Mr. Elton Lima | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award
PhD Candidate at Centre for Research in Architecture, Urbanism and Design at the University of Lisbon, Portugal
Elton Cristovão da Silva Lima is an accomplished architect and urban designer specializing in digital graphics, biomimicry, and computational design. With a background in architecture from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Brazil, he pursued advanced studies at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, where he obtained his MSc in Architecture. Currently, he is a PhD candidate at the Lisbon School of Architecture, focusing on the intersection of sound analogy and biomimicry in architectural design. His research has led him to academic collaborations in Belgium and Italy through the Erasmus Program. In addition to his academic endeavors, he has extensive professional experience, having worked in Brazil, Belgium, and Portugal on projects spanning social housing, parametric design, and architectural competitions.
Profile
Education
Elton Lima’s academic journey has been marked by a strong foundation in architecture and urbanism, with a focus on computational design and biomimicry. He completed his Bachelor’s in Architecture and Urban Design at UFPE, Brazil, where his thesis explored bio-parametric design for ephemeral pavilions. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, receiving recognition for his research on digital graphics in urbanism. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Architecture at the Lisbon School of Architecture, where his dissertation examines the plasticity of sound in architecture through biomimicry. His academic experiences include research training at institutions such as Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, and La Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy.
Experience
Elton Lima has garnered significant professional experience in architecture and research. He interned at BR Petrobras Distribuidora SA in Brazil, contributing to national-scale architectural projects and the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) within the company. As an independent architect, he specialized in social housing projects in northeastern Brazil. His international experience includes working as an architect designer at Árter Architects in Belgium and Planivide Studio in Portugal, where he engaged in architectural competitions and innovative design solutions. In academia, he has served as a researcher at UFPE’s 3D Artifacts Experimentation Group and the Laboratory for Advanced Studies in Architecture. His roles as a teaching assistant at UFPE and Université Catholique de Louvain reflect his dedication to architectural education and research.
Research Interests
Lima’s research interests lie at the intersection of architecture, biomimicry, digital fabrication, and computational design. His work explores how biological principles can inspire architectural solutions, particularly in the areas of parametric and responsive design. His PhD research, “Sound Analogy: Biomimicry as a Means of Transferring the Plasticity of Sound to Architecture,” investigates how sound properties can inform architectural form and function. Additionally, he has explored topics such as shape grammar in social housing, the impact of ephemeral pavilions on public space, and neurobiomimetics in architectural design. His research contributes to innovative methodologies in architecture, integrating nature-inspired solutions with digital technologies.
Awards
Elton Lima has been recognized for his academic excellence and research contributions. In 2023, he was awarded a PhD Scholarship by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal, supporting his doctoral studies at the Lisbon School of Architecture. This award acknowledges his groundbreaking research in biomimicry and architectural computing.
Publications
Lima, Elton; Mateus, Luís; Arruda, Amilton. “The impact of Biomimicry on sensory experience: an analysis of the relationship between human senses and nature in the design process in Architecture.” Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación, 2024.
Lima, Elton C.; Matsunaga, C.; Mendes, L. T. “The Biomimicry Design Lens Method Applied to the development of a temporary pavilion inspired by the Victoria amazonica.” Congreso SIGraDi 2021.
Lima, Elton C.; Mendes, L. T.; Griz, Cristiana. “Modelagem paramétrica e prototipagem rápida no ensino de Expressão Gráfica.” Revista Geometria Gráfica, 2021.
Lima, Elton C.; Vieira, A.; Mendes, L. T.; Griz, C. “Houses for everybody Brazilian competition: an application of shape grammar and space syntax for analyzing low-income housing.” eCAADe Conference, 2017.
Lima, Elton C.; Mateus, Luís; Arruda, Amilton. “Biomimetics as an analogue design method: the case of Sound Analogy.” What’s Around Design? Conference, 2024 (in press).
Lima, Elton; Santos, Hilma; Mateus, Luís; Arruda, Amilton. “Integration of thermo-responsive materials applied to bio-inspired structures.” Biomimetics MDPI, 2025 (under revision).
Lima, Elton. “Neurobiomimetics: guidelines for convergence between bioarchitecture and neurosciences.” Biomimetics MDPI, 2025 (under revision).
Conclusion
Elton Cristovão da Silva Lima stands out as an innovative architect and researcher whose work bridges the realms of biomimicry, computational design, and digital fabrication. His academic and professional trajectory demonstrates a commitment to advancing architectural methodologies through nature-inspired and technologically driven approaches. With numerous international collaborations, publications, and awards, his contributions are shaping the future of architecture by integrating interdisciplinary research with cutting-edge design solutions.