Alexander Kobald
e. avkobald@gmail.com
I am a designer, builder, and researcher currently working as the associate director of the Design Across Scales Lab at Cornell University. My work engages with multi-disciplinary issues, mapping their extents, communicating their complexity, and speculating on future changes through design.
I have ten years of experience in design and building industry, beginning with three years of experience in residential construction, a bachelor degree in architectural science (McGill University, 2016), and a Master in Architecture (MIT, 2019).
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 2015 – 2019 Master of Architecture | 4.9 (out of 5.0) GPA
McGill University School of Architecture | 2012 – 2015 Bachelor of Science in Architecture | 4.0 GPA
GRE | 2014
Verbal 163 | Quantitative 158 | Analytical 5.0
Work Experience
Cornell University AAP
Assistant Director (Research Associate) | Ithaca, NY | 2019 – Present
Research associate serving as the Assistant Director for the Design Across Scales Lab, an emerging architecture research lab at Cornell AAP. Managed a team of research assistants and directed multiple design research projects culminating in public installation projects and exhibitions. Led communication with collaborators and clients and pursued funding opportunities.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Research Assistant | Cambridge, MA | 2016 – 2019
Conducted original research for a sponsored research project, involving frequent client meetings, collecting and representing proprietary data, and giving frequent presentations. Developed a manuscript for a book on the history of American infrastructure in Pennsylvania and developed a set of educational programs for a public installation.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Teaching Assistant | Prof. J. Meejin Yoon | 2018
Taught a workshop sponsored by the Make It Right Foundation to study and analyze permanent post-disaster housing in the American context. Developed the workshop syllabus, conducted original research, curated resources for students and the research, led student discussions, and coordinated weekly guest lecturers.
Block Research Group
Visiting Researcher | ETH Zurich, Switzerland | 2017
Conducted original research on a dry-fit masonry vault system that could be assembled without formwork culminating in a 1:10 functioning prototype. Contributed directly to ongoing research projects including the Hi-Lo thin shell concrete roof prototype and the Detail publication Beyond Bending.
QuarraStone Company ltd.
Production and Automation Researcher (Visiting) | Madison, WI | 2016
Developed automation tools to streamline the process of converting design drawings into CNC tool pathing and shop drawings for custom stone fabrication. Developed a deep understanding of custom stone fabrication and automated workflows.
Michael Green Architecture
Architectural Intern | Vancouver, BC | 2014 – 2014
Participated in a fast-paced, cooperative work environment. Produced design development and construction documentation drawings and exhibition physical models. Participated in client and design meetings.
Mountainside Design + Build
Carpenter | Abbotsford, BC | 2010.5 – 2013.8
Two years of experience as a finish carpenter, designing and building custom home furnishings. One year experience as a framing carpenter involving the construction and renovation of residential homes.
Awards and Honours
Faculty Recognition Prize | MIT (2019)
Wilfred Shaver Scholarship | McGill University (2015)
Derek Drummond Award | McGill University (2015)
Gordon Gale Memorial Prize | McGill University (2014)
Peter Sebestyen Award Scholarship | McGill University (2014)
EP Canada Higher Education Prize | McGill University (2014)
Winner of the Habitation ‘67 Award | McGill University (2014)
Favretto Scholarship | McGill University (2013)
Teaching Experience
4.184 Architectural Design Workshop: Experiments in Post-Disaster Permanent Housing
Prof. J. Meejin Yoon | MIT | Fall 2018
This workshop worked closely with the Make It Right Foundation to study and analyze permanent post-disaster housing in the American context. Students studied, analyzed and postulated on environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and design forward approaches to post-disaster housing. As a TA, I was involved in the shaping of the workshop syllabus, the initial research and curation of resources for students and the research and invitation of guest lecturers for the workshop.
Design, Research, and Exhibition Credits
Extraction Infrastructure Web
Arch Daily | UABB | 2019.05
A response to a call for a discussion on how new technologies – and Artificial Intelligence in particular – might impact architecture and urban life. This submission examines the scale of the infrastructure network that powers the technology of the city.
2019 SA+P Thesis Show
MIT | MIT | 2019.05
An exhibition of thesis explorations by graduate students in architecture, urban design and planning, art, media studies, and real estate.
Drawing, Designing, Thinking: 150 Years of Teaching Architecture at MIT
MIT Museum | MIT | 2019.03
A retrospective of architecture education on the 150th anniversary of the MIT SAP. Involved in the gathering and curation of archive material for the exhibition.
HiLo Shell Roof
ETH Zurich, Switzerland | Block Research Group | 2017
A full-scale prototype investigating the feasibility of spraying a textile reinforced thin concrete shell using a lightweight flexible formwork composed of a tensioned cable net as falsework and tailored fabric as shuttering. Involved in the construction, analysis and demolition of the full-scale feasibility test.
Hello, Robot. Design Between Human and Machine
Vitra Design Museum | MIT | 2017.11
Involved in the building of an exhibition model that was submitted by Howler+Yoon Architecture for the exhibition.
Wood Innovation Design Center
Prince George, BC Canada | Michael Green Architects | 2015
The Wood Innovation Design Centre (WIDC) was the tallest all wood office building at the time of its construction and serves as a gathering place for researchers, academics, and design professionals generating ideas for innovative uses of wood. Involved in the design and construction documentation as well as the construction of a presentation model.
Volunteer
VP Academic | McGill University, Architecture Student Association
2013.9 – 2014.4, 2014.9 – 2015.4
Served as a student representative for academic priorities for two school years. In that time, served as a student representative in the McGill School of Architecture Curriculum Committee. Also facilitated two $20,000 equipment fund proposals and purchases and two $6,000 proposals for additional teaching resources.