Dr.

Léo MARTIAL

Léo Martial

Architect, DE-HMONP

Civil Engineer, Ph.D

Research Associate

LinkedIn

Scholar


I am an architect and urban designer with over a decade of experience in transport and urban planning. My professional background includes four years at AREP, the French railway design bureau, and two years at Nikken Sekkei in Japan. I hold a Ph.D. from Yokohama National University, funded by a MEXT scholarship, where my doctoral research focused on the integration of trains and bicycles in Japan and Europe. The results have been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.

Currently, I am a full-time research associate at Chuo University in Tokyo. My work emphasizes urban regeneration, international collaboration, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the development of innovative communication strategies. I have worked at the following institutions:

I obtained my PhD from Yokohama National University (IUI), where my doctoral dissertation, A study on bicycle and public transportation synergy based on a cross-analysis between Europe and Japan, examined the interactions between cycling and rail systems, with a focus on policies, infrastructure, and user practices. Prior to this, I earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Architecture with a specialization in Transportation at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris, and in 2015 I was granted the HMONP-DE license, authorizing independent practice.


Chuo YNU Musashi Hosei
TCU Tokai ESA

Academic Experience


2025 - Present
Chuo University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Research Associate

2024-2025
Yokohama National University, Graduate school of Urban innovation, Part-time lecturer
Tokyo City University, Urban Life Studies, Part-time lecturer
Hosei University, Department of sociology, Part-time lecturer
Musashi University, Department of sociology, Part-time lecturer

2009-2010
Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture, Architectural design, Assistant



Professional Experience


2022-2024
Nikken Sekkei, Tokyo, Architect
International airport, Guangzhou, China, Competition
300m-high-skyscraper, Dubai, UAE, Competition
High-speed train station and neighbourhood development, Shenzhen, China, Conceptual Design
High-rise apartments, Hyderabad, India, Conceptual Design
Office complex, Suzhou, China, Competition
Retail center, Gurugram, India Conceptual Design
High-speed train station development, Mumbai, India Conceptual Design
Formation center, Yeoju, South Korea Competition
National Library, Seoul, South Korea Competition

2021-2022
French Research Institute on Japan, Tokyo, Assistant
Conferences coordination,, Adjusting to COVID-19 public health protocols

2013-2017
AREP (SNCF French Railways Architecture Consultancy Office), Paris, Architect
Stade de France Station, Line D, Site Master Plan
Epinay-sur-Orge Station, Line C, Master Plan
TTVE, Preliminary Studies
Garches Station, Feasibility Study
Saint-Cloud Station, Feasibility Study
Chaville Station, Feasibility Study
Haussmann - Saint-Lazare Station, Conceptual Design
Saint-Cloud Station, Building Permit Application
Haussmann - Saint-Lazare Station, Intermodal Planning
Clairières de Verneuil Station, Construction Documents
Saint-Cloud Station, Tender Documents
Sector Scheme, Line R, Existing Conditions Assessment
Nemours - Saint-Pierre Station, Construction Documents
Gare de Lyon, Retail Planning, Construction Documents
Mennecy Station, Line D, Diagnosis
Cesson Station, Line D, Diagnosis
Cesson Station, Line D, Schematic Design & Design Development
Evry-Courcouronnes Station, Diagnosis
Yerres Station, Line D, Shop Drawing Review
Montgeron Station, Line D, Preliminary Design
Fontainebleau Station, Line D, Construction Documents
Savigny-le-Temple Station, Line D, Schematic Design
Le Mée Station, Line D, Schematic Design
Melun Station, Preliminary Studies
Cesson Station, Line D, Preliminary Design
Maisons-Alfort Station, Line D, Tender Documents
Garges-Sarcelles Station, Line D, Construction Administration
Evry-Courcouronnes Station, General Studies
Bois-le-Roi Station, Diagnosis
Evry-Val-de-Seine Station, Schematic Design
Comfortable Shelters, Digital Tech, Owner's Representative
Bois-le-Roi Station, Schematic Design
La Ferte-Alais Station, Schematic Design
Fontainebleau Station, Line D, Schematic Design
Mennecy Station, Line D, Schematic Design
Gare de Lyon, Construction Documents
Cesson Station, Line D, Construction Documents
Ris-Orangis Station, Line D, Schematic Design
Daycare at Versailles-Rive Droite Station, Line L, Feasibility Study
Daycare at Chanteloup-les-Vignes Station, Line J, Feasibility Study
Daycare at Breval Station, Line J, Feasibility Study
Daycare at Marly-le-Roi Station, Line L, Feasibility Study
Modular Daycares, General Study
Noisy-le-sec Station, Line J, Schematic Design
Pantin Station, Line E, Footbridge Feasibility Study
Clichy-Levallois Station, Line L, Underpass Feasibility Study
Verneuil-l'Étang Station, Line P, Owner's Representative
Viroflay Rive Droite Station, Line L, Footbridge Conceptual Design
Viroflay Rive Droite Station, Line L, Ticket Office Conceptual Design
Viroflay Rive Droite Station, Line L, Schematic Design
Eole-Next, Haussmann - Saint-Lazare Station, Intermodal Planning
Meaux Station, Line P, Design Development

2012
1001 Maisons Design Office, Paris, Assistant Architect
Rawda Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Design & Preliminary Design
Loft Vendôme, Paris I, 3D Modeling & Preliminary Design
Private Mansion, Avenue Foch, Paris XVI, 3D Modeling & Preliminary Design

2011
LDBA Architectes Design Office, Paris, Assistant Architect
Office Renovation & Fit-out, Paris XVII, Design Support & Site Supervision
Apartment Renovation, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Design Support & Site Supervision
Renovation of Two Apartments, Paris IX, Design Support, Building Permit Application, Tender Documents & Site Supervision

Euro BTP Architecture Design Office, Paris, Assistant Architect
Logistics Platform, Amblainville, Preliminary Design & Design Development
Headquarters & Warehouse, Aubergenville, Preliminary Design & Design Development
Leisure Center for 50 Children, Tremblay-en-France, Preliminary Design & Design Development

2010
Atelier 4+ Design Office, Paris, Assistant Architect
Logistics Platform, Amblainville, Preliminary Design & Design Development
Headquarters & Warehouse, Aubergenville, Preliminary Design & Design Development

h2o architectes, Paris, Intern
Château de Châtillon-Coligny Hotel Conversion, Preliminary Design & 3D Modeling
Agriculture Offices Press Room Conversion, Paris I, 3D Modeling
Housing Project, Paris, Model Production
Parc Lagravère Kiosks, Colombes, Preliminary Design
Rezo Design Exhibition, Paris, Conceptual Design

2009
Archipiade, Paris, Assistant
Renovation of a C.N. Ledoux House, Eaubonne, Measured Survey & Site Supervision
Private House Construction, Gennevilliers, Measured Survey & Schematic Design
Apartment Renovations, Measured Surveys
Commercial Building Parking Expansion, Evry, Schematic Design

2008
aat+makoto yokomizo architects,Inc., Tokyo, Intern
Lexus Exhibition, Milan, Italy, Preliminary Design, 3D Modeling, Photo & Video Rendering

Agence 21, Chartres, Intern
Urban Scenography & Lighting Design, Le Havre, Schematic Design & 3D Modeling
Urban Scenography & Lighting Design, Chartres, Schematic Design

2007
Patrick Lavocat Construction Expert, Barjouville, Intern
Zénith de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, Liability Litigation
Residential Buildings, Versailles, Construction Defects & Omissions

2006
JMai, Chartres, Construction Laborer
Residential & Office Renovations, Painting Works

2005
Restaumarché, Chartres, Prep Cook



Publications


Papers


2026
Updating ....

2025
Martial L., Kubono H., Miura S., : Game-based learning and machizukuri: Gamification in youth participatory urban planning in Japan. JSCE 72nd Conference on Infrastructure Planning and Management. Link

2024
Martial L. : Engaging youth in architecture and urbanism through video games: a comparative study of the UN’s “Block by Block” program and Japan’s “Machizukuri” approach. JSCE 70th Conference on Infrastructure Planning and Management. Link

2021
(DOCTORAL THESIS) Martial L. : A Study on Bicycle and Public Transportation Synergy Based on a Cross-Analysis between Europe and Japan. Yokohama National University. DOI 10.18880/00014001
Martial L., Nakamura F., Yoshida I., Sakuda R. : Transportation Resilience in Times of Disaster: 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. Ebisu, Etudes japonaises. 10.18880/00014001. DOI 10.4000/ebisu.5683

2020
Martial L., Nakamura F., Miura S. : Bicycle success by social acceptance, the example of Japan. Journal of Sustainable Urbanization and Regeneration (JSUR), 2(1). Link

2019
Martial L. : A city is not a game, urban development approaches and challenges by video games and smart cities. Géographie et cultures, 109 55-72. DOI 10.4000/gc.9986
Martial L. : A definition of Anshin. JAPARCHI: Thematic Scientific Network of Francophone Researchers on Japanese Architecture, City, and Landscape. Link

2015
Martial L. : Boldness or acceptance: a young architect's choice? Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture.

2010
Martial L. : A new definition of Montparnasse Station. Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture.


Reports


2025
TQα | Smart City Project Report

2021
What Is “Better Living in the City”? (Mieux vivre en ville) Link



Research interests

Gamified urban design

I explore gamified urban design methodologies, utilizing computational tools and interactive simulations to enhance participatory planning and data collection.

Bicycle-centric urbanism

I investigate the technical and social dimensions of bicycle-centric urbanism, integrating performance metrics such as Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) and Multi-Modal Level of Service (MMLOS) with the theoretical framework of "generalized speed". This research examines the nexus of energy expenditure, infrastructure safety, and the unique socio-cultural drivers of bicycle lifestyles, exemplified by Japan’s mamachari culture.

Community-making

I conduct research on community-making through the lens of third-place revitalization, specifically exploring the potential of "combini cafés" as nodes for social cohesion.

Press

Below you find selected media coverage and outreach of my research.

Ambassade de France au Japon
Mobilité durable : regard croisé...
Stéfan Le Dû, 03.07.2020

Totsuka Living Laboratory
Totsuka Future Conference
Local Good Yokohama, 08.11.2020

Talks

If you are interested in having me as a speaker, please reach out to me. Below, you find a selection of invited presentations and lectures.


2026
  • Women, Sexism, and Cars: A Critical Analysis of Industry Bias Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture, 20.01.2026.
2025
  • Gender Issues in Urbanism Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture, 23.12.2025.
  • Introduction to Blender Chuo University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Guest Lecture, 06.11.2025.
  • The doughnut economics (of bicycle) Chuo University, Faculty of Economics, Guest Lecture, 28.10.2025.
  • Fundamentals of Energy in the 21st Century Chuo University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Guest Lecture, 13.10.2025.
  • Introduction to SketchUp Chuo University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Guest Lecture, 02.10.2025.
  • Let's have a word about urbanism! Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture, 24.01.2025.
  • Why should we communicate: Collaboration and scientific communication, a driving force for progress Tokyo City University, Urban Life Studies, Guest Lecture, 08.01.2025.
  • How should we communicate:- Learning from great speakers for impactful presentations Tokyo City University, Urban Life Studies, Guest Lecture, 08.01.2025.
  • KoboToolbox for community development Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture, 07.01.2025.
2024
  • The Influence of Declining Birthrate on Urban Transportation in Yokosuka Terrains Japonais: Japan through the Lens of Declining Birthrate and Population Aging, 06.12.2024.
  • Engaging Youth in Architecture and Urbanism through Video Games: A Comparative Study of the UN’s “Block by Block” Program and Japan’s “Machizukuri” Approach Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture, 26.11.2024.
  • Engaging Youth in Architecture and Urbanism through Video Games: A Comparative Study of the UN’s “Block by Block” Program and Japan’s “Machizukuri” Approach The 70th JSCE Conference on Infrastructure Planning, 16.11.2024.
  • Gender and mobility: The case of the bicycle in Japan Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture, 15.10.2024.
  • Video games and machizukuri Gamification for participatory urban planning in Japan Replaying Japan Conference 2024, 20.08.2024.
  • A city is not a game, urban development approaches and challenges by video games and smart cities Urban Design for Students in Asian Cities, 28.04.2024.
  • Assessing the environmental impact of enhancing synergy between bicycles and public transportation Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture, 13.03.2024.
2023
  • Nippon Carbon The Hidden Beauty of Science, 02.07.2023.
2022
  • Lifestyles in France and Japan Through the Study of Transportation French Institute of Yokohama, 05.03.2022.
2021
  • Gender and Mobility: The Case of the Bicycle in Japan Yokohama National University, Institute of Urban Innovation, Guest Lecture, 14.12.2021.
  • Energy in Japan in 2018: The Long Road to Decarbonization The Hidden Beauty of Science, 03.12.2021.
  • A study on bicycle and public transportation synergy based on a cross-analysis between Europe and Japan Embassy of France, Guest Lecture, 23.06.2021.
  • A city is not a game, urban development approaches and challenges by video games and smart cities IATEUR, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 21.04.2021.
  • Transportation Resilience in Times of Disaster: 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan Crises, Fractures, New Dynamics: Ten Years After the March 11, 2011 Disasters, 10.04.2021.
2020
  • Synergy between Bicycle and Public Transportation Embassy of France, Guest Lecture, 20.02.2020.
2019
  • Transportation and Energy Decline: A Comparative Analysis of Japan and France Francophone Research Day, 10.10.2019.
  • Shared space in Japan: a premodern heritage adapted to the challenges of contemporary urban development Japarchi Annual Seminar, 16.09.2019.
  • Transport and mobility Seminar for Doctoral Students, 06.07.2019.
  • A study on bicycle and public transportation synergy based on a cross-analysis between Europe and Japan Invited Lecture, 17.05.2019.
  • Bicycle success by social acceptance, the example of Japan IASUR International Conference of green building and smart city, 30.03.2019.
2018
  • Synergy of cycling and public transportation, cross-analysis between Europe and Japan for urban rail and bicycle development Francophone Research Day, 12.12.2018.
  • Synergy of cycling and public transportation, cross-analysis between Europe and Japan for urban rail and bicycle development JAPARCHI: Thematic Scientific Network of Francophone Researchers on Japanese Architecture, City, and Landscape seminar, 30.10.2018.
  • Cycling and public transport Seminar for Doctoral Students, 17.04.2018.
2017
  • Towards a car-free city? Seminar for Doctoral Students, 17.10.2017.

Grants and awards

  • Kakenhi 2224, Japanese government research funding program, Yokohama, Japan, 2017-2021.
  • Best presentation award, Bicycle success by social acceptance, the example of Japan, International Alliance for Sustainable Urbanization and Regeneration, Xi'an, China, 2019.
  • MEXT Scholarship, Embassy recommended, Paris, France, 2017.

Contact