Irene Manzini Ceinar is a researcher with a background in urban design and architecture. She holds a BSc and MArch from Politecnico di Milano, an MRes from the Bartlett School of Planning, and a PhD from the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London (UCL). During her PhD, Irene also undertook a research exchange at the Yale Urban Design Workshop in Connecticut. Following her Master of Research (MRes) in Interdisciplinary Urban Design, she completed a PhD developing research into community-centred approaches of hybrid workspaces for the neighbourhood dimension, and the role of those spaces to represent social infrastructure for the local area. Alongside her doctoral studies, Irene worked for several years as an urban designer and architect in both the private and public sectors, contributing to renowned practices in London (UK) and Reggio Emilia (Italy). Her experience spans a wide range of project scales, briefs, and complexities, primarily within the public and private sectors. Over the years, she has built expertise in urban design and social innovation, covering mixed-use developments, public realm design and strategies, strategic urban planning and policy, and urban regeneration. Additionally, Irene has developed skills in designing and facilitating community engagement processes, employing participatory experimental methods, and implementing placemaking and co-design strategies. She is committed to driving positive urban and social change through evidence-based research and critical analysis of place-based contexts. She is also an active member of prominent associations and collectives dedicated to innovative urban transformation.