Professorship of Structural Design
At the Professorship of Structural Design, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Pierluigi D'Acunto (TUM-IAS Rudolf Mößbauer Tenure Track Assistant Professor), structure, architecture, and construction are integrated as core components of the design process. Our objective is to drive a paradigm shift in construction practices by developing innovative methods, tools, and processes that transform the way we design and build.
The building industry is a major contributor to the overconsumption of raw materials, greenhouse gas emissions, and material waste. Addressing this issue requires strategies that effectively reduce the environmental impact of both new and existing structures. The Professorship of Structural Design explores novel approaches to design and construction, optimizing material efficiency by harnessing the interplay between form and forces in building structures. Our research focuses on advanced computer-aided design methods at the intersection of architecture and structural engineering, emphasizing equilibrium-based design through computational graphic statics and structural form-finding, supported by machine learning. In cooperation with our research partners, we apply these methods to innovative material systems and construction techniques, leveraging emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing and robotic fabrication. This includes developing physical prototypes to assess the environmental impact, structural performance, construction feasibility, and architectural potential of our design solutions.
Our teaching philosophy, at both the Bachelor's and Master's levels, embraces a holistic approach, integrating architecture, structure, and construction. In the Bachelor's courses, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of structural design, applying them to the analysis and design of buildings. The Master's program is directly connected to the professorship's pioneering research, focusing on complex spatial load-bearing structures, advanced construction techniques, and innovative materials. Master's students engage with cutting-edge methods in structural design, utilizing advanced computer-aided tools to explore and refine solutions across a wide range of structural design scenarios.