Martina holds an MSc with Distinction in Regional and Urban Planning Studies from the LSE (winner of RICS Best Performance Prize). Previously, she trained as an Architect, gaining a BSc and MSc from Università della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland (Network USImpresa Scholarship - Best student Award). At the same time, she studied Philosophy and History of Art for a BA in Humanities at the University of Freiburg, Switzerland, graduating Summa cum Laude.

Martina is currently an Associate Researcher of Geoffrey Payne and Associates, Land and Housing Consultants in the Global South. In addition, since 2015 she has been a co-founder and Director of Research at Lapis, an NGO engaged in the study of asylum seekers systems of reception and distribution throughout Italy. With Lapis, Martina will continue the research that she began as part of her MSc at the LSE, which also led to the development of HI HERE App for migrants. Whilst Martina’s activity as an architect has reduced, she continues as a co-founder to provide consultancy through mmp lab, a Swiss based practice focused on research, design and action.

Research interests

Local and global land transfers and investments in the Global South
Emergent economic practices and institutions in the Global South
Property, development and use rights
Land and housing markets and their regulation
Marketization of asylum seekers reception in Europe
Political geography of asylum seekers circulation and accommodation in Europe

Academic supervisors

Olmo Silva
Claire Mercer