Faculty
Martin Bechthold
Professor
Department of Architecture
Curriculum Vitae
| Education | |
| 2001 | Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Doctor of Design, Architecture |
| 1991 | Rheinisch-Westfälisch-Technische, Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen, Germany, Diplom-Ingenieur Architecture |
| Teaching Positions | |
| 2008 - | Professor of Architectural Technology Harvard University Graduate School of Design |
| 2004 - 2008 | Associate Professor of Architecture Harvard University Graduate School of Design |
| Mar 2001 - 2003 | Assistant Professor of Architectural Technology Harvard University Graduate School of Design |
| Sep 2000 - Feb 2001 | Instructor in Architecture Harvard University Graduate School of Design |
| Fall 1999 - Spring 2000 | Teaching Fellow in Architecture Harvard University Graduate School of Design |
| Fall 1998 - Spring 1999 | Teaching Assistant in Architecture Harvard University Graduate School of Design |
| Research | |
| 2009 - 2010 | Low2No - Case Study This Project researches the emerging role of a new type of design competition in shaping a broad national agenda in sustainable design and development. Sponsor: Sitra. Research Associate: Anthony Kane. |
| 2007-2009 | Light and Structures - Marble Fabrications Sponsored by the International Masonry Institute this project focuses on the use of robotic waterjet technology in the production of innovative transparent marble structures (with Monica Ponce de Leon andWes McGee) |
| 2007-present | Construction Robotics Current research project focuses on the use of industrial robots in the fabrication of architectural components. One of the first test-cases will be the production of a structural stone screen produced using a robotic waterjet cutter and other CNC machines. |
| 2006 - present | Mobile Information Unit Design and fabrication of an interactive mobile kiosk for the Harvard University Art Museums. Funded by the Harvard University Art Museums; in collaboration with Allan Sayegh. |
| 2006 - 2007 | Laser Scanning GSA funded case studies on best practice in laser scanning. Doctoral student: Jordan Brandt. |
| 2001 - present | Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing of Surface Structures Research project on digital design and manufacturing technology of shells and folded plates using wood, ferrocement and other materials. Book 'Innovative Surface Structures' (Taylor & Francis) |
| 2001 - 2002 | Interactive Structures Module Funded by a Harvard Provost Grant, Bechthold develops an interactive online teaching tool in collaboration with the Harvard Center for Design Informatics. |
| 1998 - 2001 | Harvard University, GSD, Doctoral
Thesis Investigation into the computer-aided design and manufacturing of geometrically and functionally complex surface structures involving research of structural and material related issues in as far as they impacted a proposal of a new design and manufacturing process. Verification of the theoretical process model was by extensive prototyping and structural testing. |
| 1999 - 2003 | BuildingEnvelopes.org—Internet Portal, Harvard University Center for Design Informatics As project leader developed, in collaboration with the other team members, consultants and the sponsor, the concept of an on-line archive of information on Building Envelopes and Environmental Control Systems. Bechthold served on the scientific committee and was involved in strategic planning for the portal. |
| 1989 | Cleaning of Stone Facades, Institute for Building Technology, RWTH Achen Research assistant. Prepared data for publications and presentations. |
| Professional Experience | |
| 1997 - 1998 | Entertainment Center, Hamburg, Germany Project Architect von Gerkan, Marg & Partner Multiplex cinema with entertainment facilities, food court, car showroom, gas station and parking garage. Designed the project and lead the team throughout all phases, including design development, detailing, specification revisions and site supervision.Largest bolted glazing façade in Germany in 1998. Coordination of consultants and engineers. |
| 1995 - 1997 | Lenne-Passage, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany Project Architect von Gerkan, Marg & Partner Large, urban mixed use building, including retail, office, hotel and parking. Conceptual design, design development and construction documents. Coordination of all design consultants etc. |
| 1994 | Auditorio di Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain Project Architect S. Calatrava Concert hall with facilities for operas and a chamber music hall. Design Development and tender documents including details and construction documents; collaboration and coordination of engineers; detailed development of concert space with S. Calatrava and acoustic engineer, involving frequent trips to Spain. |
| 1993 | Conversion of Reichstag into German Parliament Project Architect S. Calatrava Competition in two phases, involving a team of up to 21 people in the office. Won joint first prize with two other offices. |
| 1992 | Pre-school and Kindergarten Flassans, France Collaboration with Saget Bonnemaison Architectes DPLG, Paris Prepared complete set of construction documents and details for a mixed concrete/steel building. |
| 1992 | Pre-School and Kindergarten Paris, France Collaboration with Leonard Weissmann Arch., Paris Conceptual design in collaboration with the office partners. |
| 1989 | Liverpool Street Station Finishes, London, UK as intern with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, London Collaborated on the preparation of construction documents and details for the finishes of a train station. |
| Individual Professional Practice | |
| 2005 - present | Contract Furniture, Corinto srl, Italy |
| 2007 - 2008 | In der Blume Residence, Heiligenhaus, Germany |
| 2005 | Marcato Residence, Padova, Italy |
| 2004 | Timber Arch Bridge, Lilliesleaf, Scotland |
| 1996 - 2004 | Various competitions and private commissions. |
| 1990 | Experimental Theater Center in Ermitage Park in Moscow, Russia International OISTAT competition honorable mention |
| 1986 | Recess Pavilion for existing school Stolberg, Germany Student competition, first prize; constructed in 1987. |
| Publications (excluding papers published in conference proceedings) | |
| 2008 | With W. Sobek, C. Lemaitre, D. Schönbeck: Dance Space. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University |
| 2007 | Innovative Surface Structures. Taylor & Francis. |
Structures. 6th edition, with D. Schodek. Upper River Saddle: Prentice Hall. |
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| 2006 | "Surface Structures in the Digital Age: Studies in Ferrocement" in: Lloyd-Thomas, K. Material Matters, London, Taylor & Francis |
| 2004 | with D. Schodek, K. Griggs, K. Kao, M. Steinberg: Digital Design and Manufacturing: CAD/CAM Applications in Architecture and Design, New York: J. Wiley & Sons |
"The Art of Structural Design: A Swiss Legacy Book Review in: Harvard Design Magazin. Fall 2004. |
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| 2003 | "On Shells and Blobs" in: Harvard Design Magazine. pp 67-72.No. 19 Fall 2003 / Winter 2004 |
| With K. Griggs: Coffee, Cake, CAD/CAM: Reinventing the Urban Diner. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University | |
| With K. Griggs, D. Schodek, M. Steinberg: New Technologies in Design II & III: Digital Design and Manufacturing Techniques (Conference Proceedings); Cambridge, MA: Harvard University | |
| 2002 | "On Energy and Comfort: Design Strategies for Facades and Environmental Control Systems"; in: Stanley, L (Ed.): Emerging Technologies for High Performance Workplaces; Washington DC: National Academy of Sciences, June 2002 (on CD) |
| 2001 | Complex Shapes in Wood: Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture of Wood-Sandwich Roof Shells; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University, 2001 (Dissertation) |
| With K. Griggs, D. Schodek, M. Steinberg (Hrsg.): New Technologies in Design I: Digital Design and Manufacturing Techniques (Conference Proceedings); Cambridge, MA: Harvard University | |
| "Complex Shapes in Wood: Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture of Roof Shells"; in: M. Bechthold, K. Griggs, D. Schodek, M. Steinberg (Ed.): New Technologies in Design: Digital Design and Manufacturing Techniques; Cambridge (MA): Harvard University, 2001 | |
| Conferences and Invited Lectures | |
| Aug 2009 | Keynote BTES Conference, University of New Mexico |
| July 2009 | Bauhaus Dessau Lecture Title: "Advanced Studies @ Harvard GSD" |
| April 2009 | Politecnico di Milano, School of Architecture, Milan Lecture Title: "Parametric Fabrication" (keynote) |
| Aug 2008 | Universidad Fransisco Marroquin, School of Architecture, Guatemala City Lecture Title: "Emerging Fabrications" (invited lecture) |
| Apr 2007 | University of Hong Kong, Department of Architecture Lecture Title: "CAD/CAM in Architecture" (invited lecture) |
| Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Architecture Lecture Title: "The Quest for Thinness" (invited lecture) |
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| Universidad de Los Andes, School of Architecture, Mérida, Venezuela Lecture Title: “Beyond Representation – Design Research in Technology” (invited lecture) |
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| Mar 2007 | Cranbrook Academy of Art, Department of ArchitectureLecture Title: “G 10 (invited lecture) |
| Oct 2006 | Wiesbaden University of Applied Science, Department of Architecture, Wiesbaden, Germany Lecture Title: “Materialgerechtigkeit - Prozessgerechtigkeit“ (Material- and Process Based Design, invited lecture) |
| Nov 2005 | SOM Building Science & Research Symposium, Center for Architecture, New York City, "Wood Revisited" and (with Birger Sevaldson) "Digital Design and Manufacturing" (invited lecture) |
| Oct 2005 | Expo Cihac National Trade Fair in Mexico City, Mexico. Lecture title: “Concrete Technologies” (invited lecture) |
| Oct 2005 | rethinking the architectural world: digital design Iberoamericana School of Architecture, Mexico City, Mexico Lecture title: “Parametrics – Towards a New Paradigm in Architectural Production” (invited lecture) |
| May 2005 | Fehnsymposium, Domkirkeodden, Hamar and Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Norway, "Wood Revisited" and (with Birger Sevaldson) "Digital Design and Fabrication in Architecture - Shifting Paradigms?" (invited lecture) |
| Nov 2004 | Fabrication, University of Toronto, Canada, "Digital Design and Fabrication of Surface Structures" |
| Sep 2004 | Shell and Spatial Structures: From Models to Realization, University Montpellier, France, "Ferrocement Formwork: Computer-Aided Manufacturing of Concrete Shells" |
| Apr 2004 | Material Matters, University of East London, "Studies in Ferrocement" |
| Mar 2003 | ASCA Annual Meeting: Recalibrating Centers and Margins, Louisville, KY. "Implementing Information Technology in Teaching: A Case Study." |
| Jun 2002 | International Symposium on Lightweight Structures in Civil Engineering, International Association of Shells and Spatial Structures, Warsaw, Poland. "Wood-Foam Sandwich Shells: Computer-Aided Manufacturing of Complex Shapes." |
| Jun 2002 | New Technologies in Architecture III: Digital Design and Manufacturing Techniques, Rakennusteollisuus Rty, Helsinki, Finland: "Customization in Building Construction: "Integrating Digital Design and Manufacturing" |
| Nov 2001 | New Technologies in Architecture II: Digital Design and Manufacturing Techniques (more) GSD, Department of Architecture, Cambridge, MA. Co-organizer and moderator |
| Oct 2001 | Emerging Technologies for High Performance Workplaces, National Academy of Sciences, Washington DC. "Design Strategies for Facades and Environmental Control Systems" (invited lecture) |
| Nov 2000 | Real Estate, Construction, and the Internet Harvard Center for Design Informatics & GSD Office of Executive Education, Cambridge, MA "BuildingEnvelopes.org - Yet Another Portal?" |
| Oct 2000 | New Technologies in Architecture I: Digital Design and Manufacturing Techniques
(more) GSD, Department of Architecture, Cambridge, MA; Co-organizer and speaker "Complex Shapes in Wood: Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture of Roof Shells" |
| Oct 2000 | Semi-Annual BuildingEnvelopes.org Meeting Center for Design Informatics; Venice, Italy "BuildingEnvelopes - a Portal on Sustainable Design" |
| Professional Organizations | |
| 2003 - | International Association of Shells and Spatial Structures (IASS) |
| 2000 - | Society of Manufacturing Engineers, USA |
| 1994 - | Chamber of Architects of Northrhein-Westphalia, Germany |
| Scholarships, Awards, Honors | |
| 2007 - 08 | International Masonry Institute, Grant to fund research on innovative use of stone (with Monica Ponce de Leon, Wes McGee) |
| 2007 | Harvard Asia Center, Grant to fund field research on robotics in Japan |
| 2007 | Harvard Graduate School of Design, Dean's Grant: Funds research on architectural robotics. |
| 2006 | GSA, BIM practice and laser scanning |
| 2006 | German Academic Exchange Program, Grant to fund a group field trip to Germany. |
| 2005 | Harvard Graduate School of Design, Junior Faculty Travel Grant: Funds field research on and photogrammetric documentation of concrete shells in Mexico, Switzerland, Spain and Germany. |
| 2003 | Tsuboi Award, International Association of Shells and Spatial Structures |
| 2002 | Harvard Graduate School of Design, Junior Faculty Research Grant: Funds Research on Ferrocement |
| 2001 | Harvard Provost Grant,for "Innovation in Instructional Computing" |
| 2000 | Peter Rice Prize, Harvard University, GSD Structural analysis of wooden shells |
| 1999 | Snyder Prize for Innovation in Fabrication and Manufacturing Harvard University, GSD Doctoral research in the field of computer-aided manufacturing of wooden surface structures. |
| 1988 | German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD) Scholarship DAAD Attended two trimesters for credit at Portsmouth Polytechnic School of Architecture, UK. |