Mrs. Hilma Ferreira | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award
PhD student at Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
Hilma de Oliveira Santos Ferreira is a distinguished academic and researcher in the fields of architecture, urbanism, and design. With a career spanning academia and industry, she has significantly contributed to innovative solutions in architectural design, particularly in intelligent facades and biomimicry. She is an esteemed faculty member at multiple institutions, including Centro Universitário Unibra Recife, Centro Universitário UNIFAVIP, and Estácio Recife. Her expertise lies in sustainable building designs, with a focus on thermoresponsive materials and dynamic glass applications in contemporary architecture.
Education
Hilma Santos has a robust academic background, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism from Faculdade de Ciências Humanas Esuda (2010). She pursued a postgraduate degree in Project Management and Construction with an emphasis on technical assessment at the same institution (2015). She earned her Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Universidade Católica de Pernambuco (2017), where she explored the role of project management in glass facade execution. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Design at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), focusing on thermoresponsive glass films, with an international research stint at the University of Lisbon under the PDSE program.
Experience
With a strong foundation in both academia and industry, Hilma Santos has held teaching positions at various higher education institutions, including Centro Universitário Unibra Recife, Centro Universitário UNIFAVIP, and Faculdade Estácio do Recife. She has also been a collaborator in architectural firms specializing in residential and commercial interior design. Her experience extends to the coordination of projects related to aluminum and glass facade designs, enhancing energy efficiency in modern buildings. Her involvement in industry-driven competitions and mentorship of architecture students has further cemented her role as an influential figure in architectural research and education.
Research Interests
Hilma Santos’ research interests are deeply rooted in sustainable architectural solutions, intelligent facades, and biomimetic design. She explores dynamic glass technologies, thermochromic films, and energy-efficient building envelopes to optimize thermal and luminous comfort. Her work integrates cutting-edge design principles with environmental sustainability, leveraging digital mosaics and parametric design techniques. She is actively engaged in research projects that investigate biomimetic strategies to enhance contemporary glass structures, offering innovative insights into green architecture and urban sustainability.
Awards
Hilma Santos has received notable recognition for her contributions to architectural design and sustainability. In 2022 and 2023, she secured second place in the ADEPE competition for the Rest Areas Project at the 22nd and 23rd National Handicraft Business Fair (FENEARTE). These awards underscore her commitment to fostering sustainable urban environments and guiding emerging architects in innovative design solutions.
Publications
Hilma Santos has contributed significantly to the academic community through her research publications. Some of her notable works include:
Bioinspired Smart Façades: An Approach in Architectural and Design Project Models (2023) – Published in ENSUS2023 XI Encontro de Sustentabilidade em Projeto, cited in sustainability and design studies.
Brazilian Brands and Biomimicry: Innovation and Aesthetics as Strategy (2023) – Published in ENSUS2023 XI Encontro de Sustentabilidade em Projeto, exploring biomimetic design applications.
Graphic Composition on Glass: Technique and Conceptual Model in Bioinspired Design (2023) – Published in SDS 2023 IX Simpósio de Design Sustentável, focusing on digital glass technologies.
Eco Parametric Architecture: Circular Design & Digital Fabrication (2023) – Presented at the 14th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, discussing sustainable design methodologies.
Analysis on Kinetic and Dynamic Facades: A Design Study on Techniques and Conceptual Models (2022) – Published in the 14th Brazilian Congress on Research and Development in Design.
Biomimicry and Design: A Study on Techniques and Conceptual Models in Intelligent Facades (2022) – Presented at the II Seminar on Research in PPGDesign, UFPE.
An Approach to Design and Architecture Project Models in Biointelligent Facades (2023) – Featured in Revista Jatobá’s special issue on sustainable design.
Conclusion
Hilma Santos is a dedicated researcher and educator with a profound impact on sustainable architecture and intelligent facade technologies. Her work bridges the gap between academic research and practical implementation, focusing on energy-efficient building solutions. Through her teaching, mentorship, and innovative research contributions, she continues to shape the future of architectural design, ensuring a more sustainable and aesthetically refined urban landscape. Her achievements and ongoing projects position her as a leading figure in the fields of biomimicry, thermochromic technologies, and sustainable architecture.