135: Architecture, And: Melodie Yashar, Space Architect

Episode 135: Architecture, And: Melodie Yashar, Space ArchitectHow can you merge architecture with space robotics to create a new design language? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Melodie Yashar, a space architect, technologist, researcher, and Vice President of Building Design and Performance at ICON, a construction technologies company focused on large-scale additive manufacturing. First, Melodie illustrates the niche discipline of space architecture and the types of backgrounds and perspectives that lead people into the field. We learn about Melodie’s serendipitous entrance into space architecture after submitting to a NASA 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, and why the merge of design and technology is an inspiration for her work.  3D printing was an area that felt like it was advancing my knowledge in technology and taking it beyond the scope of creating an architectural model. Tackling the most challenging scientific and technological problem of space, you merge architecture with a specific idea or opinion of space robotics. That was the thing that really compelled me at the time. And it still does, frankly. - Melodie YasharThen, we dive into ICON: The five main areas they contribute to, their different building and design teams, and one of the company’s newer additions, 3D-printing house design. We learn why 3D printing became a solution for challenges space architecture faces, and how ICON’s teams plan for unforeseen events when working with emerging technology like 3D printing. Melodie also details projects ICON’s working on alongside NASA to reimagine aspects of space.To wrap up the episode, Melodie speaks to the rapid growth of the space architecture field, plus ways to collaborate with ICON and help reimagine 3D printing as a new design language.    Tune in next week for an episode about redesigning the future of work. Guests:Melodie Yashar, is a space architect, technologist, and researcher. She is the vice president of building design and performance at ICON, a construction technologies company focused on large-scale additive manufacturing. Melodie oversees the architectural direction of ICON’s built work as well as the performance of ICON’s building systems to deliver optimally performing structures that shift the paradigm of homebuilding on Earth and in space. Melodie is a professor at ArtCenter College of Design. In previous roles, Melodie was a research associate at NASA Ames as well as a co-founder of Space Exploration Architecture, a research group developing human supporting design concepts for space exploration. Her background is in industrial design, architecture, and human-computer interaction with an emphasis in robotics.📍 Show Links:  Connect with Melodie on LinkedInLearn more about ICONJoin ICON’s Initiative 99 Competition Watch Melodie’s TED Talk 📚 Continue Learning:Learn more about AIA’s Women’s Leadership SummitCheck out

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The evolution of architectural practice has been relatively slow towards change, yet modern shifts in business and design management have prompted today’s leading architects to rethink how they work. On Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee, an architect, design strategist, and Senior Experience Designer at Slack, and architecture business strategy consultant, Je’Nen Chastain, set out to illuminate the future of the profession to help architects remain relevant and valuable in a changing world. They will explore how technology, cultural shifts, and emerging best practices are prompting firm owners to assess their business models and make adjustments in their studios. Each episode features an industry leader, and together our hosts will explore the new frontier of architectural practice.