Institute of Urban and Landscape Studies (ISUP)

The ISUP (Istituto di studi urbani e del paesaggio, Institute of Urban and Landscape Studies) was established with the objective of bringing a clearer structure to the research on urban and landscape themes at the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture. The ISUP also supports the research activities of a number of existing institutes, namely OST (Osservatorio dello sviluppo territoriale) and LabiSAlp (Laboratorio di storia delle Alpi).

The ISUP promotes scholarships and research and is supported by complementary disciplines that contribute to the understanding of urban and landscape issues.
The institute shares with the Academy of Architecture a humanistic and wide-ranging approach to research on urban and landscapes issues.
The scope of the ISUP’s work does not focus on a specific geographical area; where relevant, it addresses the regional, national and global challenges society faces. Particular attention is devoted to environmental and sustainability issues.
The ISUP supports and encourages research and scholarships, prioritising projects that promote the wider interests of the school as a whole.

The cultural programme of the Institute includes:

• organising lectures on urban themes, as part of the public lecture programme coordinated by the Dean’s office
• convening and coordinating seminars, symposia and conferences
• supporting exhibitions and public events that relate to research projects undertaken by the ISUP or on topics that contribute to the general awareness of urban and landscape issues
• publishing the results of research projects with the long-term ambition to create a journal on urban and landscape issues.