Joshua Draper

Joshua Draper is a Lecturer at the Center for Architecture, Science and Ecology (CASE) within the School of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), teaching sustainable materials and architectural research methods through interdisciplinary collaboration with civil engineering, material science, acoustics, and biochemistry.

His educational background includes a Master of Architecture from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts from St. John's College.

Draper's research pioneers circular economy applications in the built environment, specializing in waste-derived sustainable materials. His work spans building-integrated agriculture systems, bioremediation technologies, and bio-composite development, with current focus on coffee-ground-derived bioplastics to replace petroleum-based polymers.

His notable scientific awards include:

• Grand Prize in the 2022 Radical Innovation Awards for "AERA"
• First Prize in the 2017 City of Dreams Pavilion for "Cast & Place"
• Honorable Mention for "Flutter" installation (2018)
• First Prize in Philadelphia's "Percent for Art" program for "Urban Topiary"

Draper demonstrates exceptional grant acquisition and mentorship through student-led projects including NYSERDA-funded "AMBIS," NYCxWEEK exhibitions "CHUNKS" and "Bottle Transitional Shelter," and the NYCHA Community Center redesign. His "Friendship Cabins" installation garnered international recognition from Architizer and Fast Company.

As a CASE research leader, Draper directs student teams in developing community-centered sustainable solutions like the award-winning "AERA" biofiltration hotel (with OBMI Inc.), maintaining active industry partnerships while advancing circular design methodologies through hands-on fabrication and material innovation.