FIU just lately co-hosted one of many world’s premier gatherings in computational design, which includes the usage of algorithms, software program and information evaluation to reinforce and automate the design and fabrication course of. The ACADIA Conference introduced researchers, designers and technologists to campus from throughout the globe for six days of hands-on workshops, shows and dialogue.
Led by Professor Shahin Vassigh and supported by School of Architecture college, college students and employees, the occasion showcased FIU’s rising affect in computational design, digital fabrication and resilience-focused innovation.
“FIU is honored to host the 2025 ACADIA Conference, an extraordinary achievement led by Dr. Shahin Vassigh and our School of Architecture faculty and students,” mentioned Provost, Executive Vice President and CEO Elizabeth Béjar. “Through the pioneering work of CARTA’s Robotics and Digital Fabrication Lab and the Doctor of Design program, FIU is advancing research and innovation that connect technology, design and resilience. This conference exemplifies the spirit of FIU, where FIU innovation meets purpose, and FIU technology and design shape a more resilient and sustainable future.”
The conference emphasised CARTA’s mission to merge creativity, expertise and analysis to drive the way forward for design. A keynote speech from David Benjamin, affiliate professor at Columbia University, emphasised the function of algorithms in relation to calculation and information processing to handle international challenges. “My particular interest is climate change and decarbonization, and there’s a huge potential for computation to address this problem,” he mentioned.
FIU Professor Neil Leach spoke on a panel that thought of the approaching function of AI in structure. “The way AI is going to transform architecture is going to be very straightforward based on data, automation and optimization,” he mentioned. “It will radically transform the world of architecture. The area where we’ll feel the greatest disruption is education. How are we to educate the architects of tomorrow when we have no idea what the practice of tomorrow is going to be like?”
Professors Thomas Spiegelhalter and Eric Goldemberg shared views on the way forward for architectural apply, and nonetheless others explored materials sustainability and rising computational methodologies. Doctor of Design candidate Teri Watson shared her analysis on integrating seaweed into building supplies corresponding to cement to advertise sustainaility. ” FIU alumna and famend “Robot Whisperer” Madeline Gannon ’08 MA ’10 – so named for her mixing of strategies in artwork, design, laptop science and robotics – led dialogue on AI, robotics and interactive programs.
Marking the event of the conference was the revealing of a DUAL, an set up born from the fusion of artwork and algorithm. The piece represents a collaboration between Pininfarina, Alpha Additive, Florida International University, and the University of Miami. The 3D-printed scultpure is made solely from recycled automotive tires.
Keynote speaker Samuele Sordi, chief architect officer at Pininfarina of America, introduced the design philosophy behind the set up and mirrored on the evolving goal of structure. “The role of architecture is to be the enabler of different experiences and lifestyles that can define a very strong identity.” The conference concluded with broader reflections on the quickly increasing potentialities on the intersection of design, expertise, and innovation.
Hosting the 2025 ACADIA Conference marks a big milestone for FIU CARTA and the School of Architecture, strengthening the college’s international presence as a pacesetter in innovation on the intersection of design and expertise.
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