSCAPES: Extreme Infrastructure Projects and Emerging Forms of Urbanity in the Anthropocene - Politecnico di Torino (DIST)

About the Project:

I am excited to announce three fully funded 3-year PhD positions at #PoliTO - DIST within the project “HyperSCAPES: Extreme Infrastructure Projects and Emerging Forms of Urbanity in the Anthropocene.” This international research initiative investigates how large-scale infrastructure projects are reshaping urban landscapes, social dynamics, and environments across the globe.

As part of an interdisciplinary team, selected candidates will tackle one of the most pressing challenges in contemporary urban studies: How can planning and design activities guide large-scale infrastructural projects toward more sustainable and equitable development?

Research Focus:

Over the past decade, large-scale infrastructure projects have radically transformed landscapes and living practices. While often framed as engines of development, they frequently contribute to resource exploitation, social inequalities, and uneven urbanisation. This research seeks to bridge the gap by developing new frameworks for urban planning and design that respond to these challenges.

Core Objectives:

1. Develop a theoretical framework to analyse emerging forms of urbanization driven by large-scale infrastructure.
2. Conduct mapping analysis and ethnographic fieldwork to document spatial and societal transformations.
3. Propose strategies for urban planning and design, contributing to agenda-setting publications in urban studies and planning.

Proposed Research Areas: Adriatic Region, Central China, and the Atacama Desert (subject to adjustment based on preliminary findings).

Methodology:

• Critical mapping and spatial analysis (regional and local levels).
• Field-based ethnographic research.
• Visual methods (photography, videomaking) to critically interpret urban transformations.
• Policy analysis to position findings within broader governance and planning debates.

What We Are Looking For:

• A strong interest in urbanism, planning, and design.
• Research experience in architecture, urban studies, urban design, or related fields.
• Critical and analytical thinking skills, with an openness to interdisciplinary methodologies.
• Experience in visual methods (mapping, photography, videomaking) is a plus.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork and research stays abroad.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Application Deadline: End of April. Candidates must complete their master’s degree before November.

Looking forward to seeing great applications!