Maria Mingallon is a Senior Structural Engineer in Arup specialized in parametric 3D modeling and digital fabrication. Maria also teaches at McGill University in Montreal, where she directed the design and construction of the research pavilion ContemPLAY, a 100% digitally fabricated structure. Maria will present Arup’s work in this field, including among others, the recently unveiled Wawona sculpture in Seattle, Metropol Parasol and KAIA Space Frame Roof. Arup first came to the world’s attention with the structural design of the Sydney Opera House, followed by its work on the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Arup has since grown into a truly multidisciplinary organization. Arup’s advanced design process uses computation to model, analyze, optimize and implement design solutions in a true integrated manner realizing the ‘total design’ of systems and structures: “The term ‘Total Architecture’ implies that all relevant design decisions have been considered together and have been integrated into a whole by a well-organized team empowered to fix priorities.” – Ove Arup, Founder, Arup, 1970.

THE BECK GROUP is a fully integrated design and construction company servicing the southern United States. Through their innovative use of BIM technology, Beck has developed a highly digital process that is leveraged throughout the entire project from concept to jobsite to closeout. They are known for their commitment to quality having worked on such projects as the Dallas Nasher Sculpture Center, the Salvador Dali Museum in Florida, and the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. Frank Fralick is the company’s leading force in direct fabrication methodology and non-traditional procurement. He works with designers to deliver complex building components ranging from structural and ornamental steel to unique millwork. Brandon Coates is a young designer out of the Dallas office who leads computational design efforts within the organization. In addition to working on concept and schematic designs, Brandon couples his talents with Frank Fralick’s expertise to provide an avenue for highly customized building features delivered in a competitive market.

CASE exists where building and technology intersect. They combine their experience as architects, projects managers and teachers with a passion for technology to improve the way buildings are designed, built and operated. CASE is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) consultancy based in New York City providing strategic advising to building design professionals, contractors and owners seeking to supplant traditional project delivery methods through technology-driven process innovation.

A founding partner of CASE, David Fano is predominantly responsible for leading technology implementation, knowledge capture and sharing, social media initiatives and business development. Nathan Miller is Director of Computational Design at CASE, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) and integrated practice consultancy, where he is responsible for leading the efforts on computational design strategy and complex modeling and geometric rationalization.