Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at the University of Miami’s College of Engineering. He is an expert in structural morphology, which investigates the relationship between structures, as well as their form, function, material and forces. He focuses on lightweight structures, such as tensegrity systems, as well as coastal applications, including ecofriendly solutions for shoreline protection.
Education
| 2006 | B.Sc. Civil Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne |
| 2008 | M.Sc. Civil Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne |
| 2012 | Ph.D. Structural Engineering , Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne |
| 2014 | Post Doctoral , Princeton University |
Research Projects
Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos investigates structures, their form, function, material and forces promoting a unifying framework for their form finding and design. His work often combines analytical, numerical and physical modeling. He is particularly interested in complex problems that challenge traditional design strategies and require interdisciplinary collaborations. His research interests include: resilience and sustainability; computer-aided engineering; space engineering and construction; adaptive, sensory and active structures; form finding, structural design and optimization; and tensegrity structures.
His current work focuses on the development of new seawall design that is both efficient and ecofriendly, as well as on exploring coral restoration to protect coastal communities from ocean waves and flooding, both exacerbated by climate change. Both projects are based on numerical modeling, field studies, and physical testing in the Rosenstiel School’s SUSTAIN - SUrge STructure Atmosphere INteraction - laboratory, a 38,000-gallon wind-wave hurricane simulator. He also works on the cellular morphogenesis of tensegrity systems, a newly developed computational method for the generation of self-stress networks which can be used for structures as well as to study the resilience of infrastructure networks. He is also involved in projects that address climate adaptation in buildings and coastal communities. Finally, he enjoys working with architects and artists to design sculptural installations and artifacts.
