Taro Narahara

Taro Narahara is an Associate Professor at the Hillier College of Architecture at NJIT, specializing in AI-driven spatial analysis and computational design. His work bridges architecture with emerging technologies like VR, machine learning, and robotics. He holds a Doctor of Design from Harvard University, an M.S. in Design and Computation from MIT, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Waseda University.

His research focuses on applying AI/ML to architectural informatics, including floor plan analysis (published in IEEE TMM and SIGGRAPH), VR-based architectural visualization, and generative design for sustainable housing. He has led NSF-funded projects in computational design and collaborated with biomedical engineers on rehabilitation robotics and gaming interfaces.

Notable awards include the 2021 IDR Excellence Award (NII), 2020 Human Communication Award (IEICE), and the 2016 Excellence in Research Award (NJIT). He has held visiting scholar roles at ETH Zurich (ITA) and the University of Tokyo’s Department of Information and Communication Engineering.

His teaching includes courses like AI/VR in Architecture (Arch 689-104) and Transformable Places (Arch 463/464). He maintains an active research website at narahara.net, showcasing projects like the Kurashiki Viewer VR system and generative Muqarnas patterns.