Matthias Rippmann

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About

Dr. Matthias Rippmann is a leading figure in computational design and structural architecture, renowned for pioneering a new form of construction through "compressive assemblies." As a core member of the Block Research Group at ETH Zurich, his work masterfully fuses ancient building principles—from Inuit igloos to Gothic cathedrals—with cutting-edge digital fabrication. His most-cited paper, "Compressive Assemblies: Bottom‐Up Performance for a New Form of Construction" (2017, 13 citations), reimagines how structures can hold together using only friction and balance, eliminating the need for mortar or heavy reinforcement. This research has profoundly impacted the field of masonry and shell structures, demonstrating how bottom-up, performance-driven design can create efficient, sustainable, and visually stunning architecture. Dr. Rippmann’s contributions have been instrumental in advancing the practical application of unreinforced, dry-assembled stone and brick systems, bridging millennia of historical wisdom with modern computational tools. His work continues to inspire a new generation of architects and engineers to rethink the very nature of building.