Johannes Natterer

Johannes Natterer is a Lecturer and Scientist at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, specializing in structural engineering with a focus on timber construction systems. His work bridges theoretical research and practical application in wood engineering, particularly in innovative structural forms like geodesic shells and multi-layer beam systems.

Natterer's research interests center on the structural behavior of timber elements, with particular emphasis on stability analysis, connection systems, and the development of advanced wood construction techniques. His work explores both traditional timber engineering approaches and innovative solutions for modern architectural challenges, including high-rise timber buildings, pedestrian bridges, and large-span spatial structures. He has made significant contributions to understanding the behavior of multi-layer beams with interlayer slips and the stability characteristics of geodesic shell structures with semi-rigid joints.

Natterer has supervised numerous student projects focusing on practical timber construction applications, including high-rise timber buildings, stadium tribunes, pedestrian bridges, and the implementation of BIM methodologies in timber construction. His research demonstrates a consistent progression from fundamental structural analysis to practical implementation in real-world construction projects.

• NATTERER, J.; BURGER, N.; MÜLLER, A.; NATTERER, JOH. Tragwerksplanung Dreidimensionale Rechenmodelle Schalengeometrie
• NATTERER, J.; BURGER, N.; MÜLLER, A. Bautechnik 77, Heft 11, 2000, 783-792 Roof of the main mall at EXPO 2000 in Hanover, Germany
• NATTERER, J.; BURGER, N.; MÜLLER, A. Bautechnik 78, Heft 10, 2001, 693-705 Das EXPO-Dach in Hannover als Pilotprojekt für den Holzbau - Entwicklung und Einsatz nicht geregelter Bauweisen
• NATTERER, J.; BURGER, N.; NATTERER, JOH. World Conference on Timber Engineering, Whistler, BC, Kanada, August 2000 The "EXPO-roof" in Hanover - A new dimension for ripped shells in timber

Natterer has advised numerous students on timber construction projects, guiding research on high-rise timber buildings, pedestrian bridges, and innovative structural applications. His teaching focuses on the fundamental and practical aspects of timber structure design, covering beams, columns, assemblies, structural systems, and stability problems. He also helps students understand and design innovative, architecturally and structurally interesting wood constructions through the study of built examples.

His professional experience includes significant engineering projects such as the Sauvabelin observation tower in Lausanne, the Hotel Palafitte in Monruz with mixed wood-glass beams, and the Expo 2000 spatial structure in Hanover. These practical experiences inform his academic work, creating a strong connection between theoretical research and real-world application in timber engineering.