Benjamin Aranda

Benjamin Aranda serves as the Acting Dean and IDC Foundation Distinguished Professor at The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at The Cooper Union. His work bridges experimental design, architecture, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He teaches design studios and co-teaches the Generative Algorithms and Machine Learning for Art and Architecture course with Sam Keene. Aranda is a principal at Aranda\Lasch, a studio exploring algorithmic tools and material practices, with works in MoMA and the Art Institute of Chicago. His recognitions include the United States Artists Award, Emerging Voices Award, and Graham Foundation grants.

Education & Roles:

• Inaugural holder of the IDC Foundation Distinguished Professorship (Cooper Union).
• Acting Dean of The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture.

Research Interests: Focuses on computational design, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the intersection of algorithms with physical architecture. Explores how digital tools can critically engage with cultural traditions while addressing contemporary challenges in making and urbanism.

Awards:

• United States Artists Award
• Architectural League Emerging Voices Award
• Miller Prize
• Graham Foundation Grants

Advising & Labs: Co-developed the GenML course fostering collaboration between architecture and engineering students. His firm’s projects emphasize speculative material practices, exhibited globally and in major museum collections.