Geoffrey Thün

Geoffrey Thün is a Professor of Architecture at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan. He is a founding partner of the research-based practice RVTR and serves as Associate Vice President for Research: Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts at the University of Michigan Office of Research. His work spans scales from regional territories to high-performance building envelopes, integrating complex systems thinking to address societal, environmental, and cultural challenges.

• Master of Urban Design, University of Toronto
• Bachelor of Architecture, University of Waterloo

Thün’s research focuses on responsive and kinetic envelopes, sustainable urbanism, and smart-city technologies, often leveraging complex systems approaches to mediate energy, atmosphere, and social space. His funded projects with institutions like the U.S. Department of Energy and Ford Motor Company emphasize transdisciplinary solutions to the Food, Energy, Water (FEW) Nexus and climate futures.

Recent publications highlight his contributions to topological design optimization and robotic architecture, reflecting trends in digital fabrication, additive manufacturing, and energy-efficient building systems. RVTR’s work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Biennale Architettura in Venice (2016) and Yale University.

Scientific Awards

• R&D Award from Architecture Magazine (2010, 2016)
• Best Design as Research Article (2013)
• Architizer A+ Jury Award (2013)
• ACSA Faculty Design Award (2012, 2014)
• RAIC Award of Excellence (2011)
• Canadian Prix de Rome (2009)
• Young Architect’s Forum Award (2008)

Thün co-directs the Urban Collaboratory and previously served as Associate Dean for Research at Taubman College (2014-2021). His funded work includes grants from the National Science Foundation and collaborations with industry leaders like Guardian Industries and Ford Motor Company.