Joe Colistra

Joe Colistra is a Professor of Architecture and Director of the Institute for Smart Cities at the University of Kansas. He previously chaired the Architecture Department (2019–2021) and taught at the University of Colorado Denver and the American University of Sharjah. His academic career spans over 20 years with awards like the ACSA Housing Design Education Award and a Sydney Alternative Housing Ideas Challenge win. He leads in situ Design, focusing on innovative housing and smart city technologies.

Education background includes prior faculty roles at multiple institutions, emphasizing architectural education and professional practice. His research centers on smart city architecture, sustainable housing, 3D-printed construction, and modular systems. Notable projects include energy-efficient 3D-printed homes and lightweight steel modular systems.

His articles explore additive manufacturing, participatory design, and smart urban infrastructure. Awards highlight his impact in housing innovation and design education. As a director, he spearheads interdisciplinary projects at the Institute for Smart Cities, integrating technology and urban resilience.