Matthias Rippmann

Biography

Matthias Rippmann studied architecture at the University of Stuttgart and the University of Melbourne and received his Dipl.-Ing. degree in 2007. He conducted his doctoral research at the Block Research Group, ETH Zurich, focusing on form-finding and fabrication approaches for discrete funicular structures. Matthias developed multiple digital tools, allowing for new, informed design approaches by incorporating structural and fabrication requirements in order to efficiently create and realise expressive, nonstandard structures. In this context, his work includes the development of the form-finding software RhinoVAULT, which was awarded first prize at the ALGODeQ software competition in 2014. His research and design projects have been published internationally, leading to invitations to lecture at renowned conferences, offices, symposia and universities around the globe. His contribution to the ACADIA conference in 2013 was awarded the 'Best Student Paper', recognizing his doctoral research on funicular design explorations. Matthias received an ETH Medal for outstanding doctoral thesis, given to the best 5-8% of all PhD theses at ETH Zurich. Prior to his doctoral studies, Matthias Rippmann worked for Behnisch Architects, L.A.V.A and the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design, before joining the office of Werner Sobek in Stuttgart, where he was lead developer of several digital optimisation tools used in the planning phase of the new main station S21 in Stuttgart. In 2010, he co-founded the architecture and consultancy firm ROK - Rippmann Oesterle Knauss, which he actively co-led for five years. Matthias Rippmann joined the NCCR Digital Fabrication in September 2015.

Research Interest

Matthias Rippmann research interest include: architecture.