Maria Rita Pais

Maria Rita Pais is an architect, researcher, and educator affiliated with Universidade Lusófona and FAUL. She holds a PhD in Architecture and focuses on the intersection of architecture with media and hard heritage, particularly Cold War bunkers. She coordinates two research projects, including a Marie Curie Action (SOSClimateWaterfront), and supervises seven PhD candidates.

• PhD in Architecture (FAUTL, 2012)
• Master in Construction (IST, 2004)
• Degree in Architecture (FAUTL, 1999)

Her research bridges architectural heritage, climate resilience, and curatorial practices, emphasizing adaptive reuse of military structures. Recent work analyzes art as historical documentation and waterfront sustainability.

She has published extensively on bunkers, climate adaptation, and gender studies, with 2024 articles like Plan Barron: A Future for Super-Resistant Structures and Sustainable Strategy and Cultural Heritage. Her output highlights cross-disciplinary trends in architecture and environmental design.

• FAD Award 2020 for Thoughts and Critics
• Archdaily 2011
• The Plan Award 2015 Honorable Mention
• Prémio Távora 2023

As an educator, she teaches courses like 'History of Contemporary Architecture' and 'Research Methods in Architecture' at Universidade Lusófona. She has supervised over 30 master's theses and contributes to international academic committees.