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[VIRTUAL] Spring 2021 GRASP Seminar: Masoud Akbarzadeh, Weitzman School of Design, “Spatial Efficiency”

February 1, 2021 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Abstract

Geometry-based structural design methods represent a group of powerful and intuitive geometric techniques for structural form-finding and analysis based on pure geometry. These methods that originated in the pre-digital era continue to be used and practiced until today. In 2016, Masoud Akbarzadeh was among a team that developed a new extension of this method in three-dimension based on a novel mathematical concept proposed in the 19th century. He established the Polyhedral Structures Laboratory at the Weitzman School of Design to bridge the gap between design and engineering and extend the use and accessibility of this research and education method in architectural design, structural and mechanical engineering in the 21st century. The broader applications of this method are in the construction of innovative light-weight, spatial structures, cellular solids architecture, and the future of manufacturing.

Presenter

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Masoud Akbarzadeh is a designer with a unique academic background and experience in architectural design, computation, and structural engineering. He is an Assistant Professor of Architecture in Structures and Advanced Technologies and the Director of the Polyhedral Structures Laboratory (PSL). He holds a D.Sc. from the Institute of Technology in Architecture, ETH Zurich, where he was a Research Assistant in the Block Research Group. He holds two degrees from MIT: a Master of Science in Architecture Studies (Computation) and a MArch, the thesis for which earned him the renowned SOM award. He also has a degree in Earthquake Engineering and Dynamics of Structures from the Iran University of Science and Technology and a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering. His main research topic is Three-Dimensional Graphical Statics, which is a novel geometric method of structural design in three dimensions. In 2020, he has received the National Science Foundation CAREER Award to extend the methods of 3D/Polyhedral Graphic Statics for Education, Design, and Optimization of High-Performance Structures.

Details

Date:
February 1, 2021
Time:
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Event Category:

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