Elena Vazquez Peña is an Associate Professor at Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå University. She holds a Ph.D. in Architecture from Penn State and a professional degree from Universidad Nacional de Asunción. Her work bridges computational design, smart materials, and architectural innovation. She has pioneered research in adaptive building systems using bistable materials, shape memory alloys, and kinetic structures. Education: Ph.D. in Architecture, Pennsylvania State University Master of Science in Architecture, Pennsylvania State University Graduate Certificate in Additive Manufacturing, Pennsylvania State University Professional Degree in Architecture, Universidad Nacional de Asunción Research focuses on: Smart materials for adaptive buildings Computational tools for kinetic façade design Sustainable architectural technologies Parametric design methodologies Recent projects include developing shape-morphing devices with shape memory alloys and exploring low-cost acoustic solutions through origami patterns. Awards : 2023 ARCC Dissertation Award 2022 Rustum & Della Roy Innovation Award 2018 ARCC King Medal 2016-2018 Fulbright Scholar Teaching emphasizes project-centered learning using parametric design tools. Courses include Architecture Studio, Robotics in Architecture, and Shape Grammars. She leads the Digital Materials Research Group and collaborates on the UmArts Art & AI research project.







