Nicholas de Monchaux

Nicholas de Monchaux is a distinguished figure in the field of architecture and urban design. He currently serves as the Professor and Head of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a position he has held since June 2020.1

Professional Background

In addition to his role at MIT, de Monchaux is a partner in an architecture practice called modem. This interdisciplinary firm specializes in software, architecture, urban design, and digital fabrication, with a focus on transforming objects, environments, and urban situations to improve connections between buildings, cities, and ecologies.1

Academic Achievements

De Monchaux is an accomplished author, having written two notable books:

1. Spacesuit: Fashioning Apollo: This work, published by MIT Press in 2011, explores the architectural and urban history of the Apollo Spacesuit. It won the Eugene Emme award from the American Astronautical Society and was shortlisted for the Art Book Prize.1

2. Local Code: 3,659 Proposals about Data, Design, and the Nature of Cities: Published by Princeton Architectural Press in Fall 2016, this book further showcases his expertise in urban design and data.1

Recognition and Exhibitions

His design work has received widespread recognition and has been exhibited at prestigious venues, including:

• The Biennial of the Americas
• The Venice Architecture Biennale
• The Lisbon Architecture Triennial
• SFMOMA
• The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
• The Storefront for Art and Architecture
• The Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago1

De Monchaux is also a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome, further highlighting his standing in the field.1

Previous Positions

Before joining MIT, he held the position of Craigslist Distinguished Professor of New Media and Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at UC Berkeley until 2019.1

Nicholas de Monchaux's diverse experience and accomplishments in architecture, urban design, and academia make him a prominent figure in his field, contributing significantly to the discourse on the intersection of technology, design, and urban environments.