Projects per year
Personal profile
Quote
Understanding architecture as parameter-dependent process is key to challenging conventional design thinking and incorporating new technologies to their full potential.
Research profile
Cristina Nan is an Assistant Professor in the Unit of Architectural Design and Engineering (ADE) in the Department of the Built Environment of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). In her research, Cristina focuses on emerging technologies relating to computational design and digital fabrication, such as additive manufacturing, automation, architectural robotics and material experimentation.
The process of making is central in her research, in which she considers algorithm-aided design, aspects of conventional craftsmanship and digital fabrication as equal, interlinked parameters. Cristina explores hybridized material systems and both digital and non-digital fabrication strategies in relation to non-standard geometries. 3D clay printing, 3D concrete printing, form optimization, the concept of digital materiality and material circularity are key areas of Cristina’s focus.
Another investigative stream interrogates the socio-economic, spatial and environmental implications of automation, ICT and correlated market-driven models. These impact both on the spatial formulation of architecture and on the operational mode of the construction sector, which are relevant parameters when it comes to formulating future scenarios for the architectural discipline.
During her PhD, Cristina, focused on architectural robotics and machinecraft. She was part of the research team that developed the Minibuilders at the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Barcelona (Spain), which was internationally widely published. Her work was exhibited at the National Museum of Scotland, Festival of Architecture Montpellier 2019, London Design Fair, ArcInTex Edinburgh, Concrete Construction Centre part of Futurebuild 2019 at ExCel London, the Venice 2023 Architecture Biennial Time Space Existence and Dutch Design Week 2021/22/23.
Academic background
Cristina Nan studied architecture at the Technical University Munich (Germany). After her graduation in 2010, she worked for architectural firms in Germany such as Herzog und Partner and KSP Jurgen Engels Architekten. She received her PhD with honors (magna cum laude) from the HafenCity University in Hamburg (Germany) in 2015. From 2015 to 2020, Cristina was Assistant Professor in Digital Fabrication and Design at the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University of Edinburgh (UK). She also held the position of International Director of the Edinburgh College of Art at University of Edinburgh. Cristina is co-founder of FFTT — Future Fields Think Tank, launched in 2019. She took a position as Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in 2020.
Affiliated with
RAFT Research Group, Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh
Future//Fields Think Tank
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 1 Finished
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SVB/ KIEM.CIE.06.012 Exploring 3D Concrete Printing on Circular Substructures for Circular Futures
Nan, I. C. (Project Manager), Bekkering, J. D. (Project Manager) & Nan, I. C. (Project Manager)
1/06/22 → 31/10/23
Project: Research direct
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Discrete Circular Scaffolding: A reflection on discrete systems in construction
Nan, I. C. & Rossi, A., 2023.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › Academic
Open Access -
The design, development and construction of a digitally fabricated reciprocal timber structure
Nan, I. C., Pedreschi, R. & Dieste, A., 2022, Structures and Architecture. A Viable Urban Perspective?: Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Structures and Architecture (ICSA 2022), July 6-8, 2022, Aalborg, Denmark. CRC PressResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › Academic › peer-review
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Robots that Build: The Extensions of Man
Figueiredo, S. M., Nan, C. & van Dijk, K. (Producer), 17 Oct 2022Research output: Non-textual form › Exhibition › Academic
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Circularity and Biobased Materials in Architecture and Design: Evaluation of the Status Quo and Defining Future Perspectives
Bekkering, J. D. (Editor), Nan, C. (Editor) & Schröder, T. W. A. (Editor), 2021, 67 p.Research output: Book/Report › Report › Academic
Open AccessFile22 Downloads (Pure) -
Printing architecture / by Virginia San Fratello and Ronald Rael. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2018, 176 pp. 9781616896966
Nan, C., 2018, In: Interiors. 9, 2, p. 256-260Research output: Contribution to journal › Book review › Academic
Prizes
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BOOST Innovation Grant - Digital Design Lab
Nan, I. C. (Recipient), Schevers, J. P. A. (Recipient) & Bekkering, J. D. (Recipient), 2022
Prize: TU/e › Other › Scientific
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BOOST Innovation Grant - Computational Futures
Nan, I. C. (Recipient), Habraken, A. P. H. W. (Recipient), Pauwels, P. (Recipient) & Wolfs, R. J. M. (Recipient), 2021
Prize: TU/e › Other › Scientific
Activities
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BE-AM Built Environment Additive Manufacturing Symposium and Exhibition
Nan, I. C. (Organiser)
7 Nov 2023 → 10 Nov 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Workshop, seminar, course or exhibition › Professional
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Dutch Design Week 2023
Bekkering, J. D. (Organiser) & Nan, I. C. (Contributor)
21 Oct 2023 → 29 Oct 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Workshop, seminar, course or exhibition › Scientific
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Venice 2023 Architectural Biennial
Nan, I. C. (Organiser)
20 May 2023 → 30 Nov 2026Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Workshop, seminar, course or exhibition › Professional
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Computational Tectonics. Digital Materiality, Robotic Fabrication and (Synthetic) Spatial Explorations
Nan, I. C. (Speaker)
23 Oct 2023Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk › Scientific
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Dutch Design Week 2023
Nan, I. C. (Organiser)
21 Oct 2023 → 29 Oct 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Workshop, seminar, course or exhibition › Professional
Courses
Press/Media
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Rückkehr des Ornamentalen in Betonbauteile. Entwerfen Planen Ausführen 2023, 71. Auflage, Bauverlag, 2022, Author: Robert Mehl
22/12/22
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment
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3D printing of street furniture at TU Eindhoven
23/10/23
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research