University Professor in Semiology, Semiotics, and Culture of Design, Architecture, Urban Planning, and Communication.

From 99 C$ /h

My teaching methodology is unique because it focuses on discovering and developing your own learning methods. With over 30 years of experience in academic and professional education, I provide tailored support adapted to your specific needs, whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, doctoral student, or a professional looking to deepen your knowledge.

Personalized Approach: Each course is designed to meet your individual interests and goals. I adapt to your learning style and help you develop your own analytical and critical skills, which are essential for excelling in the fields of semiotics, architecture, urban planning, geography, and communication.

Ongoing Support: I am committed to monitoring your progress throughout your educational journey, providing regular feedback and personalized advice to ensure you stay on the path to success.

This personalized learning journey is designed to transform you into an independent and well-informed professional, capable of conducting research and carrying out projects with confidence and competence. Get ready to explore new ways of thinking and to discover the deep connections between semiotics and spatial disciplines, all while developing a working method that is truly your own.

Extra information

Hello!

My name is ISABEL.

I am an Architect, Urban Planner, and Semiotician.

I am a mentor, teacher, researcher, author, and consultant. I earned a PhD in Semiotics in 1996 from Aarhus University (Denmark). Semiotics is a lesser-known discipline that allows us to understand essential aspects such as the meanings of images, spaces, language, sounds, colors, and gestures, all of which can signify or make sense (anything that makes sense can be analyzed by this discipline). Semiotics provides a toolkit for accessing the meanings of the world we live in.

Want to know more about me and what my students think of me?

Location

Online from France

About Me

Hello!

My name is Isabel. I am an architect, urban planner, and semiotician. As a mentor, teacher, researcher, author, and consultant, I earned a PhD in Semiotics in 1996 from Aarhus University, Denmark. Semiotics is a fascinating and not widely known discipline that allows us to explore and understand the meanings of images, spaces, language, sounds, colors, and gestures. It provides a valuable toolkit for deciphering the complex world we live in.

Throughout my career, I have had the honor of teaching and conducting research in various countries, collaborating with institutions and universities across Europe, America, Africa, and Asia. I have guided numerous students through workshops in architecture, lectures in semiotics, bioclimatic architecture, and urban planning, as well as directed studies in various related fields.

My teaching approach is personalized and tailored to each student, focusing on discovering your own methodological approach. This method, developed over more than 30 years of experience, aims to enhance your critical thinking and your ability to interpret and create meaningful and communicative spaces.

I invite you to discover how I can help you deepen your understanding of semiotics and apply its principles to your personal and professional projects. Together, we will explore the semiotic dimensions of architecture, urban planning, and communication, enriching your academic and professional journey.

I look forward to collaborating with you to explore the riches of semiotics and beyond.

Best regards,
Isabel

Education

Educational Background and Qualifications

Bachelor of Architecture with a specialization in Urban Planning
Institution: Technical University of Lisbon
Year: 1989
Final Grade: 17/20

Master of Advanced Studies (D.E.A.) in Social Anthropology and Sociology
Institution: University Paris V Sorbonne
Year: 1991

Master II (C.E.A.A.) in Architectural Design Sciences
Institution: School of Architecture of Paris–La Villette
Year: 1992
Distinction: Very Honorable with Congratulations

PhD in Semiotics (Architecture and Urbanism)
Institution: Aarhus University (Center for Semiotic Research)
Year: 1996
Distinction: Very Honorable with Congratulations (publication unanimously recommended by the jury)

PhD in Communication Sciences
Institution: Faculty of Human and Social Sciences – New University of Lisbon (FCSH – UNL)
Year: 1999

Professor of Universities (qualified to direct research HDR in France)
Qualification: Qualified by the National Council of Universities (C.N.U.), France
Since: 2016
Sections: 7th and 71st sections of the CNU (France)

These credentials highlight your ongoing commitment to university teaching and research, as well as your expertise in leading advanced research projects in architecture, urban planning, and semiotics.

Experience / Qualifications

Professional Experience
Consultant, Trainer, Mentor in Semiology, General Semiotics, Design, Architecture, Urban Planning, and Communication
Since: 1996 to present

Professor in the Doctoral Program in Urban Planning
Institution: Lusophone University of Lisbon
Since: 2008 to present

Consultant, Trainer, Mentor in Ecological Design
Since: 2022 to present

Director of Research
Institution: Centre for the Philosophy of Sciences (CFCUL), University of Lisbon
Since: 2022 to present

Director of Research
Institution: Faculty of Human and Social Sciences – FCSH, New University of Lisbon – UNL
Period: 2005 to 2022
Details: Research team in Socio-spatial Modeling and Planning.

Lecturer
Institutions: Departments of Communication Sciences and Architecture, Autonomous University of Lisbon – UAL
Period: 2001-2005

Temporary Teaching Assistant in Semiology
Institution: University Paris 3 (U.F.R. Sciences of Communication)
Period: 2000-2001

Postdoctoral Research Fellow FCT
Institutions: Centre for Semiotic Research at Aarhus University, Denmark and CICTS, University of Lisbon, Portugal
Period: 1996-2000

Semiotic Communications Analysis for Municipalities and Architectural Firms
Since: 1996
Details: Design of territorial or architectural communication policies, development of communication grammars, and analysis of images from Municipal Master Plans.

International Visiting Professor and Researcher
Details: Teaching and research at various academic institutions worldwide, across all continents.

Contributions and Engagements
Elected Member and Leader of Various Semiotic Networks
Role: National Representative of Portugal for the World Association of Semiotics IASS (2009-2024) and Vice-President of the International Association for Visual Semiotics A.I.S.V. (2010-2022)

Guest Editor and Permanent Member of Scientific Committees
Journals: Semiotica, Degrés, Estudos Semióticos, Springer, Harmattan, Aracne, etc.
Since: 2011

Keynote Speaker
Detail: International invitations as a main speaker at well-known conferences.
Since: 2004

This list highlights my influential role as an academic and professional leader in the fields of semiotics, architecture, and ecological design, as well as my significant involvement in the international academic community and research networks globally.

Age

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

French

Portuguese

Skills

Architecture

Communication skills

Culture

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

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✔ Full training in the 4 official skills:

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking
✔ Mock exams with detailed feedback based on official criteria
✔ Exam strategies, time management & common pitfalls
✔ Vocabulary and grammar targeted to your exam level

👨‍🏫 About me:

Experienced French language instructor

Specialized in DELF & TCF exam preparation

Proven methods adapted to your level and goals

Clear explanations and confidence-building speaking practice

💻 Lesson format:
📍 Online
⏱ Flexible schedule
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✅ THE TRAINER - TEACHER CONSULTANT
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➤ Gift vouchers available all year round.
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➤ 100% tailor-made program, adapted to each need.
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