Projects per year
Personal profile
Personal profile
Dr. Iasef Md Rian is an architect, academic, and researcher specializing in computational design, parametric structures and morphogenesis, performance-based optimization, fractal geometry, 3D concrete printing, and AI in architecture. He is currently an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Programme Director of Architecture at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), China, where he has worked since 2019. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Sharjah, UAE.
He earned his PhD in Architecture and Design from Politecnico di Torino, Italy, focusing on fractal-based computational morphogenesis of architectural structures. His current research explores AI-integrated design, structural simulation, robotic fabrication, 3D concrete printing, adaptive façades, augmented reality, and digital heritage. Recent work includes fractal-inspired uninterrupted toolpaths for 3D concrete printing and the full-scale OUROBORUS 3D-printed lattice pavilion.
Dr. Rian is actively involved with COA India, IASS, ISGG, ACADIA, and CAADRIA, and regularly reviews for leading journals in architectural computation and building technology. He also has professional experience with C.P. Kukreja Associates and S. Ghosh Associates and received First Prize in the ASCENSION: Zagreb Tower Competition in 2019.
Research interests
Computational Design
Parametric Structures and Morphogenesis
Performance-Based Design Optimization
Fractal Geometry in Architecture
3D Concrete Printing
AI in Architectural Design & Research
Experience
2026 Jan-Sep: Programme Director (UG), Dept. Architecture, Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China
2024 - 2026 Jan: Research Officer, Dept. Architecture, Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China
2020-2021: e-Learning Coordinator, Dept. Architecture, Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China
2019-2023: IT Officer, Dept. Architecture, Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China
2019 - present: Associate Professor, Dept. Architecture, Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China
2015 - present: Principal Architect Founder, Rian Architects & Designers, Malda, India
2016 - 2019: Assistant Professor, University of Sharjah, U.A.E.
2012 - 2014: Teaching Assistant, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
2012 - 2014: Research Assistant, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
2010 - 2011: Lecturer, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
2008 - 2009: Senior Architect, S. Ghosh Associates, New Delhi, India
2007 - 2008: Architect, C. P. Kukreja Associates, New Delhi, India
2006 - 2007: Teaching Assistant, INHA University, South Korea
2006 - 2007: Research Assistant, INHA University, South Korea
Teaching
DES405 - Facade Design Studio (PG) [Module Leader & Tutor]
DES103 - Multiscale Collaborative Design Studio (UG) [Module Leader & Tutor]
ARC404 - Design Studio 2 (PG) [Module Leader & Tutor]
ARC207 - Building Typology in Integrated Architectural Design (UG) [Module Leader & Tutor]
ARC202 - Structural Design (UG) [Module Leader & Tutor]
ARC301 - Architectural Technology (UG) [Module Leader & Tutor]
ARC104 - Structures and Materials (UG) [Module Leader & Tutor]
ARC112 - Architectural Technology and Innovation (UG) [Module Leader & Tutor]
Module Leader & Tutor, ARC111 - Integrated Design of Small Buildings (UG) [Module Leader & Tutor]
ARC305 - Small and Medium Scale Buildings (UG) [Tutor]
ARC205 - Design and Building Typology (UG) [Tutor]
ARC001 - Explore Architecture Visual Culture (UG) [Tutor]
Awards and honours
2025: Selected | Professors' Program: Prototypes for Humanity | Dubai Future Foundation | Dubai, U.A.E.
2019: Winner | International Design Competition ‘ASCENSION: Zagreb Observation Tower’ | Croatia
2018: Selected & Exhibited | Design Installation Call for Dubai Design Week 2018, Dubai Design District | U.A.E.
2015: Distinction in Ph.D. | Politecnico di Torino | Italy
2012: Borsa di Dottorato | Politecnico di Torino | Italy
2013: International Mobility Scholarship | Politecnico di Torino | Italy
2012: Milan Scholarship | Parametric Camp | Italy
2005: Jungseok International Scholarship | Inha University | South Korea
2006: Korean Research Fellowship | Korean Research Foundation | South Korea
2006: Teaching Assistantship | Inha University | South Korea
2007: Finalist | International Bamboo Design Competition | Hawaii, USA
2006: Honourable Mention | International Competition of Kitchen Design | Spain
2006: Fourth Prize | 17th Inha International Design Workshop | South Korea
Related documents
Education/Academic qualification
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education (FHEA), University of Liverpool UK
Award Date: 31 Aug 2024
PhD, Politecnico di Torino
Award Date: 31 Mar 2015
Master, Inha University
Award Date: 1 Aug 2007
Bachelor, Aligarh Muslim University
Award Date: 31 Aug 2005
Keywords
- NA Architecture
- Computational Design
- Digital Desgin & Fabrication
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Architecture
- Architectural Technology
- Architectural Structures
- TH Building construction
- Facade Design & Technology
- 3D Printing concrete/eath/composite
- Structural Design
- Materials-by-Design
Person Types
- Staff
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 4 Quality Education -
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth -
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
Fingerprint
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
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3D-Printed Concrete Crafting of Chinese Traditional Window Lattices (Chuanghua 花窗) using Uninterrupted Fractal-Curved Toolpath (FCT) System
Md Rian, I. (PI), Liu, E. (CoI), Li, Y. (Team member) & Sun, Z. (Team member)
1/09/26 → 31/08/28
Project: Collaborative Research Project
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TDF: An Integrated AI–FEM–AR Framework for AI-Enhanced Active and Experiential Learning in Architecture and Civil Engineering Education
Md Rian, I. (PI), Xia, J. (CoI), Song, Y. (CoI) & Karn, A. L. (CoI)
1/02/26 → 31/12/28
Project: Internal Research Project
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REF: Fractal Curved Toolpaths (FCT) System Design for 3D Porous Concrete Printing
Md Rian, I. (PI), Xu, B. (CoI), Jiang, L. (CoI), Chen, H.-M. (CoI) & Li, Y. (Team member)
1/02/25 → 31/12/26
Project: Internal Research Project
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Fractal Curved Toolpaths (FCT) System Design for 3D Porous Concrete Printing
Md Rian, I. (PI), Xu, B. (Team member), Jiang, L. (Team member), Chen, H.-M. (Team member) & Li, Y. (Team member)
1/01/25 → 31/12/26
Project: Internal Research Project
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PGRS: Fractal Curves for 3D-Concrete Printing
Md Rian, I. (PI), Tang, S. (CoI) & Han-Mei, C. (CoI)
1/03/24 → 1/03/27
Project: Internal Research Project
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AI-Supported Fractal-Curved Toolpath (FCT) Design for 3D Concrete Printing of Space-Filling Lattice Shell Structures
Rian, I. M., Li, Y. & Mae, T., 14 Sept 2026, (Accepted/In press) Proceedings of IASS-IWSS 2026: R-Evolution of Shapes—Sustainability, Re-Use, and New Design Paradigms. Annual Symposium of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures and 3rd Italian Workshop on Shell and Spatial Structures, Turin, Italy, 14–18 September 2026.Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding › peer-review
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Architectural Vision of Overtourism: Revitalising Traditional Markets with Digital Technologies to Enhance Architectural and Cultural Tourism: Selected Asian Cities
Baek, M. J. & Rian, I., 12 Feb 2026, Architectural Vision of Overtourism: SpringerBriefs in Architectural Design and Technology. Springer Singapore, 15 p. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-96-5794-0Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
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CERAMYCO
Rian, I. M. (Designer), Parati, I. (Designer) & Corti, E. (Designer), 18 Mar 2026Research output: Practice-based research output › Exhibition/ Event/ Festival › Curated works: Physical Exhibition/ Event/ Festival
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Constructability-aware assembly sequence planning of spatial trusses via tokenized reinforcement learning
Liu, J., Zhao, J., Song, Y. & Rian, I. M., 14 Sept 2026, (Accepted/In press) Proceedings of IASS-IWSS 2026: R-Evolution of Shapes—Sustainability, Re-Use, and New Design Paradigms. Annual Symposium of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures and 3rd Italian Workshop on Shell and Spatial Structures, Turin, Italy, 14–18 September 2026.Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding › peer-review
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Fractal-Based Toolpath in 3D Concrete Printing for Freeform Lattice Shell Structures
Li, Y., Rian, I. M. & Chen, H., Oct 2026, (Accepted/In press) Digital Concrete 2026: 5th RILEM International Conference on Concrete and Digital Fabrication: RILEM Bookseries, Vol. 78, Springer. Nanjing, China, 19–21 October 2026. Vol. 78.Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding › peer-review
Activities
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Engineering with Computers (Journal)
Md Rian, I. (Reviewer)
15 Aug 2026Activity: Peer-review and editorial work of publications › Publication Peer-review
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Acta Psychologica (Journal)
Md Rian, I. (Reviewer)
31 Jul 2026Activity: Peer-review and editorial work of publications › Publication Peer-review
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Frontiers of Architectural Research (Journal)
Md Rian, I. (Reviewer)
1 Jul 2026Activity: Peer-review and editorial work of publications › Publication Peer-review
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Applied Sciences (Journal)
Md Rian, I. (Reviewer)
19 Jun 2026Activity: Peer-review and editorial work of publications › Publication Peer-review
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Architectural Science Review (Journal)
Md Rian, I. (Reviewer)
14 Jun 2026Activity: Peer-review and editorial work of publications › Publication Peer-review