Mário da Luz is an architect, university lecturer and PhD candidate in Architecture at the University of Minho, affiliated with Lab2PT. He teaches Architectural Design and Digital Representation at Instituto Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes. His research focuses on territorial monitoring, digital models, computational and AI-assisted analysis, and adaptive scenario simulation as instruments to support spatial decision-making under uncertainty. The research examines how territorial and environmental data can be structured, analyzed and tested through alternative spatial scenarios, particularly in relation to urban transformation and climate adaptation.
PhD in Architecture- Advanced Research Project, Évora University (UÉ 2012-17) High Distinction. Master degree on Architecture and Urban Culture, Universitat Politècnica Catalunya/Centre Cultura Contemporànea (UPC/CCCB 2004-05). Graduated in Architecture, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon (ULHT 1995-2000). Erasmus scholarship, Facotlá di Architettura, Politécnico di Milano (POLIMI 1999-2000). Integrated member of the Centre for Art History and Artistic Research (CHAIA-UÉ 2017). Architecture Professor at Instituto Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes- Architecture Integrated Master (ISMAT 2020-…); Guest Professor at Architecture Department, Évora University (UÉ since 2025); Visiting Professor at Valencia Polytechnic University (UPV 2025); President of the Architects Professional Membership of Alentejo Region (OASRALT 2020-26). Representative of the Architects Order at Docomomo Ibérico (2025). Practice in architecture and urban planning in Milan, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Lisbon where own practise Loja de Arquitectura was based, since 2019 with office in Alentejo littoral. Member of the Pedagogical and Scientific Council of the MIA.ISMAT (2022-24). Coordinator of Urbanistic field at ISMAT. Coordinator of the 3rd/2nd year of MIA.ISMAT (2020-25/2025-…). Coordinator of BIP international course Territories of continuity (2024). Tutor and coordinator of national and international workshops: Urban Fusions (México 2005); Look at the disciplines from Montes (Alentejo littoral 2018); Monte as pretext; Coorganizer of Architecture Workshop (In)Visible Montes; Tutor and cocoordination of workgroups ISMAT workshops (2020-22). Tutor Award winning student work-Kitchen design (ISMAT 2023). Jury of architecture master thesis. Scientific advisor, tutoring students at ISMAT (since 2022). Investigator of research project CITAI DATA - Center for Applied Intelligence Algarve, ISMAT-COFAC (2025-…). Scientific editor review of conference paper. Coordinator of the research work -Report on Architectural Heritage affected by expansion of MC quarry (2024). Researcher for research projects candidacy (Decoding vaults 2024). Invited for consultancy on research projects candidacy (Climate Resilient Cities 2023). Member of the invited jury, academic and professional: Scientific committee of European Conference on Regenerative and Adaptative Habitat, 2024; Iberian Traditional Architecture Research Award, 2024; Architecture Award in Alentejo,2023; Evaluation Committee of Casas no Alentejo (2022); Academic works evaluation of Projects (2023 UÉ); evaluation committee for exams review (2023 ISMAT). Coordinator and curator of academic and professional exhibitions, stands out the acad. exhib: Visual Glossary NTP/FT (2025/2024 ISMAT); A territory section, part of the Out of the box Exhibition (2024 Portimão); Urban strategies in Portimão (2022; 2024 ISMAT); stands out the itinerant prof. exhib.: Alentejo Arch award (2023, 2025); Alentejo Houses (2022). Moderator on seminars, conferences. Coordination/organization academic scientific and professional events (visits seminars conferences). Books research team. Magazine editor (Motel Urban sketches 2004; Intersecções ALT-Território 2025). Author of research posters, articles on proceedings, books regarding scientific research. Speaker at national and international seminars, congresses. Research interests focus on experimental laboratory of Architecture project within the framework Research by Design; and on the role of vernacular architecture in contemporary culture in Mediterranean context. Individual research interests focus on rural vernacular arch. and on its settlement patterns, in the past, present and future, on the Alentejo coastal region, equating the Montes construction of the and their role in the contemporary landscape-resilient territories. Expertise includes architectural and urban design, and research on architecture and urban culture.
