John A. Ochsendorf

John A. Ochsendorf is a Professor and Director of the Pierce Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He holds dual appointments in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Architecture. His research focuses on the mechanics of historical structures, sustainable infrastructure, and masonry engineering. Ochsendorf’s work bridges engineering and architecture, emphasizing the preservation of historic buildings and the development of low-carbon construction methods. He leads initiatives in material reuse, lifecycle assessment, and innovative structural design.

Education:

• B.Sc. in Engineering, Cornell University, 1996
• M.Sc. in Civil Engineering, Princeton University, 1998
• Ph.D. in Engineering, University of Cambridge, 2002

Research Interests:

• Dynamics of masonry structures (vaults, domes, arches)
• Historical structural analysis and preservation
• Material sustainability and carbon reduction in construction
• Freeform masonry and sculptural engineering

His recent work includes federal grants for steel recycling strategies and collaborations on public art installations like the Storm King Art Center brick sculpture. Ochsendorf’s publications span structural innovation, heritage conservation, and sustainable materials science. He is also involved in educational initiatives to integrate computational tools into structural design education.