Mauro Costa Couceiro is a Professor and Senior Architecture and Design Researcher specializing in biomimetic architecture and human-machine-nature interactions. His research integrates AI and XR technologies with architectural design principles. As an Integrated Researcher at ISTAR, he is the Pi of the FCT-approved project “Generative Architectural Design: Promoting Human-Biome Interaction through Traditional Approaches and Emerging Technologies”. This project explores generative design methodologies to create adaptive architectural solutions that foster human-biome symbiosis.

Costa Couceiro was recently Co-Principal Investigator (Co-Pi) at the University of Coimbra (CES-UC), as part of the Santa Cruz Research Project (FCT 30704). This project used advanced technologies to assist in the preservation and virtual reconstruction of UNESCO architectural heritage. Costa Couceiro obtained his PhD in Architecture from the 'Universitat International de Catalunya' (ESARQ-UIC) in Barcelona in 2009, achieving the classification 'Sobresaliente Cum Laude' and the distinction of 'Doctor Europaeus' for carrying out his research in several European and American countries. His research focused on the complexity of biological processes, with the aim of developing algorithmic analogies for the fields of architecture, urbanism and industrial design. Costa Couceiro completed two master's degrees, one in the field of World History of Architecture, Urbanism and Industrial Design and the other in the field of Bio-digital Architecture and Genetics. His six-year degree in Architecture was completed at the Technical University of Lisbon (FA-UTL). Costa Couceiro has been invited to teach, carry out research and give consultancy at various institutions around the world, including Hongik University in Seoul, ‘L'École Nationale Supérieure D'Architecture de Paris’ - La Villette, Faculty of Architecture of the University of São Paulo (FAUSP), 'Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura y Geodesia de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid', 'Escola Superior de Disseny i Enginyeria de Barcelona' (ELISAVA), 'Instituto de Arquitectura Avançada de Catalunya' (IAAC), 'Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya' (UPC), 'School of Architecture' (UIC), 'Instituto Universitário de Lisboa' (ISCTE), 'Faculdade de Arquitectura do Porto' (FAUP) and 'Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias da Universidade de Coimbra' (FCTUC-DArq-DEI). Costa Couceiro's research interests include biomimicry and artificial intelligence (AI) applied to Architecture and Design, with particular emphasis on the impact of Extended Reality (XR) technologies and Algorithmic Design on education and professional practice. It also uses these strategies for the Mass Customization of Design and Architecture, seeking adaptive and sustainable solutions through robotics (Industry 4.0). Therefore, his areas of specialization include Architecture, Industrial Design, programmed modelling for construction and historical heritage (BIM/HBIM), digital design and production (CAD/CAM). Costa Couceiro has participated and has been recognized with awards in international design, architecture and urban planning competitions. He worked as a space management architect for Sonae.com, where he developed and coordinated projects for office buildings and the rehabilitation of industrial heritage. Costa Couceiro regularly publishes and presents his work at conferences and exhibitions, associating or collaborating with international institutions such as eCAADe, SIGradDi, 'Collegi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya', Bentley Systems - Smart Geometry Group, McNeel Europe, Digivisión.