Yao Lu

Yao Lu is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Arizona. His research explores how structural forms, material constraints, and computational methods can inform architectural design.

His work focuses on structural form-finding methods, polyhedral graphic statics, computational geometry, lightweight sheet-based structures, and design-to-fabrication workflows. Through computational modeling, software development, and full-scale prototyping, he investigates how complex structural forms can be designed and realized with greater material efficiency. His research has received the IASS Hangai Prize and the Young CAADRIA Award. His design work has been recognized with the Architect Magazine R+D Award, the DigitalFUTURES Project Award, and other international honors. The computational tools he has developed are widely used by researchers and practitioners worldwide.

Lu received his Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. He also holds an M.S. in Matter Design Computation from Cornell University and M.Arch and B.Eng degrees from Tongji University.

Degrees:

• PhD in Architecture, University of Pennsylvania, 2024
• Master of Science in Matter Design Computation, Cornell University, 2020
• Master of Architecture, Tongji University, 2017
• Bachelor of Engineering, Tongji University, 2014