معرفی
Wesley McGee serves as Associate Professor of Architecture and Director of the Fabrication and Robotics Lab (FABLab) at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. He co-founded Matter Design, a studio pioneering innovative applications of advanced manufacturing in architectural production across global contexts including the US, Europe, Middle East, and Australia.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech
- Master of Industrial Design, Georgia Tech
McGee's research critically interrogates material production methods in architecture through robotics and digital fabrication, developing novel connections between design, engineering, and manufacturing processes. His work explores spatial-laminated timber systems, geometrically adaptive robotic workflows, and real-time fabrication-aware form finding to create material-efficient architectural solutions.
His publications trend toward integrating computational design with physical construction, emphasizing topological optimization, adaptive robotic motion planning, and additive manufacturing techniques that reduce material usage by up to 46% compared to conventional systems.
Scientific Awards
- Architectural League Prize for Young Architects & Designers
- Design Biennial Boston Award
- ACADIA Award for Innovative Research
- Architect Magazine R+D Award (multiple)
McGee leads NSF Regional Innovation Engines semifinalist projects including Next-Generation Factory-Built Housing and secures University of Michigan grants for climate action initiatives. His Matter Design studio collaborates with architects, engineers, and artists on exhibitions like Climate Futures and SPLAM, advancing equitable city-making through material innovation.
As FABLab Director, he operates a cutting-edge robotics facility where industrial tools are reconfigured for architectural production, mentoring students in courses like ARCH 581 (Advanced Robotics) and ARCH 702 (Robotic Engagement) while pushing boundaries in mass timber and glass fabrication.
