Brandon Clifford

Brandon Clifford is an Associate Professor of Architecture at MIT, specializing in integrating ancient construction techniques with contemporary architectural innovation. He is the director and co-founder of Matter Design, a studio known for speculative projects that bridge historical methods and futuristic visions. His research, termed 'projective archaeology,' merges ancient wisdom with imaginative futures, challenging conventional architectural practices through concepts like cyclopean masonry and megalithic sculpture.

Clifford holds a Master of Architecture from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Georgia Tech. He has held distinguished visiting roles, including the John G. Williams Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Arkansas and the LeFevre Fellow at The Ohio State University.

His work emphasizes cultural significance, sustainability, and material innovation, exemplified by projects like 'Walking Assembly' and 'Cyclopean Cannibalism'. These projects explore craneless construction methods, cyclopean masonry revival, and the ethical reuse of materials. He has authored 'The Cannibal’s Cookbook', which intertwines ancient myths with modern architectural practices.

Clifford’s accolades include the American Academy in Rome Prize, TED Fellowship, and Architectural League Prize. His research frequently bridges theory and practice, advocating for architecture that transcends temporal boundaries to address contemporary challenges through ancient ingenuity.