Dr. Doris Sung

Biography

Doris Sung brings active systems sustainable design beyond simple greening of buildings. She believes buildings should be sensitive to the changing environment, resembling human skin, and seeks ways to make building skins dynamic and responsive. Her research, funded by grants, focuses on developing smart materials such as thermobimetals that allow buildings to self-ventilate, self-shade, self-structure, and self-assemble, all while responding to temperature changes with zero-energy controls. Doris is rethinking façade designs as part of the city’s infrastructure and is designing innovative building products that aim to improve the public health of pedestrians as well as building occupants. Balancing research and teaching at the University of Southern California, she publishes, lectures, and exhibits internationally while managing the market introduction of her patented inventions. Her notable accolades include Architectural Product Award from Architectural Record, Architecture MasterPrize, various A/N’s Products Awards, Architizer Z+ awards, and the National AIA Small Projects Award, among others. Doris has also been recognized as a fellow by Google’s R+D Built Environment and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Research Interests