Christopher Robeller

Christopher Robeller is a Professor for Digital Design and Production at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (THA), where he leads the Digital Timber Construction (DTC) working group within the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions including EPFL Lausanne, ETH Zurich, TU Kaiserslautern, and Chalmers University of Technology where he served as a Jubilee Professor.

Professor Robeller's educational background includes a Doctor of Sciences (PhD) from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology EPFL (2015) and a Professional Diploma in Architecture with Distinction (RIBA Part 2) from London Metropolitan University (2008). His academic career progressed from Research Associate at the University of Stuttgart, to PhD researcher at EPFL, Postdoctoral Researcher at NCCR Digital Fabrication, Junior Professor at TU Kaiserslautern, and now Professor at THA.

His research focuses on advancing sustainable construction through digital methods, with particular expertise in digital timber construction, digital fabrication, lightweight shell structures, robotics in timber construction, and innovative connection systems. Professor Robeller has pioneered techniques for using CLT production waste in shell structures (Recycleshell project), developed reciprocal frame systems using underutilized wood species like chestnut (Castanea Sativa), and created novel connection methods that eliminate the need for steel components. His work bridges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital fabrication technologies.

Professor Robeller has received numerous prestigious awards including dual IASS Tsuboi Awards (2020 and 2021), the Holzbaupreis RLP 2024, and the Advances in Architectural Geometry AAG 2014 Best Paper Award. These accolades recognize his innovative contributions to timber construction and shell structures.

As an educator, Professor Robeller supervises PhD students and teaches courses in digital design, sustainable technology, and digital building methods. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on, design-and-build education that connects theoretical knowledge with practical application. He has led numerous international workshops and excursions, including a notable 2019 trip to Sydney, Australia.

The DTC laboratory under Professor Robeller's leadership provides an ideal environment for PhD research with dedicated spaces and equipment for digital fabrication. Current research projects include ReciproFrame (a sustainable construction system for reusable timber gridshells) and RecycleSauna (a wood-only construction system using CLT offcuts). These projects demonstrate his commitment to developing material-efficient, rapidly assemblable, and sustainable timber structures.