# Dan Luo

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24851
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/44989

Dr

# Dan Luo

Email:
:   [d.luo@uq.edu.au](mailto:d.luo@uq.edu.au)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 334 61205](tel:+61 7 334 61205)

## Positions

Affiliate of ARC Research Hub to Advance Timber for Australia's Future Built Environment (ARC Advanc
:   ARC Research Hub to Advance Timber for Australia's Future Built Environment
:   Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology

Senior Lecturer in Architectural Design (Foundation Skills)
:   School of Architecture, Design and Planning
:   Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology

## Overview

### Background

Dr Dan Luo is a designer and architectural researcher with a strong foundation in computer science. She earned a PhD in Architecture from Tsinghua University (2019), Master of Architecture from Columbia University (2014), and an MSc in Computer and Information Technology at the University of Pennsylvania(2023).

Dr Luo’s scholarship centers on digital design and robotic construction. After practicing at the pioneering firm UNStudio, she has focused on integrating advanced fabrication technologies with design build workflows to envision the future of automated construction. Her work has been published in leading journals and conference proceedings, and the robotic systems she developed have been deployed on active building sites.

Dr Luo is also a key researcher within the ARC Advance Timber Hub, Blue Economy CRC, Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre, and Transport Academic Partnership Project, leading projects with public agencies and academic partners. Her extensive collaborations span international networks of partners. Her projects have been exhibited at the Milan Triennial, the Architecture Center New York, and the China Millennium Monument. From 2014 to 2019, she served as Director of International Collaboration for the China Building Centre, where she curated international design competitions and educational programs for universities, developers, and government agencies.

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### Availability

Dr Dan Luo is:
:   Available for supervision

### Qualifications

- Bachelor of Arts (Architecture), University of Hong Kong
- Masters (Coursework) of Architecture, Columbia University in the City of New York
- Doctor of Philosophy, Tsinghua University
- Masters (Coursework) of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Pennsylvania

### Research interests

- #### Artificial Intellegence and Material Computation

  Developing smart material system with AI and computer vision

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- #### Robotic Fabrication

  Application of robotic automation for mass customization and adaptive construction.

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- #### Urban Data Analysis

  Develop data analytic method for informing urban development strategy

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### Research impacts

**Workshops**

2020 CAADRIA pre-conference workshop - Machine vision and smart material processing

2018 Tsinghua Architecture Summer School Parametric Design Workshop - AI enhanced robotic 3D printing

2017 DADA international conference - Swarm Nest 5.0

2016 Milan Triennale X - Swarm Nest interactive installation

2016 Tsinghua Architecture Summer School Parametric Design Workshop - Human Centric Digital Farication

2015 Tsinghua Architecture Summer School Parametric Design Workshop - Metatool

**Curation and Exhibition Design**

10/2016 The Brick Trumpet, Beijing Design Week 2016

08/2016 Swarm Nest 1.0, Milan Triennale 2016

05/2016 Quasicrystal flower vest, ROBOTIC FUTURE Exhibition of Shanghai Biennale 2016

05/2015 New York – Beijing – New York Chinese Contemporary Architecture Exhibition, AIA Center for Architecture, New York, Exhibition Design

09/2014 Exhibition designer CBC Contemporary Chinese Architecture and Beyond Architecture, China Millennium Monument, Beijing, Exhibition Design

12/2007 Populated Furniture, Hong Kong Shenzhen Bi-city Biennale 2008

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## Works

[Search Professor Dan Luo’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/6189935)

[All
(48)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/24851/all)
[Journal Article
(13)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/24851/4748)
[Other Outputs
(3)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/24851/4749)
[Conference Publication
(27)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/24851/4751)
[Book Chapter
(5)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/24851/4752)

2025

Book Chapter

##### Design and fabrication of floating artificial reefs: enhancing biodiversity and food production

Luo, Dan and Komyakova, Valeriya (2025). Design and fabrication of floating artificial reefs: enhancing biodiversity and food production. Large floating solutions: design, construction, legality of offshore structures and buoyant urbanism. (pp. 335-350) edited by Brydon T. Wang, Chien Ming Wang, Kim Weinert and Rutger de Graaf-van Dinther. Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-96-5435-2\_14

[Design and fabrication of floating artificial reefs: enhancing biodiversity and food production](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:61c7031)

2025

Journal Article

##### Generative optimization of building blocks for density, solar and structural performance

Tabasi, Saba Fattahi, Luo, Dan, Rafizadeh, Hamid Reza, Le Nguyen, Khuong and Banihashemi, Saeed (2025). Generative optimization of building blocks for density, solar and structural performance. Journal of Building Engineering, 111 113307, 113307. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.113307

[Generative optimization of building blocks for density, solar and structural performance](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c3be9e3)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Prioritising child-friendly design solutions with explainable AI: an integrated approach using machine learning and crowdsourced Elo ranking

Nooradini Shahabadi, Yassin, Luo, Dan, Micheli, Silvia and Liu, Yan (2025). Prioritising child-friendly design solutions with explainable AI: an integrated approach using machine learning and crowdsourced Elo ranking. CAADRIA2025 TOKYO: ​Architectural Informatics, Tokyo, Japan, 22 - 29 March 2025. Hong Kong: Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia. doi: 10.52842/conf.caadria.2025.4.469

[Prioritising child-friendly design solutions with explainable AI: an integrated approach using machine learning and crowdsourced Elo ranking](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:df36389)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Design and fabrication of self-shaping steel curved surfaces with lamina emergent torsion arrays

Bahremandi-Tolou, Mahnaz, Gattas, Joseph M. and Luo, Dan (2025). Design and fabrication of self-shaping steel curved surfaces with lamina emergent torsion arrays. 30th International Conference of the Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA) 2025, Tokyo, Japan, 22-29 March 2025. Hong Kong, China: Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA). doi: 10.52842/conf.caadria.2025.2.439

[Design and fabrication of self-shaping steel curved surfaces with lamina emergent torsion arrays](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8cbedc2)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Rapid crowd-sourced feedback of generative AI enhancements of streetscape: a case study of Brisbane's capabilities of hosting mega-events

Nguyen, Tommy Bao-Nghi, Luo, Dan and Micheli, Silvia (2025). Rapid crowd-sourced feedback of generative AI enhancements of streetscape: a case study of Brisbane's capabilities of hosting mega-events. CAADRIA TOKYO: ​Architectural Informatics, Tokyo, Japan, 22 - 29 March 2025. Hong Kong: Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia. doi: 10.52842/conf.caadria.2025.4.059

[Rapid crowd-sourced feedback of generative AI enhancements of streetscape: a case study of Brisbane's capabilities of hosting mega-events](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f96652b)

2025

Journal Article

##### Automated large-scale additive manufacturing of structural formwork with rapid fibre-reinforced polymer tape lamination

Xin, Zhuo-Yang, Zhu, Guan-Qi, Gattas, Joseph M. and Luo, Dan (2025). Automated large-scale additive manufacturing of structural formwork with rapid fibre-reinforced polymer tape lamination. Automation in Construction, 171 105978, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.autcon.2025.105978

[Automated large-scale additive manufacturing of structural formwork with rapid fibre-reinforced polymer tape lamination](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0d3d790)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Reimagining timber: an integrated approach of resource efficient fabrication process for topologically optimised cross-laminated timber slabs

Wu, Lingju, Bao, Dingwen, Chen, Bowen, Luo, Dan and Gattas, Joseph M. (2025). Reimagining timber: an integrated approach of resource efficient fabrication process for topologically optimised cross-laminated timber slabs. 14th World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025 (WCTE 2025), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 22-26 June 2025. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: World Conference On Timber Engineering 2025. doi: 10.52202/080513-0329

[Reimagining timber: an integrated approach of resource efficient fabrication process for topologically optimised cross-laminated timber slabs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:55cfdaf)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Digital design of artificial reef with computational fluid dynamics and topology optimization

Yu, Jiacheng, Luo, Dan and Bao, Ding Wen (2025). Digital design of artificial reef with computational fluid dynamics and topology optimization. 6th International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (CDRF 2024), Shanghai, China, 6-7 July 2024. Singapore: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-981-96-3433-0\_33

[Digital design of artificial reef with computational fluid dynamics and topology optimization](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a166f09)

2024

Journal Article

##### Novel additive lamination manufacturing system for rapid fabrication of large-scale reinforced structural members

Xin, Zhuoyang, Zhu, Guanqi, Hsueh, Yun Chung and Luo, Dan (2024). Novel additive lamination manufacturing system for rapid fabrication of large-scale reinforced structural members. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 30 (10), 2161-2173. doi: 10.1108/rpj-01-2024-0020

[Novel additive lamination manufacturing system for rapid fabrication of large-scale reinforced structural members](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5ef2d81)

2024

Journal Article

##### Curved surface form-finding with self-shaping perforated plates

Bahremandi-Tolou, Mahnaz, Wang, Chenhao, Gattas, Joseph M. and Luo, Dan (2024). Curved surface form-finding with self-shaping perforated plates. Architectural Intelligence, 3 (1) 17. doi: 10.1007/s44223-024-00059-y

[Curved surface form-finding with self-shaping perforated plates](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a96aae1)

2024

Conference Publication

##### The embodied interaction with XR metaverse space based on pneumatic actuated structures

Zang, Beibei, Wang, Tianjun and Luo, Dan (2024). The embodied interaction with XR metaverse space based on pneumatic actuated structures. 5th International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (CDRF 2023), Shanghai, China, 24 June 2023. Singapore, Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-99-8405-3\_16

[The embodied interaction with XR metaverse space based on pneumatic actuated structures](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7e188a7)

2024

Conference Publication

##### Weaving tectonics: algorithmically optimised robotic FRP weaving of large scale planar forms

Boyter-Grant, Kelton, Xin, Zhouyang, Bao, Ding Wen, Yan, Xin and Luo, Dan (2024). Weaving tectonics: algorithmically optimised robotic FRP weaving of large scale planar forms. 5th International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (CDRF 2023), Shanghai, China, 24 June 2023. Singapore, Singapore: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-981-99-8405-3\_39

[Weaving tectonics: algorithmically optimised robotic FRP weaving of large scale planar forms](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0d2dfc8)

2023

Conference Publication

##### Rapid fabrication system for large-scale free-form double curved shell

Xin, Zhuoyang, Zhu, Guanqi and Luo, Dan (2023). Rapid fabrication system for large-scale free-form double curved shell. IASS 2023, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 10 – 14 July 2023. Madrid, Spain: International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS).

[Rapid fabrication system for large-scale free-form double curved shell](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6c0b092)

2023

Journal Article

##### Is greenery green? An analytical comparison between the planned, visual, and perceived green

Yang, Qing, Cao, Chu-Fan, Li, Hai-Miao, Qiu, Wai-Shan, Li, Wen-Jing and Luo, Dan (2023). Is greenery green? An analytical comparison between the planned, visual, and perceived green. International Journal of Architectural Computing, 21 (3), 498-515. doi: 10.1177/14780771231178887

[Is greenery green? An analytical comparison between the planned, visual, and perceived green](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e763cf7)

2023

Other Outputs

##### Forcing tectonics: Perspective Exhibition, Melbourne Design Week 2023

Luo, Dan, Bao, Nic, Yan, Xin, Fan, Linzi and Xin, Zhuoyang (2023). Forcing tectonics: Perspective Exhibition, Melbourne Design Week 2023.

[Forcing tectonics: Perspective Exhibition, Melbourne Design Week 2023](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:79a6eda)

2023

Other Outputs

##### Hills: Creative Work for Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside 2023

Luo, Dan and Huang, Weixin (2023). Hills: Creative Work for Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside 2023.

[Hills: Creative Work for Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside 2023](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1a3ebc0)

2023

Journal Article

##### The evaluation of urban spatial quality and utility trade-offs for Post-COVID working preferences: a case study of Hong Kong

Song, Qiwei, Dou, Zhiyi, Qiu, Waishan, Li, Wenjing, Wang, Jingsong, van Ameijde, Jeroen and Luo, Dan (2023). The evaluation of urban spatial quality and utility trade-offs for Post-COVID working preferences: a case study of Hong Kong. Architectural Intelligence, 2 (1) 1, 1-16. doi: 10.1007/s44223-022-00020-x

[The evaluation of urban spatial quality and utility trade-offs for Post-COVID working preferences: a case study of Hong Kong](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f5946ef)

2023

Conference Publication

##### Automatic robotic construction for customisable rammed earth walls

Zhu, Guanqi, Zhou, Xinyi, Zhang, Jun, Liu, Guogang, Hao, Shimeng and Luo, Dan (2023). Automatic robotic construction for customisable rammed earth walls. 28th International Conference of the Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA), Ahmedabad, India, 18 - 24 March 2023. Hong Kong, Hong Kong: CAADRIA. doi: 10.52842/conf.caadria.2023.2.109

[Automatic robotic construction for customisable rammed earth walls](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:87f4a20)

2023

Conference Publication

##### Evaluation Process of Urban Spatial Quality and Utility Trade-Off for Post-COVID Working Preferences

Dou, Zhiyi, Qiu, Waishan, Li, Wenjing and Luo, Dan (2023). Evaluation Process of Urban Spatial Quality and Utility Trade-Off for Post-COVID Working Preferences. 4th International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (CDRF 2022), Shanghai, China, 27 June - 5 July 2022. Singapore: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-981-19-8637-6\_19

[Evaluation Process of Urban Spatial Quality and Utility Trade-Off for Post-COVID Working Preferences](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f17e490)

2023

Journal Article

##### The influence of perceived landscape qualities on economic vitality: a case study of a retail coffee chain

Song, Qiwei, Luo, Dan, Li, Meikang, Gong, Pixin, Qiu, Waishan and Li, Wenjing (2023). The influence of perceived landscape qualities on economic vitality: a case study of a retail coffee chain. Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture, 2023 (8), 463-475. doi: 10.14627/537740049

[The influence of perceived landscape qualities on economic vitality: a case study of a retail coffee chain](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f438840)

## Funding

### Current funding

- 2023 - 2028

  ARC Research Hub to Advance Timber for Australia's Future Built Environment

  ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/62155)

### Past funding

- 2023 - 2025

  Sustainable modular membrane shade structures from under-utilised timber materials

  Nohmura Foundation for Membrane Structure Technology

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/57767)

## Supervision

### Availability

Dr Dan Luo is:
:   Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).

### Supervision history

#### Current supervision

- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Connecting mega-events through micromobility: A data-driven visual design methodology via AI-generated street scenery

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Silvia Micheli](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2511), [Professor Ali Cheshmehzangi](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/44989)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Enhancing Sustainability in Construction: Environmentally Adaptive Modular Earth-Based Facade Design with Digital Fabrication and Realtime Customization

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Fred Fialho Teixeira](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/15199)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Developing environmentally responsive facades by self-assembly timber modules

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Joe Gattas](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/9443)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Extended Reality for Architecture, Engineering and Construction (XR+AEC)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Ali Cheshmehzangi](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/44989), [Dr Sebastien Darchen](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2545)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Mobility Culture and Micro-scale Living Patterns: Re-conceptualization of Land Use and Movement Patterns in Australian Cities

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Silvia Micheli](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2511)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Producing the Circular City through Configuration

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Ali Cheshmehzangi](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/44989)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### An Integrated Approach to Design and Construction of Waste Wood

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Joe Gattas](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/9443)

View all 7 current supervisions
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#### Completed supervision

- 2026

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Novel adaptive and sustainable FRP fabrication systems for large-scale freeform structural formwork](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:32e60b6)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Joe Gattas](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/9443), [Dr Michael Heitzmann](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/10496)

## Media

### Enquiries

For media enquiries about Dr Dan Luo's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)

## External profiles

- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1760-0451)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57194708123)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=Ql4rBDAAAAAJ)

## Personal links

- [Personal profile](https://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/24851)
- [Blog](http://www.luodan.live)

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