Projects per year
Personal profile
Personal profile
Dr. Iasef Md Rian is an architect, academic, and researcher specializing in computational design, parametric structures and optimization, performance-based architecture, and fractal-informed design. He currently serves as Associate Professor and Research Officer in the Department of Architecture and Design 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. Dr. Rian earned his PhD from Politecnico di Torino, Italy, focusing on architectural computation and design systems. His current research includes 3D concrete printing, AI and AR applications in architecture, and parametric structural simulation. He is actively involved in global networks such as the Council of Architecture (India), IASS, ISGG, CAADRIA, and CAAD Futures. He has conducted numerous design-build workshops, with student projects featured in events like Made Expo (Milan) and Dubai Design Week (Dubai). As a reviewer for top-tier journals including Automation in Construction, Frontiers of Architectural Research, Computer-Aided Design, and so on. Dr. Rian contributes to advancing architectural scholarship. He is the founder of Rian Architects Designers in Malda, India, delivering residential and commercial designs. Earlier, he worked with C.P. Kukreja Associates and S. Ghosh Associates, contributing to landmark projects like Gautam Buddha University and IREO Uptown. He won 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 Research, Design & Innovation
AR+FEM+AI Integration for Architectural Structures
Experience
2024 - present: Research 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
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):
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
Person Types
- Staff
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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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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Design and Optimization of the Internal Skeleton Geometry for Making Extra-Light Precast Concrete Panels
Md Rian, I. (PI) & Md Rian, I. (Team member)
1/04/20 → 31/10/23
Project: Internal Research Project
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TDF: Research-Led Learning-by-Doing: An Interdisciplinary Design-Build Workshop through Designing and Constructing a Lattice Shell Pavilion
Md Rian, I. (PI) & Avazzadeh, Z. (CoI)
1/02/20 → 1/02/23
Project: Internal Research Project
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An Integrated AI+FEM+AR System for Real-Time Structural Simulations and X-Ray Visualization of Heritage and Aging Buildings
Rian, I. M., Nov 2025, (Accepted/In press) Prototypes for Humanity (11th Year): Professors' Programme, Dubai..Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding › peer-review
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Application of Fractal Curves for 3D Concrete Printing of Porous Prefab Panels
Li, Y., Rian, I. M., Han-Mei, C. & Tang, S., Mar 2025, CAADRIA 2025 Tokyo: Architectural Informatics, University of Tokyo, Tokyo . Vol. 2. p. 111–120Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding › peer-review
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AR-Assisted Learning-by-Making Approach in Architectural Education: A Case Study on Dougong-Inspired Structural Pavilion Design
Rian, I. M., Song, Y. & Li, Y., 13 Jul 2025, 4th Proceedings of ICSCEA (under Springer book series: "Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering"). SpringerResearch 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., 19 Aug 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) 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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Computational Design and Parametric Analysis of a Fractal-Based Folded-Smooth (F-S) Hybrid Shell Structure
Rian, I. M., Mar 2025, In: Nexus Network Journal. 27, 1, p. 221-238 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Activities
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Trees, Forests and People (Journal)
Iasef Md Rian (Reviewer)
26 Aug 2025Activity: Peer-review and editorial work of publications › Publication Peer-review
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Frontiers of Architectural Research (Journal)
Iasef Md Rian (Reviewer)
7 Aug 2025Activity: Peer-review and editorial work of publications › Publication Peer-review
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Nexus Network Journal (Journal)
Iasef Md Rian (Reviewer)
2 Aug 2025Activity: Peer-review and editorial work of publications › Publication Peer-review
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Jamia Millia Islamia (External organisation)
Iasef Md Rian (Member)
Aug 2025 → Aug 2026Activity: Membership › Membership of committee
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Jury Critic: Green Summer Design Competition (hosted by Architectural Journal of the Vietnam Association of Architects)
Iasef Md Rian (Other)
13 Jul 2025Activity: Other