Valentina Galiulo on LAND’s data-driven approach

In a stimulating and dynamic environment putting people at the heart of every project, Valentina Galiulo has found the opportunity to grow, express her ambitions, and contribute to shaping innovative approaches to urban regeneration. Within LAND Italia and the LAND Research Lab, her work bridges research, design, and management, with a strong focus on Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Thanks to a data-driven approach, these solutions are able to generate measurable environmental, social, and economic value for both private and public stakeholders.

Over the years, she has witnessed a profound change in how clients and institutions view green investment. What was once limited to small-scale initiatives is now recognized as a strategic opportunity to improve the quality of urban spaces, foster biodiversity, and regenerate compromised areas. This shift has led to the creation of real “regeneration pacts” with investors and municipalities, where Nature becomes the foundation for long-term sustainable development.

In Italy, cities increasingly seek our guidance to define climate and biodiversity goals and to access European and national funding. Concrete examples include the Green Plans of Bolzano and Trento, the regeneration of former industrial areas such as the ex-SGL Carbon site in Ascoli Piceno, and the GreenIn Cities project in Prato, which demonstrates how applied research and innovation can strengthen existing urban policies in line with European climate strategies.

As Valentina remarks, our holistic vision also extends far beyond Italy. From European research projects like HeritAct to international initiatives in the Middle East, the firm is committed to rethinking the relationship between Nature and culture. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, new cities are being developed with Nature as the connecting element between cultural heritage and sustainable urban innovation.

Her story reflects a conviction shared across our firm: in the cities of the future, culture itself will be rooted in a renewed and profound relationship with Nature.