Mostafa Akbari

Mostafa Akbari is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Tulane University and Director of the Cellular Architectures Lab. His research integrates computational design, digital fabrication, materials science, and structural engineering, focusing on shellular funicular structures and metamaterials. He holds a PhD in Computational Design from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and has taught at Tulane and previously held roles at UPenn and Shahid Beheshti University.

Education:

• PhD in Computational Design and Advanced Manufacturing, University of Pennsylvania
• Master of Advanced Architectural Design (UPenn)
• Master of Architecture, Shahid Beheshti University
• Bachelor of Architecture, University of Tehran

Research Interests: Structural form finding, 3D graphic statics, bio-based composites, electrochemical healing of metals, and advanced manufacturing. His work bridges architecture, materials science, and robotics, with projects like Shellular Funicular Materials and Terrene 2.0.

Awards:

• A’ Design Award for innovative architectural design
• NSF CAREER Award (2020) for research on cellular materials

Grants & Labs: Funded by NSF and NSERC grants. Leads the Cellular Architectures Lab at Tulane, exploring material systems and structural innovation. Collaborates with institutions like McGill University and Gensler.

Teaching: Courses include Advanced Digital Media and Architecture Studios. Taught seminars on computational design and structural form-finding at UPenn and Tulane.