The Sasada Prize will be given to an individual whose sustained record of contributions demonstrates or promises significant impact on the field of computer aided design. The award recipient will have contributed to the next generation of researchers and academics, to the wider profession and practice in computer aided design and research, and earned recognition in peer community. António Menezes Leitão, professor at IST Department of Computer Science and Engineering (DEI) and researcher at INESC-ID won the Sasada Prize 2021, established by the Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA), in the memory of Prof. Tsuyoshi Sasada (1941-2005), former Professor of Osaka University, co-founder and Fellow of CAADRIA.

“I am very honoured because, first of all, this prize is a tribute to Tsuyoshi Sasada, an extraordinary professor and researcher. Secondly, because this prize shows the recognition of the work we have been developing. And finally, because some previous winners are architects who inspired me to conduct research in this area, in particular, Mark Burry, who has collaborated in Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família”, says the Técnico professor.

As mentioned by the committee during the announcement of the Prize, on the occasion of the annual CAADRIA conference, held from 29th March to 1st April, “the committee was impressed by the focus of António Menezes Leitão’s research, the quality of his contributions and, in particular, with the significant number of his research students whom he has supported to attend research conferences as they establish themselves in the research community”. The committee has heard from a number of these students who described him as a “committed professor, highly sought after and a valuable mentor”.

According to the Técnico professor “the creation of the research group Algorithm Design for Architecture was indeed very important” and have positively influenced the jury’s decision. “The broad majority of the members do not pursue a PhD, so the group ends up having a high turnover, however, there is a constant effort to welcome new members, which has allowed to maintain a high level of research”, explains professor António Menezes Leitão. “None of this would have been possible without my students”, he adds.

The pleasure of teaching and learning from his students

When asked about the secret to motivate so many students, the Técnico professor says “there is no big secret”. “On the one hand, I believe that this research area, due to its transformative potential and the challenges it poses, is, in itself, an excellent motivation”, he stresses. Although professor António Menezes Leitão tries to explain this in his classes, he is convinced that his students are already aware of this. “My students know that they will have difficult challenges ahead, but they also know that I will try to help them overcome those challenges. Finally, the results that my students have obtained in their master’s theses, both in terms of scientific publications and final grade, will inspire their colleagues”, he adds.

Professor António Menezes Leitão’s research focuses on the development of theories, techniques and tools that help architects and engineers to explore algorithmic approaches. He started working in this area over ten years ago. Throughout the years, the Técnico professor has worked with architecture, engineering and computer science students, which resulted in the creation of the research group.

The INESC-ID researcher realised that he wanted to become a professor when he returned to Técnico to do his PhD. “I confess that I like to teach, but I also like to learn. I was lucky to have very good professors, but also very good students from whom I have learnt a lot. One of the professors who most inspired me was Pavão Martins who, many years ago, invited me to work with him and other colleagues in AI field. This invitation has influenced my life and just like he did to me, I have challenged my students to become members of my research group”.