Patricia Kio, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor,
School of Architecture, Sustainability and the Built Environment
Contact
Phone: (352) 392-4836
Email: p.kio@ufl.edu
Research Interests
Architectural design, construction systems, sustainable materials, and environmental systems integration, smart circular economy
About
Biography
Renowned architect Buckminster Fuller explored ecological systems and coined the term “synergetics” to describe the dynamic interplay of resources within those systems. He was also widely recognized for his geometric innovations, most notably the invention of the geodesic dome. Building on this legacy, the field of systems thinking has evolved to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across disciplines. In this context, circular economy research aims to shift away from the traditional “take, make, dispose” model toward closed-loop systems that prioritize sustainability. My research focuses on how architectural design, construction systems, sustainable materials, and environmental systems integration can contribute to a smart circular economy.
Specifically, I aim to advance ecological design strategies in response to climate change, leveraging emerging technologies. I have published several peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Journal of Cleaner Production, Energy and Buildings, and Waste and Biomass Valorization. My current projects explore the use of artificial intelligence in decision support systems for managing construction and demolition waste (with concrete as a case study), the role of financial incentives in promoting circular construction, and the development of digital twin infrastructure to support circularity in post-disaster reconstruction.
I serve on the Editorial Board of Technology | Architecture + Design (TAD) Journal. I am a Board Member of the International Society for Construction with Alternatives, a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, a Fellow of the Microclimatic Design Research Group, and a LEED Green Associate with the U.S. Green Building Council.