Steven Beites
Architecture
Laurentian University
Canada
Biography
Steven Beites is an Assistant Professor at the Laurentian University McEwen School of Architecture and Principal of Studio Kimiis, an award-winning design/fabrication studio working at the intersection of art and architecture. Over the last 5 years, Steven has held Adjunct Professor positions at the Department of Architectural Science and School of Interior Design at Ryerson University in Toronto as well as the School of Architecture at the University of Waterloo. His work has led to recurring workshops and guest critic invitations at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design as well as an appointment as Associate Director in the inaugural year of Ryerson’s Design Fabrication Zone; an initiative that aims to advance the students’ experience in digital tools and technologies. Steven’s work explores the integration of emergent design and robotic technologies to deliver projects that are culturally engaging and innovative in methodology and material process. As a second generation Canadian, born in Northern Ontario with roots in Northern Portugal, his interest lies in the potential application of emergent technologies to the socio-economic and cultural development in northern geographies. His current research speaks to the vernacular of the region, merging local materials and traditional methods of making with advanced manufacturing processes, computational strategies and simulation environments As a practitioner, Steven employs the latest CNC and robotic technologies to deliver contemporary work that is supported by a strong historical and cultural framework. His practice has been the successful recipient of 11 national and international competitions culminating in a series of high-profile commissions across Canada. With emphasis placed on preservation, each project pays homage to history and culture via the integration of new processes, functions and aesthetics.
Research Interest
Digital Fabrication and Computation, Robotic and Emergent Construction Technologies, Material Systems, Design Computation, LowCarbon Building Solutions, Advanced Manufacturing, Design Optimization, Simulation.
