The MIT School of Architecture and Planning stands out for its commitment to academic excellence. In 2025, seven of its faculty members will receive prestigious promotions, reflecting the impact of their research and pedagogy on the field. These promotions span three departments: *architecture, urban studies*, and *media arts*.
These honors reflect a quest for innovation. The awarded faculty members are distinguished by their significant contributions at the intersections of architecture, technology, and society. These advancements reinforce the school’s commitment to shaping sustainable environments.
*Their expertise contributes to rethinking the future* of communities around the world.
The School of Architecture and Planning: Faculty Recognition
The academic promotion of seven faculty members within the School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) reflects the institutional commitment to excellence. These promotions take effect from July 1, 2025. Three promotions come from the Department of Architecture, three from Urban Studies and Planning, and one from the Program in Arts and Sciences of Media.
Department of Architecture
Marcelo Coelho
Marcelo Coelho receives the title of associate professor of practice. As Director of the Design Intelligence Lab, he explores the intersection of human and machine intelligence. His innovative work enhances the understanding of light-based installations and physical computing. Coelho has been awarded two Ars Electronica Awards as well as the Innovation by Design award from Fast Company.
Holly Samuelson
Holly Samuelson becomes an associate professor without tenure. Her academic contributions include over 40 peer-reviewed publications. Among her distinctions is an award for best paper from the Journal of Energy and Buildings. Samuelson is a recognized authority in architectural technology, having been featured in prestigious media such as the The Washington Post and The Boston Globe.
Rafi Segal
Rafi Segal is promoted to full professor, due to his remarkable achievements in architectural design. His career includes a range of projects, from the Villa 003 in the ORDOS 100 series to the Kitgum Peace Museum in Uganda. Currently, he is planning a new community on an Israeli kibbutz and organizing an exhibition on the architecture of Alfred Neumann.
Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP)
Carlo Ratti
Carlo Ratti is renowned as a professor of practice. As director of the Senseable City Lab, he is co-founder of the design agency Carlo Ratti Associati. His extensively published research has been exhibited in renowned institutions such as the Venice Biennale and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Two of his star projects, the Digital Water Pavilion and the Copenhagen Wheel, are among the “Best Inventions of the Year” according to TIME Magazine.
Albert Saiz
Albert Saiz is promoted to full professor. He leads the MIT Urban Economics Lab, focusing on the dynamics of real estate markets and urban economics. His research extends to global demographic trends influencing city development. In parallel, he is part of the research community as a visiting researcher at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Delia Wendel
Delia Wendel is now an associate professor without tenure. Her research area covers forms of community repair after conflicts and disasters. Engaged in interdisciplinary work, she addresses themes such as African urbanism and spatial politics. Wendel manages the project Memory Atlas for Repair and is editor-in-chief of Projections, the academic journal of DUSP.
Program in Arts and Sciences of Media
Deblina Sarkar
Deblina Sarkar is appointed as an associate professor without tenure, as director of the Nano-Cybernetic Biotrek Lab. She merges nanoelectronics with biology to create revolutionary technologies, such as ultra-thin quantum transistors. Her work has been recognized with the National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award and the IEEE Early Career Award in nanotechnology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of academic promotions are awarded to faculty at the School of Architecture and Planning in 2025?
In 2025, the School of Architecture and Planning acknowledges its faculty with promotions within the departments of architecture, urban studies and planning, as well as in the program in arts and sciences of media.
How are faculty selected for academic promotions at the School of Architecture and Planning?
Faculty are selected for their exceptional contributions to research, teaching, and innovations in their respective fields, demonstrating a significant impact on the academic community and beyond.
What specific achievements led to the promotion of faculty in 2025?
Achievements include publications in peer-reviewed journals, prestigious awards, as well as research projects and exhibitions that have had a global impact on design and urbanism.
Are promotions accompanied by new responsibilities for the promoted faculty members?
Yes, in addition to recognizing their past contributions, promoted faculty may be entrusted with new responsibilities, such as mentoring students and leading research projects or academic initiatives.
How does this affect the reputation of the School of Architecture and Planning?
The recognition of faculty through academic promotions enhances the school’s reputation by demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and innovation in the field of architecture and planning.
What opportunities are offered to students as a result of these faculty promotions in 2025?
The promotions of faculty open opportunities for students to learn from their esteemed mentors, access innovative projects, and gain enriched perspectives on current trends in their fields of study.
