Projects per year
Personal profile
Quote
Understanding architecture as parameter-dependent process is key to developing radical scenarios which challenge conventional design thinking and incorporate emerging 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, Nan 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. Form optimization and sectional 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 and Concrete Construction Centre part of Futurebuild 2019 at ExCel London.
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):
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 1 Active
-
SVB/ KIEM.CIE.06.012 Exploring 3D Concrete Printing on Circular Substructures for Circular Futures
Nan, I. C., Bekkering, J. D. & Nan, I. C.
1/06/22 → 31/10/23
Project: Research direct
-
Robots that Build: The Extensions of Man
Figueiredo, S. M., Nan, C. & van Dijk, K., 17 Oct 2022Research output: Non-textual form › Exhibition › Academic
-
Aard van de plek: verleden en toekomst van het M4H gebied te Rotterdam: toekomstscenario's voor M4H gebied door afstudeerders van TU Eindhoven
Bekkering, J. D. & Nan, I. C., 21 Sept 2021Translated title of the contribution :Nature of the place: past and future of the M4H area in Rotterdam: future scenarios for M4H area by graduates of TU Eindhoven: 6 projects by graduation students supervised by Prof. ir. Juliette Bekkering and Dr. ir. Cristina Nan in the studio: Xtra Big House Research output: Non-textual form › Exhibition › Professional
File40 Downloads (Pure) -
Circularity and Biobased Materials in Architecture and Design
Bekkering, J. D., Nan, C. & Schröder, T. W. A., 2021, 67 p.Research output: Other contribution › Academic
-
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
-
Reducing Domestic Energy Consumption using Behavioural Economics, Evaluation of Three Systems
Nan, C. & Guzman Botero, A., 2018, p. 102-109. 8 p.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › Academic
Activities
-
Digital Craft
I.C. (Cristina) Nan (Speaker)
23 Mar 2023Activity: Talk or presentation types › Contributed talk › Scientific
-
Dutch Design Week 2022
I.C. (Cristina) Nan (Organiser)
22 Oct 2022 → 30 Oct 2022Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Workshop, seminar, course or exhibition › Professional
-
Robots that Build: The Extensions of Man
Cristina Nan (Organiser) & Sergio M. Figueiredo (Organiser)
20 Oct 2022 → 21 Oct 2022Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Conference › Scientific
-
7QX2M0 (2021-GS3) Masterproject 2 Architecture: Material Ecologies
I.C. (Cristina) Nan (Organiser)
Feb 2022 → …Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Workshop, seminar, course or exhibition › Scientific
-
Radical Architecture Practice for Sustainability (RAPS) Conference 2021
I.C. (Cristina) Nan (Speaker)
17 Sept 2021 → 18 Sept 2021Activity: Talk or presentation types › Contributed talk › Scientific
Courses
Press/Media
-
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