John Ochsendorf

John Ochsendorf is a Professor of Architecture and Engineering at MIT since 2002, leading research at the intersection of structural engineering and historical architecture. He directs the Morningside Academy for Design (founded 2022) and previously served as Director of the American Academy in Rome (2017–2020). His work focuses on sustainable materials, masonry innovation, and preservation engineering, with projects including the Mapungubwe Interpretive Centre and Sean Collier Memorial. Ochsendorf holds degrees from Cornell, Princeton, and the University of Cambridge.

Education:

• PhD in Structural Engineering, University of Cambridge
• MEng in Civil Engineering, Cornell University
• MA in Structural Engineering, Princeton University

Research Interests: Ochsendorf pioneers methods to integrate historical engineering techniques with modern sustainability goals. He explores tile vaulting, reused materials, and low-carbon construction. His teams combine computational tools with hands-on fabrication, exemplified by projects like the Armadillo Vault and collaborations with artists for public sculptures. He advocates for embodied carbon reduction in building materials through lifecycle analysis and material reuse strategies.

Awards & Recognition:

• MacArthur Fellowship (2008)
• Rome Prize (2007)
• Fulbright Fellowship (2000)
• MacVicar Fellow for Teaching Excellence (2014)

Advising & Outreach: Ochsendorf advises on MIT’s architecture curriculum and global heritage projects. His grants include funding for masonry durability studies and carbon mitigation strategies. He collaborates with institutions like the Smithsonian and UNESCO on preservation initiatives.

Labs & Teams: Leads the MIT Morningside Academy for Design, fostering interdisciplinary creativity between architecture, engineering, and art.