_ TEACHING
Dr. Soleimani is currently an Associate Professor at the Woodbury School of Architecture (WSoA), where he teaches and coordinates studios and classes in the areas of Design Computation and Applied Computer Science—Media Arts. The focus of his teaching expands on the intersection between Performance and Design. His classes explore techniques for integrating creative methods of design, computational thinking, parametric form-finding, environmental performance analysis, multimedia arts, and digital fabrication to develop Intelligent Design Systems (IDS).
Overall, Dr. Soleimani is passionate about how technology is changing the process of design. He is optimistic that the process can influence and shape the development of new forms of architecture. He is specifically interested in bridging analog and digital modes of work and he has been integrating this hybrid approach to the development of IDS, which concentrates on techniques that blur the line between the physical and digital worlds. Dr. Soleimani's pedagogical aim is to place emerging technologies in the appropriate context in order to be used during the right phase of the design process.
i-arch studio
i-arch studio investigates the various ways in which buildings are designed and theorized as interactive environments. The studio begins with the study of historical themes in the philosophy of technology focusing on the relationships between architecture, technology, and the body. A series of case studies of the work of artists, architects, engineers, and designers are considered in order to develop a conceptual framework for the design of a building exploring future relationships between the architecture and its surrounding environment.
The studio will look at ways of making buildings more responsive, adaptable, dynamic, and engaging through the use of both traditional and contemporary technologies.
"The objects which surround my body reflect its possible action upon them."
(Henri Bergson, Matter and Memory, 1892)
useum of Interactive Technology
nvironmental Education & Research Center
“Museum of Interactive Technology” focuses on the design of hybrid museums, which engage visitors actively in new kinds of experiences. The museum is envisioned as an opportunity to define interactive architectural spaces for consuming, creating, and exhibiting information, comprised of a cyber-physical core, which blurs the boundary between the physical, digital, and spiritual worlds.
The studio is structured based on three design-research activities:
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Interactive Devices
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Spatial Exhibitions
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Architectural Integration
Fall 2019's i-arch studio focused on creating a ‘museum of interactive technology’ to engage visitors actively in new kinds of experiences in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Final design proposals aimed at defining interactive architectural spaces for consuming, creating, and exhibiting information comprised of a cyber-physical core, which blurs the boundary between the digital, physical, and spiritual worlds.
i-arch Focus Studio Catalog:
i-ARCH Focus Studio: Museum of Interactive Technology
Kennesaw State University, USA
UG Studio | Fall 2019
Museum of Productive Ecologies
Students: John Hargett & Amir Naeem
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA
UG Studio | Spring 2016
This project initially focused on the design and development of an interactive device controlled by an embedded microcontroller (Arduino UNO) integrating a variety of sensors and actuators, which allow the user to consciously and unconsciously interact with the contextual and environmental elements while walking along the Creek.
Informed by the device, the larger architecture i.e., Museum of Productive Ecologies was developed and programmed based on the idea of how on-site natural elements such as water, wind, and plants can actively engage, educate, and entertain visitors while enhancing their museum experience.
Subterranean Microcosms:
A Museum of Manufactured Ecosystems
Students: Anna Anklin & Ashlan Jones
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA
UG Studio | Spring 2016
The project initially focused on the design of a device, which allows users to touch and manipulate a surface infilled with flowers. The flowers are attached to ink bulbs with different paintbrushes. The direct interaction between the user and flowers is captured and visualized on a rolling canvas embedded beneath the flowers. Furthermore, the device has the capability to capture wind and generate wind patterns while sitting on the site for a few hours.
For the museum to be truly interactive, the building was developed to be a living organism just as those inhabiting it, and in-taking, transforming, and outputting energy.
“Environmental Education & Research Center” focuses on the design of a hybrid center to engage teachers, students, citizens, and visitors actively in new kinds of experiences. The research center supports education and research enabling the surrounding community to understand, appreciate, and value the influence of the natural environment in their daily lives. The goal is to offer formal and informal environmental education programs and foster research activities that encourage appreciation, and promote understanding and stewardship of the unique biological and cultural resources of the site.
The studio is structured based on two design-research activities:
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Interactive Skin Modulation
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Architectural Integration
The Pinnacle:
Environmental Education Center
Student: Tim Hardeman
Kennesaw State University, USA
UG Studio | Fall 2018
The Pinnacle is a design for a modern interactive environmental research and education center. Developed in concert with biologists, this center is the result of the people of the local communities taking an interest in their environmental future and funding the development of an education center. As a proposed solution, The Pinnacle creates a promenade of curated experiences that are designed to engage and teach the public about various integrated green technologies by offering both formal and informal educational programs.
Integrating the structure with the site is a dominating design decision. Most evident in the north elevation, the massing of the building is directly linked to the topography, extending hills into an organic form.
RC3:
Raccoon Creek Community Catalyst
Student: David Trinidad
Kennesaw State University, USA
UG Studio | Fall 2018
RC3 is a project aimed at facilitating and creating communities through the use of environmental research and interaction. The heart of the design is a central courtyard which all the programs are oriented around. The project seeks to create a space where the people of local communities can gather, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. The gathering spaces are all arranged around the courtyard allowing for equal access and view of nature. RC3 aims to empower people through education and interaction with each other and nature.
advising
Within the context of Intelligent Design Systems (IDS), Dr. Soleimani has supervised several undergraduate and graduate students in different areas:
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Architectural Robotics
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Interaction Design
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Design Analytics & Algorithmic Thinking
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Environmental Systems
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Digital Fabrication
Selected examples of former students' thesis books:
Resurrecting a Fallen Angel:
Architecture Remediating Pollution in Mexico City
Student: Karen Rios
Kennesaw State University, USA
UG | 2018-19
Abstract: the thesis explores a combination of architectural intervention and community involvement to slow down the rising pollution in a once beautiful city of Mexico starting at a micro scale and expanding throughout the city like a butterfly effect of clean environments.
Link to the full manuscript:
The Hydro-Gen Cell:
A Hydroponic, Regenerative, Modular System for Optimized Vertical Farming
Student: Asbiel Samaniego
Kennesaw State University, USA
UG | 2019-20
Abstract: the thesis aims to develop an intelligent hydroponic system to be integrated into the built environment for advancing sustainability. Hydro-Gen cell is envisioned as biomechanical hybrid machinery that, while designed to be used in mid-rise buildings, it addresses sustainable aspects such as the enhancement of food production and air cleaning capacities.
Link to the full manuscript:
Translating Fictions through
Shanshui Painting
Student: Wenying Wu
Kennesaw State University, USA
UG | 2017-18
Abstract: the thesis explores ways of translating qualities from Shanshui paintings to contemporary Chinese Architecture. The focus was given to understanding the rules of nature and the logic behind Shanshui paintings resulting in the design of in-between spaces comprised of rocks, trees, water, and natural elements in daily life.
Link to the full manuscript:
Consolidating Play and Learning through the Spatial Design of Reconfigurable Classroom Settings
Student: Ana Giron
Kennesaw State University, USA
UG | 2019-20
Abstract: the thesis aims to explore the
design of a classroom setting and its ability to encourage educational engagement. Through the spatial design of a reconfigurable classroom setting, this thesis seeks to create alternative educational environments, which engage students through the stimulation of imagination.
Link to the full manuscript:
Tangible Interaction
for Parametric Design
Student: Jingoog Kim
University of North Carolina-Charlotte, USA
G | 2015-16
Abstract: the thesis investigates opportunities that Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs) can offer designers in terms of learnability, ease-of-use, and exploration of parametric design systems. Sifteo Cubes were used to translate basic geometric and mathematical rules for developing hybrid scripts and generating various architectural forms.
Link to the full manuscript:
Camps in Crisis:
Challenging the Architecture
for Refugees
Student: Huy Ho
Kennesaw State University, USA
UG | 2019-20
Abstract: the thesis aims at challenging the architecture of refugee camps by designing an alternative and primary displacement option that is more environmental, safe, sanitary and resourceful. A replicable permanent infrastructure will be proposed to provide spaces to help refugees better integrate into the local communities.
Link to the full manuscript:
