Silvia Tavares

Dr. Silvia Tavares is a Senior Lecturer in Urban Design and Town Planning at the University of the Sunshine Coast's School of Law and Society. An architect and urbanist registered in Brazil, she founded and co-leads UniSC's Bioclimatic and Sociotechnical Cities Lab (BASC Lab). Her research focuses on improving urban climates through design interventions addressing thermal comfort, green infrastructure, public health, and climate change adaptation.

Her research investigates urban microclimate modelling, bioclimatic urbanism, and planning policies for improved microclimates. Current projects examine urban heat mitigation strategies through green infrastructure optimization and climate-responsive design. Her work integrates sociotechnical approaches to create healthier urban environments in tropical climates.

Analysis of her publications reveals strong focus on urban climate adaptation, with recurring themes in heat mitigation strategies, green infrastructure optimization, community engagement methodologies, and health-oriented urban design. Her work consistently bridges climate science with practical urban planning applications.

Awards and Honors:

• Microclimate Design Research Global Network Faculty Fellow, Texas A&M (2023)
• UN-Habitat World Urban Campaign Urban Thinkers Campus (2018)
• PIA Queensland Award for Planning Excellence (2018)
• JCU TropEco Partnerships and Engagement Award (2018)
• Fulbright Specialist Program Host Institution (2018)

She currently advises three PhD students researching bioclimatic urban planning, optimized greenery strategies, and inclusive design frameworks. Her research has secured grants from multiple Australian councils including Noosa Shire Council, Sunshine Coast Council, and Townsville City Council.

Through the BASC Lab, Dr. Tavares leads interdisciplinary research teams investigating urban climate solutions. The lab focuses on knowledge transfer between climate science and planning practice, developing evidence-based approaches for climate-resilient cities.