Staff Profiles

I arrived at OBU as a Marie Curie Fellow (2017-2019), promoting a ground-breaking methodology based on a combined use of Constructive Grounded Theory, Cognitive Mapping Technique and Meaningful Learning Activities to enhance interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity among the Built Environment disciplines. I have tested this approach in different contexts and European
programmes (e.g. EH-cmap, 2014-2016, Net Learning, 2015-2017,Resplan, 2015-2017; Enplan, 2015- 2018; CmapER, 2017-2019) 

My research is focused on the socio-technical co-evolution of renewable energy infrastructure and settlements. Specifcally, I am exploring  how to organise a Destributed Renewable and Interactive Energy System in Urban Environments. 

Research group membership

2020, Oxford Brookes’ Research Excellence Awards 2020-21

"Integration of BIM and LCA for supporting the implementation of DRIs (Distributed Renewable and Interactive energy systems) in Urban Environment". 

2019, Transforming Construction Network Plus, UK Research and Innovation

"Developing a Tool Kit for Knowledge Integration: Envisioning Buildings-as-Energy-Service".

2018 - Global Challenges Collaborative Research Award

"Users & Distributed Renewable and Interactive energy systems (DRIs): a comparative study between the United Kingdom and China".  

2017-2019 H2020 Marie-Sklodowska Curie Individual Fellowship

"Innovative learning platform for knowledge integration in Energy Retrofit (EU acronym: C-mapER)"

Research grants and awards

2020, Oxford Brookes’ Research Excellence Awards 2020-21, £18,480.24

2019, Transforming Construction Network Plus, UK Research and Innovation, £76,606.24

2018 Oxford Brookes  Global Challenges Collaborative Research Award (£12,319)

Funding for collaboration with Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and The Beijing City Lab (BCL), Tsinghua University- two premier research and teaching institutions in China

2017 Oxford Brookes Collaborative Research & Travel Grant (£3600

2017 H2020 Marie-Sklodowska Curie Individual Fellowship (€183,454)

Design Contests

2015, Neighbourhood the City of Science, Rome| Finalist Team

2014, Guggenheim Helsinky | Honorable mention

2010, Pass Sustainable social housing design, Tiburtino III, Rome | 2nd Prize

2010, Extension of the Farnesina Lyceum, Rome | Mention

2009, Social Housing, Milan-Figino | 4^th prize

2009, Social Housing, Milan-Cenni | Mention

2008, Radicelli Park, Rome | 3rd Prize

Research projects

Research

2020-now         Integration of BIM and LCA for supporting the implementation of DRIs (Distributed Renewable and Interactive energy systems) in Urban Environment.

2019-now         Developing a Tool Kit for Knowledge Integration: Envisioning Buildings-as-Energy-Service.

2018                Co-creation of distributed renewable and interactive energy systems & citizen-centred low carbon cities.

2018                Users & Distributed Renewable and Interactive energy systems (DRIs): a comparative study between the United Kingdom and China.

2018                Skills for Interdisciplinary Collaboration.

2017                Innovative Learning Platform for Knowledge Integration in Energy Retrofit.

2016                Distributed renewable and interactive energy systems in Urban Environment.

2015                NET_Learning – New Energy to Rebuild European Learning.

2014                EH-CMap: Advanced Training on Energy Efficiency in Historic Heritage.

2013                Energy-cluster of historic Buildings. The case study of School Building in Rome

2011                 Territorial reconstruction and sustainable development of urban and rural areas: comparison of tourism and historical, cultural, architectural and environmental vocations.

2010                 Environmental and energy sustainability components related to the Urban Centrality of the new Master Regulatory Plan of Rome, Torre Spaccata.

2009                Expanded polystyrene in buildings. Critical considerations on a non-eco friendly material.

Research impact

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE4aWiFtvL0

Further information

"Innovative learning platform for knowledge integration in Energy Retrofit (EU acronym: C-mapER)"

https://www.energyretrofitlearningplatform.org/ 

Books

• Sibilla M, Dove inizia l'intelligenza. Saggio sull'evoluzione delle infrastrutture energetiche e degli assetti insediativi, Altralinea Edizioni (2017)
  ISBN: 9788894869040
  Abstract Dove inizia l’intelligenza è un saggio che affronta il tema dell’evoluzione da un sistema energetico centralizzato, a base di combustibili fossili e gestione passiva, verso un sistema Distribuito, Rinnovabile e Interattivo (DRI) organizzato in Micro Reti. Il testo costituisce un contributo innovativo all’attuale dibattito sulla codificazione della Low Carbon City e della Smart City, proponendo un’indagine sulle possibilità di sviluppo associate al modello insediativo basato su Micro Reti come occasione per ripristinare le condizioni geografiche locali all’interno dei processi di trasformazione urbana. L’ipotesi di lavoro è presentare un nuovo quadro concettuale di riferimento, con il quale valutare ed interpretare l’eco efficienza di un nuovo modello energetico infrastrutturale, più coerente con le dinamiche in atto.

Journal articles

• Sibilla M, 'Advanced training on Energy Efficiency in Historic Heritage'
  Urbanistica3 - i quaderni 20 (1) (2020) pp.93-99
  ISSN: 2531-7091
  Abstract

  Since the 1990s Higher Education has had a critical role in the process of integration of
  transformative pedagogies to promote interdisciplinary competences for sustainable development.
  In spite of the wide recognition of the impact of these transformative pedagogies, their integration
  in traditional learning programmes is often neglected. This paper focuses on an advanced training on
  Energy Efficiency in Historic Heritage, as a part of an Erasmus+ programme Strategic Partnership
  project, funded by the European Commission which was implemented between 2014 and 2016,
  involving five European Countries. The scope of this project was to investigate on complex
  interactions between social and physical science concerning the integrated project about urban
  sustainability and preservation. An experimental approach founded on the combined use of
  cognitive mapping technique and meaningful learning activities in an interdisciplinary context was
  adopted. Two experiences, for trainers and learners, were carried out in order to test the new
  learning approach. The results showed how this approach may be considered as a cognitive
  apparatus able to enhance collective aspects of practices pointing out two components of
  transformative pedagogy.
  

  Website 
• Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Transdisciplinarity in Energy Retrofit: A Conceptual Framework.'
  Journal of Cleaner Production 250 (2020)
  ISSN: 0959-6526 eISSN: 1879-1786
  Abstract

  This study explores the role of Energy Retrofit (ER) in Low Carbon Transition (LCT). The literature recognises the need to move towards a transdisciplinary approach in ER, which encompasses multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity. However, the fragmentation between different disciplines remains a significant problem, mainly due to challenges associated with knowledge exchange across the allied disciplines that play a role in ER. The authors posit that ER projects has been conceptualised and implemented using a Systems perspective so that an integrated approach that is akin to transdisciplinarity could become commonplace. Against this background, the aim of this paper is to establish to what extent ER has been conceptualised as a
  System in the literature so that complexities can effectively be managed through a transdisciplinary approach. This work is based on a literature review of 136 peer-reviewed journal papers. The content analysis demonstrates that current research on transdisciplinarity in ER can be conceptualised in five categories and 15 lines of research. They are presented as a Conceptual Framework, which is this paper’s main contribution to existing knowledge. It reveals the direction of innovation in ER for LCT, and is illustrated as a cognitive map. This map exposes the current fragmentation implicit in the literature, and proposes critical connections that need to be established for a transdisciplinary approach. It also shows that the discourse on LCT changed by moving beyond the building scale; and recognising the need to embrace disruptive and local technologies, and integrating the social and technical aspects of ER. Innovative technical solutions and robust information modelling approaches emerge as key vehicles towards making decisions that pay regard to the economic, social and technical factors and that empower the prosumers to play an active role in LCT.
  

  Website 
• Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Exploring transformative pedagogies for built environment disciplines. The case of interdisciplinarity in Low Carbon Transition.'
  Building Research and Information x (2020)
  ISSN: 0961-3218 eISSN: 1466-4321
  Abstract

  The integration of transformative pedagogies into curricula is recognised as a strategy to deal with the new demands of complexity in learning, which include equipping future professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition to a low carbon built environment. It requires a dedicated interdisciplinary learning environment. Creating this environment remains a challenge due to the lack of a learning tool to facilitate an interdisciplinary approach. Perhaps due to this challenge, interdisciplinarity within the context of Low Carbon Transition in the built environment has not been sufficiently explored. This study deals with this gap in the literature by developing a pedagogical approach founded on the combined use of Grounded Theory Method, Cognitive Mapping Technique and Meaningful Learning Activities. This paper focuses on the testing phase of this approach, which engaged researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students. The findings promote a transformative pedagogy to explore the socio-technical dimension of the Low Carbon Transition. They point out the type of interdisciplinarity, which we need to integrate into traditional curricula, moving from vocabulary construction at the undergraduate level to exploration of different perspectives at the postgraduate level. Recommendations on the ways in which this approach could become common practice are also made.
  

• Sibilla M, Barbati A, 'A method for the ecological use of vegetation in the built environment'
  Sustainable Mediterranean Construction 9 (2019) pp.79-85
  ISSN: 2385-1546 eISSN: 2420-8213
  Abstract

  Urban reforestation is recognised as a valid strategy to counter the loss of functionalities of the ecosystem services in an urban context, where vegetation has the dual role of environmental and landscape qualitative indicator. Ecological studies have explored methods to assess these qualities, and the Index of Landscape Conservation (ILC) represents one of the most advanced approaches developed in this field. Nevertheless, this method has been mainly applied in large scale planning models (e.g. regional and provincial). Consequently, the potential of this method at the urban scale has not been explored yet. This study deals with this lacuna, analysing the environmental and landscape qualities of the rural matrix of the Latina municipality, whose naturalness and identity of this Mediterranean landscape are compromised by the urban sprawl. Specifically, urbanisation is progressively altering both the riparian vegetation of the hydrographic network (i.e. natural component) and the windbreak vegetation barriers (i.e. identity component) of the Latina landscape. Therefore, in order to contrast this phenomenon, an innovative approach has been implemented, which is based on the combined use of the re-calibration of ILC and the analysis of the level of isolation of residual natural fragments in the rural matrix. Findings are useful to formulate environmental design proposals aimed at promoting direct actions of urban reforestation by inhabitants for the conscious recovery of ecosystem services.

  Website 
• Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Assessing a simplified procedure to reconcile distributed renewable and interactive energy systems and urban patterns. The case study of School Buildings in Rome.'
  Journal of Urban Design 25 (3) (2019) pp.328-349
  ISSN: 1357-4809 eISSN: 1469-9664
  Abstract

  Distributed, Renewable and Interactive energy Systems (DRIs) are revolutionising the concept of infrastructure by introducing a set of new properties. The implications of the new system properties in the realm of Urban Design are often neglected. This paper proposes a simplified procedure to reconcile DRIs and urban patterns. This procedure is tested on 23 school buildings in four urban regions of the Ostiense district in Rome. Findings suggest that the identification of existing buildings as active, neutral and passive nodes in DRIs can make a significant contribution to Urban Design decisions in order to exploit the renewable energy production capacity inherent in urban patterns. 

  Website 
• Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Knowledge integration for low carbon transition: The case of Energy Retrofit'
  European Journal of Sustainable Development 7 (3) (2018) pp.493-506
  ISSN: 2239-5938 eISSN: 2239-6101
  Abstract The Energy Retrofit concept plays an important role in the transition to low carbon cities, because buildings make a transdisciplinary perspective. Thus, an integrated approach to research, learning and teaching in the built environment disciplines is required. The Authors present the final stage of the first work package of an H2020-Marie-Sklodowska Curie project, which focuses on the development of an Innovative Learning Platform for Knowledge Integration in Energy Retrofit. This paper, which first summarizes the conceptual framework that was elaborated in an earlier phase, focusses on the methodological approach that was used to define the relevant information networks concerning Energy Retrofit using a cognitive mapping technique. The methodology is applied to 10 case studies in order to explore the relationships between Energy Retrofit and built environment transformation processes. The methodological approach is structured as follows: 1) Collecting case studies; 2) Identifying main topics; 3) Coding list of concepts; 4) Defining relationships; and 5) Updating the conceptual framework. The findings show that the adopted methodological approach is useful for integrating diverse disciplinary perspectives and for improving users’ cognitive skills that are involved in mutual and joint learning processes. In conclusion, this study presents an innovative approach to research, learning and teaching in built environment disciplines.Website 
• Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Distributed Renewable and Interactive Energy Systems in Urban Environments'
  Techne. Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment SS1 (2018) pp.33-39
  ISSN: 2239-0243
  Abstract

  European Policies consider a multitude of Low Carbon Technologies to transform cities to Low Carbon Cities. Some of these technologies can form distributed systems. These are newforms of Energy Networks which can contribute to reducing the vulnerability and homogenization of urban patterns as they evolve to become part of the urban infrastructure. This evolution process also involves computerizing elements of the infrastructure, and thus relates to the Smart City concept. In this sense, a Distributed and Renewable energy system becomes interactive promoting a set of novel system properties. Following a qualitative approach, this paper presents an innovative conceptual framework in order to establish, communicate and disseminate these new system properties. 
  

  Website 
• Sibilla M, 'A meaningful mapping approach for the complex design'
  International journal of Design Sciences & Technology 23 (1) (2017) pp.41-78
  ISSN: 1630-7267
  Abstract
  Developing the ability to manage complexity has become an essential element for the training of designers. In such a context, complexity mainly arises from the need to integrate knowledge and expertise. The project is grounded in a hypothesis of systematizing Meaningful Learning Activities with computer applications dedicated to the elaboration of cognitive maps, in order to develop the ability to manage the complexity of high-interaction flows which can be found in the project of energy efficiency in historic buildings. This paper focuses on two experimental courses, with the aim to assess the formative approach adopted. The results highlight an innovative procedure and a tool helpful both to trainers and to learners to assess and direct the quality of the complex design process.
  Website 
• Cangelli E, Baiani S, Sibilla M, Roberta R, 'Eco Power Parks. Energy Development of Regional Parks'
  Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment 8 (2014) pp.145-154
  ISSN: 2240-7391 eISSN: 2239-0243
  Abstract La ricerca, caratterizzata da un approccio multidisciplinare, si pone come contributo per la valorizzazione e la ricomposizione territoriale di aree ecologicamente sensibili, quali i parchi regionali. I parchi sono luoghi di conservazione e potenziamento di servizi ecosistemici, ma anche areali vasti e soggetti a diversi livelli di antropizzazione. In quest’ottica, il contributo individua nell’infrastrutturazione energetica - secondo il modello di Micro Rete locale – un potenziale strumento di valorizzazione di ambiti insediativi di margine. Lo studio indaga le interazioni tra ambiti territoriali, vocazioni e compatibilità energetiche del contesto, esplicitando classi, sistemi e componenti tecnologiche che entrano in gioco nella caratterizzazione locale della Micro Rete. I risultati propongono un modello organizzato, ampliabile e modificabile, quale strumento di supporto decisionale alla costruzione di un’infrastruttura energetica sostenibile, coerente con i caratteri ambientali del contesto e compatibile con gli obiettivi di tutela paesaggistica dei luoghi.Website 
• Sibilla M, 'Virtual Power Plant. Enviromental Technology Management Tools of the Settlements Processess'
  Journal of Land Use, Mobility and Environment 7 (2014) pp.909-920
  ISSN: 1970-9889 eISSN: 1970-9870
  Abstract The Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems represent a possible option for the implementation of the Low Carbon Cities development scenario, consistently with EU orientations. Many surveys, especially of engineering and information technology origin, are contributing to DER systems spread through testing the Virtual Power Plan (VVP): a technological system aimed at synchronously managing the information and energy fluxes, and able to have an effect on the urban metabolism balance and on the energy chain organizational model. In the event of a wider VVP spread, consequences for the urban structure social and technical conversion process might be envisioned. Such systems gain importance in terms of starting urban renewal processes, introducing new rules for the local energy and environmental infrastructures. In this way, it is envisioned the need for a deeper comprehension of the VVP innovative functionalities, this comprehension being significant for all the branches of knowledge which are interested in developing methods and tools for the Environmental Technology Management and Planning of the settlement processes. The author, who is interested in producing and organizing an energy, distributed, renewable and interactive model, shows, through a critical analysis of the Electricity Networks Europe program study cases, the operating potential of the new system, emphasizing the consequences on the settlement process development, thus providing a first definition of the strategic features for the VVP technical and social implementation.Website 
• Cangelli E, Sibilla M, 'The construction of urban qualities. The case study of the centrality of Torre Spaccata in Rome'
  Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment 5 (2013) pp.141-146
  ISSN: 2240-7391 eISSN: 2239-0243
  Abstract L’evoluzione degli assetti insediativi di Roma sarà determinata, per una consistente parte, dalle modalità di attuazione delle 18 centralità previste dal Nuovo Piano Regolatore, che costituiranno un banco di prova per sperimentare nuovi profili dell’abitare. Gli autori illustrano, attraverso il caso di studio di Torre Spaccata, il contributo del progetto ambientale alla costruzione di un modello di sviluppo urbano, attento ai caratteri energetici ed ambientali degli assetti insediativi. La sperimentazione si configura come momento di verifica dell’approccio metodologico del progetto ambientale, operando un trasferimento del corpo di conoscenze disciplinari in un iter attuativo, in cui si delineano linee di ricerca da approfondire per il sapere professionale e progettuale.Website 

Conference papers

• Sibilla M, Esra K, 'Built Environment Education Across Boundaries. The Case of Energy Retrofit As a Tool for Low Carbon Transition'
  3 (27) (2019) pp.377-388
  ISBN: 2518-668X
  Abstract

  Since the 1990s, several studies have focused on the concept of Transformative Pedagogy as a strategy to foster inter-disciplinary abilities to rise to the challenge of sustainable development. Although the impact of these transformative pedagogies is widely recognized, their integration in traditional educational programmes is often neglected, specifically in programmes that develop future practitioners in the built environment(BE).In this realm,research has promoted the integration across disciplines as key element to build locally appropriate technological solutions to deal with energy issues that building and urban scales. However,the lack of inter-disciplinary training and tools necessary to support the understanding of complex problems within an inter-disciplinary context has remained an issue. This project deals with this lacuna by developing an innovative learning platform for knowledge integration in Energy Retrofit(ER).This paper starts with an overview of the methodological approach,which was used to configure the main structure of the cognitive tool (i.e., cmapER). Then, the results of the workshop which involved twelve senior researchers with different backgrounds (e.g. economists, architects, planners, engineers and project managers) in a mutual process of knowledge exchange, are presented. The main findings point out a set of new functionalities and properties of the CmapER as a cognitive tool that canstimulate interdisciplinary perspectives in ER. This contribution represents a further development on the combined use of cognitive mapping technique and meaningful learning activities in the realm of BE disciplines.
  

  Website 
• Sibilla M, Barbati A, 'Nature and Identity. Agro Pontino case study'
  (2017) pp.121-132
  ISBN: 9791220021265
  Abstract Ecological issues are becoming increasingly important in urban planning and management. An integrated approach is needed in order to enhance the natural elements of the landscape within the built environment. The present research project shows a methodological approach aimed at
  supporting a landscape regeneration process. The methodology is applied to the case study of Agro Pontino, more specifically in the Latina municipality where the urban sprawl is progressively
  dissolving both the ecological quality of the territory and its original agricultural matrix. The methodological approach of this research project is structured following the purposes enumerated
  below. 1)Identification of the structural elements of the landscape identity. 2)Assessment of the level of conservation of the landscape in the Latina municipality. 3)Stratification of the Latina
  municipality into homogeneous Environmental Territorial Units (UTA). 4)Assessment of the level
  of isolation of residual natural fragments in the agricultural matrix. The results show how the
  methodological approach adopted is useful to set targets and priorities to regenerate the landscape structural and identity features. In conclusion, this interdisciplinary study is a significant contribution to the integrated approach because it faces the neighborhood requalification in ecological key and supports the urban reforestation project. Website 

Other publications

• Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Trans-disciplinary approach in energy retrofit: state of the art, H2020 MCSA IF 2016, Technical Report, Deliverable 1.1'
  ()
• Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Energy retrofit: case study report and list of concepts, H2020 MCSA IF 2016, Technical Report, Deliverable 1.2'
  ()

Areas of expertise

Architectural Design; Architectural Technology; Environmental Design;

Energy Efficiency; Energy Retrofit

Solar and Wind Analysis, Thermal Analysis; Energy Modelling 

Ecology of Landscape;  Urban Regeneration;

Rewable Energy Infrastructure; Environmental and Energy Sustainability

Design Education

Membership of professional bodies

2011-2015, Lead designer | Cultural Palace | Refurbishment and energy requalification of a former industrial site in Aprilia, Italy | PLUS Regional Funds (Local and urban development plans).

2005-2010, Lead designer | Experimental programme of social housing in Lenola, Italy |Neighbourhood Contracts Programme II Ministry of Infrastructure Funds.

Consultancy

2010-2013, Adviser on landscape ecology | Rewetland project. Improving wetlands in the water network of the Pontine Marshes | LIFE+ EU Programme Funds.

Conferences

Selected invited presentations:

Sibilla M., Meaningful learning and concept maps used as  tools for organizing and representing specific knowledge, EH-Cmap Advanced Training on Energy Efficiency in Historic Heritage, International Conference, 30th June 2016, Labin, Croatia

Sibilla M., Cognitive map for training on energy efficiency in heritage buildings - a presentation of the final project result, EH-Cmap Advanced Training on Energy Efficiency in Historic Heritage, International  Conference, 30th June 2016, Labin, Croatia

Sibilla M., Advanced training on Energy Efficiency in Historic Heritage, International seminar , Energy Planning in Mediterranean Cities: research paths and innovation practices, June 15th, 2016, Rome, Italy

Sibilla M., To innovate methods and tools for Architectural Technology teaching, International seminar, Energy Efficiency in Historic Heritage. The research challenge 10 June, 2015, Rome, Italy

Sibilla M., Experimental programme of public residential housing. Lenola case study , Complex Urban Programmes, National Conference, 23^th April 2015, Latina, Italy

Sibilla M, Organization and construction of Micro Local Grid, International Conference, LE:NOTRE Landscape forum, 17^th-20^th April 2013 Rome, Italy

Other experience

2015-2019, Engaged, as a coordinator and/or expert, in International Intensive courses (25 hours/week) of EU projects mainly focused on the dissemination of cognitive mapping approach and meaningful learning activities in the field of architectural, planning, engineering, and environmental design. CMPER; NET LEARNING; ENEPLAN, E-RESPLAN, EH-CMAP.  32 internationals HE institutions have been involved.

2007-2012, Engaged  as an adjunct and/or assistant professor in Environmental Design Sapienza University of Rome

Further information

architectural firm:

https://www.ivprojects.it/