An Acoustic Solver by

• Dr. Alberto Pugnale
• Dr. Sofia Colabella
• Dr. Gabriele Mirra
• Mr. Michael Mack

The University of Melbourne & Aeolus

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Topology Optimisation Design by

• Prof. Yi Min ‘Mike’ Xie
• Dr. Ding Wen ‘Nic’ Bao

RMIT University & Ameba

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AR-assisted Fabrication Technique by

• Dr. Gwyllim Jahn
• Mr. Cameron Newnham

RMIT University & Fologram

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Parametric Engineering Analysis Method by

• Dr. Sascha Bohnenberger
• Mr Matthew Tam

Swinburne University of Technology, Bollinger + Grohmann & Karamba

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Computational framework for form finding by

• Dr. Masoud Akbarzadeh
• Mr Yao Lu

University of Pennsylvania & PolyFrame

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Physical Form-Finding Method by

• Mr. Peter Lim

Tensys

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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.

Nic Bao is a Lecturer in Architecture at RMIT University School of Architecture and Urban Design. His research explores design methodologies for establishing a complementary relationship among architecture, computational design, structural engineering, behavioural algorithms, robotic fabrication, additive manufacturing, and intelligent construction. He has published over 40 papers, including high-impact journal papers, book chapters, and conference papers. Nic completed his PhD in Civil Engineering & Architecture at the Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials, School of Engineering and School of Architecture and Urban Design, RMIT University, where he received the 2021 RMIT Excellence Award & Prize for Research Impact. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Architecture from RMIT University. Nic Bao is an award-winning architect who holds Australian and US Registered Architect, and UK RIBA Chartered Architect. He directs architecture practices Studio Nic Bao and Wonderform, co-founder of FormX, and partner of Ameba. He received the Young CAADRIA Award, MUSE Design Awards, Grand Prix Du Design Paris Gold Award, IAI Design Award and A’Design Award. Nic’s work has been exhibited widely, including Hong Kong Business Design Week, Melbourne Design Week, Venice Biennale and Shenzhen Biennale. He has also been invited as a jury critic, guest lecturer, and PhD examiner in numerous international institutions, including UCL Bartlett, ETH Zurich, Tsinghua University, University of Michigan, Tongji University, etc.

Sascha Bohnenberger-Fehr is lecturer of Architecture at Swinburne University of Technology. Besides his involvement in research and academia, he works Managing Director for Bollinger + Grohmann in Melbourne. Previously he taught in the Undergraduate Program at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and was involved as an external consultant for design studios at Melbourne University, Monash University, The University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. He holds postgraduate degrees from University of Kassel and completed his PhD at RMIT Spatial Information Architecture Laboratory in 2013. Bohnenberger-Fehr is interested in the design and analysis of complex geometries, interactive systems, digital design processes and the materiality of the built environment. His research focuses on sustainable material systems, future construction technologies and workflows to effectively communicate and collaborate with engineers and architects alike. He has worked on many award-winning national and international projects such as the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne designed by SANAA, the Musée des Confluences in Lyon by Coop Himmelb(l)au and the Monash University Business School designed by NH Architecture. His research into the future of fabrication technologies often correlates with his work on sculptures, public artworks and experimental architecture. In projects like the Floe installation for the NGV Triennial in 2018 by Studio Roland Snooks and the Interchange Pavilion at South Eveleigh by Studio Chris Fox, Dr. Bohnenberger-Fehr explores the boundaries between art, architecture and engineering.

Sofia Colabella is an architect and Lecturer in Architectural Design at the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning of the University of Melbourne, with a PhD in Architectural Technology. Sofia co-founded Gridshell.it, a company specialising in the design and construction of performative timber architecture and acoustic shells, designed through digital tools and full-scale prototypes. She co-founded the Italian-based architecture practice CMMKM Architecture and Design, specialising in residential architecture. Her research interest and expertise relate to design, timber tectonic cultures, digital design & fabrication, and the reuse of reclaimed materials for architectural purposes. As visiting Scientific Partner at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), she provided a novel approach to the feasibility of reuse of discarded high-tech sports equipment for structural purposes. She is a member of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS).

Gwyllim Jahn is co-founder and design director at Fologram and a Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Design at RMIT. At Fologram, Gwyllim focuses on developing award-winning mixed-reality applications, enabling designers, architects, engineers and artists to deliver complex, cutting-edge projects. Gwyllim gained PhD and Master of Architecture from RMIT University and a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Western Australia.

Peter Lim is a director of Tensys and working in the field of lightweight structures, complex geometries and space frames for the past 35 years. His expertise and experience is not only in design but also project management, execution and delivery of these unique complex geometric structures internationally. He is a recipient of the The Indian National Group (ING) of International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) 2007 ING-IABSE medal. He provided expert advice on the 2010 Commonwealth Games Stadiums in New Delhi, India (especially the Jawalharlal Nehru Stadium, S P Murkurjee Aquatic Stadium, Wrestling Stadium and Weightlifting Stadium). In the field of ETFE structures, he has broken new grounds in designing the first ETFE structures in the many countries. He has also lectured at the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) USA 2005 Expo in San Antonio Texas and 2006 Expo in Atlanta Georgia. In 2008, he lectured at the Textile Roof 2008 held in Berlin. He is also a frequent speaker at various conferences involving tension lightweight structures. In the Lightweight Structures Association of Australasia, he serves as the president of the Committee. Over the past few years, he has also been actively involved with Monash University's Architecture, Art and Design School (MADA) on several of their teaching electives and MAKE programs. He has also been a guest lecturer at the Architectural School of the University of Technology, Sydney and Swinburne University.

Yao Lu is currently a Ph.D. student at the Polyhedral Structures Laboratory, Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania. He is a design researcher with a great interest in generative design, robotic fabrication, 3D printing, and computer graphics. Before joining PSL, he graduated from Cornell University with a Master of Science in Matter Design Computation, advised by Prof. Jenny Sabin, Prof. Christopher Hernandez, and Prof. Steve Marschner. His primary research focused on generating bio-inspired load-bearing lattice structures in various scales. He also holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor in Engineering degrees and from Tongji University, advised by Prof. Ming Zhang.

Michael Mack is currently a Ph.D student. Michael is Founder of Tinytecture and Subject Coordinator, Senior Tutor, and Studio Leader within the Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Design programs at the Melbourne School of Design at the University of Melbourne. He developed and delivered content for a variety of subjects. This ranges from digital design and fabrication using laser cutting, CNC and 3D printing technology, algorithmic design through visual scripting and procedural modelling, to virtual reality and rendering through 3DS Max, VRay and Unreal Engine.

Gabriele Mirra is a researcher and educator with expertise in structural design, acoustics, robotics, programming and machine learning. In 2015 he received his Master of Architecture from the University of Naples Federico II (Italy). Between 2014 and 2018, he researched structural and acoustic optimisation using Genetic Algorithms, which led to the development of plugins for acoustic analysis – Aeolus – and the tessellation of freeform surfaces. As a practitioner, he worked on designing and optimising acoustic shells and gridshell structures, some of which were built as full-scale prototypes. In 2023 he completed his PhD in Artificial Intelligence in Design at the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning (ABP) of The University of Melbourne, where he currently teaches design thinking, computational design, structural design and acoustics. Between 2019 and 2022, he received the Melbourne Research Scholarship, the Bharat Dave Scholarship and the Dean’s Prize for Published Graduate Research. In 2023 his work on AI in structural design was awarded the prestigious Tsuboi award from the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures. His research explores new strategies to train AI models in architectural and structural design for developing more autonomous and participative CAD systems. His research interests include applications of AI in design, CAD research, CAD history, human-computer interaction, cognitive psychology, and performance-driven design.

Cameron Newham is co-founder of Fologram. Cameron explores how technology and architecture can intersect to extend the art of the possible. Using augmented reality and a deep understanding of architectural practice, Cameron is striving to identify how technology can transform architecture and construction, speeding the delivery of complex buildings, and injecting new levels of craftsmanship into the built environment. Previously Cameron studied and taught at RMIT University School of Architecture and Urban Design.

Alberto Pugnale is an Architect and Senior Lecturer in Architectural Design at the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning of The University of Melbourne. He is a co-director of the Advanced Digital Design + Fabrication (ADD+F) Hub and a member of the Steering Committee of the Bioinspiration HRI. In 2003, he graduated in “Architecture Sciences” (Bachelor level) at Politecnico di Torino. In 2006 he graduated with Honours in “Architecture and Construction” (Master of Science level) at the same university, and in 2010 he got a PhD in “Architecture and Building Design”. In 2007, he won the IASS HANGAI Prize, an international contest of research papers related to the field of shell and spatial structures for young researchers under 30. In 2008 he won a research scholarship granted by the ISI Foundation, Lagrange Project (Turin, Italy), related to the study of complex architectural and structural bodies. From 2010 to 2012, he was Assistant Professor at Aalborg University, Denmark. He has been an invited lecturer in Italy, France, Switzerland, China, Mexico and the United States. At present, he is a member of the ‘International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures’ (IASS) and of the ‘Society of Architectural Historians Australia and New Zealand’ (SAHANZ). He is also a reviewer for international journals and a member of the Editorial Board of the “Nexus Network Journal” and the “International Journal of Space Structures”.

Matthew Tam is a team member of Karamba and an expert in advanced geometry in Bollinger + Grohmann. Matthew holds Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Applied Arts Vienna and Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Melbourne.

Mike Xie is the founding director of the Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials (CISM) at RMIT University. Currently he is an Australian Laureate Fellow and an RMIT Distinguished Professor. His team pioneered evolutionary structural optimisation (ESO) and bi-directional evolutionary structural optimisation (BESO) methods, which thousands of engineers and architects worldwide have used to design novel structures, including several landmark buildings. Prof Mike Xie is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. His research impact in the field of structural optimisation has been recognised by the 2017 AGM Michell Medal and the 2017 Clunies Ross Innovation Award. In 2019, he was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for “significant service to higher education and to civil engineering”. In 2020, he was awarded the Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation. In 2022, he received the Sir John Holland Civil Engineer of the Year Award. Mike has published two research monographs, over 500 journal articles, and conference papers. He is one of the most highly cited researchers in his field, with over 24,000 citations. He has collaborated with a wide range of local and international companies, including Boeing, Arup, Aurecon and TYLin. Mike's team founded and developed Ameba, a topology optimisation software tool used widely in architecture, design and engineering, enabling users to enhance their creative designs and accelerate product development.