Ongoing Research

Lead: Fangjie Xie

Principles of Structural Form

2017 –

This research explores the role of structural design as an architectural element and formal expression in contemporary Finnish architecture. Focus in the exploration is on modern Finnish church architecture and especially the work of Alvar Aalto and Juha Leiviskä.

Lead: Luka Piškorec

Deep Form Finding

2018 –

This research is exploring design methodology for the generation, manipulation, and form-finding of structural typologies in 3d using various machine learning models based on neural networks. Such generative neural network models have a large potential to redefine how architects work with architectural precedents and how to use them directly as data for design generation.

Lead: Desmond Fagan

Explainability of Deep Learning‐Based Decision
Support Systems 

2021 –

The application of Decision Support Systems to software user interfaces has risen steadily in recent years. But the blackbox character of many of these applications limits the use of them in the AEC sector due to the perception of these interfaces as being opaque and untrustworthy. This research investigates methods of explainability to overcome the intransparent processing of data.

Lead: Sichen Dong

The tectonic performance of LVL-timber structure

2022 –

With respect of the need for sustainable development and circular economy, wood is of increasing importance for architecture. Especially industrial wood like laminated veneer lumber (LVL) offers much greater geometric flexibility. With LVL the focus moves away from the single element towards the organisational pattern of the overall configuration and its connectivity. This allows for new structural development and expression of roof design. This research aims at the exploration of the tectonic performance of LVL within an interdisciplinary setting between architecture and engineering.

Lead: Stephanie Bachir

Diatoms and Lightweight Architecture: Bio-inspired Computational Strategies for Advancing Gridshell Structures

2024 –

Inspiration from nature has consistently driven advancements in the optimization and structural efficiency of architectural shells. This study investigates microscopic unicellular algae known for their beautiful intricate patterns and robust silica shells. Diatoms exhibit superior aesthetic, mechanical, and functional characteristics that tie strongly with the principles of efficiency for shell design. The goal is to extract biomimetic principles that enhance structural efficiency, construction simplicity, skin performance, and aesthetics, while providing a framework for utilizing diatom patterns as templates for a wide range of multi-functional, tectonic structures.

Lead: Faezeh Sadeghi

Bioinspired Computational Design: Unlocking the Architectural Potential of Deep-Water Marine Glass Sponges for Lightweight Structures

2024 –

Glass sponges play vital roles in deep-sea ecosystems and are subjects of significant interest within science disciplines. These exclusively marine organisms are characterized by their siliceous skeletons and are predominantly found in the cold waters of the deep sea. Glass sponges are renowned for their ability to construct highly intricate, hierarchically ordered, and robust skeletal networks from their constituent spicules. In this study, the skeletal spicules serve as valuable model systems for exploring structure–function relationships in biological materials, aiming to identify strategies for novel architecture and structures.