truth is what is v. truth is what was v. truth is that which will have been
hypothetical
built
truth is what is v. truth is what was v. truth is that which will have been
hypothetical
built
This website showcases the project, teaching, and research of Vahan M. Misakyan.
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EDUCATION
Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
> M.S. in Critical, Curatorial, and Conceptual Practices in Architecture, 2012-2014
Thesis: “The New Image of Human: architecture as a virtual and psychological habitat”
Thesis Advisor: Mark Wigley, Ph.D.
> M.S. in Advanced Architectural Design, 2011-2012
Advanced Studios of: J. Reiser + N. Umemoto, B. Tschumi, M. Kushner + J. Mayer
Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction
(currently; National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia)> Postgraduate Research Studies, 2009-2011
Research Topic: “Complex Configuration Residential Buildings”
Advisor: G. Rashidyan, Ph.D.
> Diploma in Architecture (terminal/professional degree in architecture), 2003-2009
Diploma/Thesis project: “Multifunctional Complex in Armenia”
Published in print and non-print media. Awarded honorary degrees.
SELECTED ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
University of Minnesota, College of Design, School of Architecture
> Cass Gilbert Assistant Professor, Jan 2018 - Spring 2020
Designed, taught graduate studio courses, advanced representation seminars, a design theory seminar. Taught final/thesis studio. Developed, published an exhibition. Curated / coordinated a lecture series and a school-wide workshop. Advised and Served on committees. Directed the “DA Program” at the College of Design. Completed a year-long “Faculty Leadership Development Program.” Founded / Directing a research lab.
Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
> Adjunct Assistant Professor of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, Jan-May, 2015
AAD Global Metropolis Studio with Markus Dochantschi, critic
> Associate, Advanced Studio V, Aug-Dec, 2014
Studio, “Habitable Bridge” M. Dochantschi, critic
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Cloud Bureau LLC (cloudbureau.io), 2022-present (independent 2008-12, 2016-18, 2020-22 )
Independent design and research practice. Published proposals, built projects, including corporate and residential interiors. Commissioned to develop a master planning concept. Developed a concept on Yerevan’s historic district, included as a tender winning entry.
> Founder / Director
Surveillant City Lab (surveillantcity.org), Aug 2018-present
The Lab is charged to collect, catalog, and develop advanced techniques that afford an inquiry and a representation of the city beyond the map, or the normative architectural gaze. Work is primarily conducted through code (e.g. Python programming) and implementations (e.g. of ML techniques).
> Founder / Curator
Platform x-commons.com (Network + Forum + Collection + Publication), June 2015-present
The platform is established as an open collaborative to increase the spatial-theoretical understanding of the commons plus aesthetics, with a current focus on underlying infrastructure of things, protocols, concepts, and presuppositions informing the project of design at the time of surveillant environmental mandate.
PROFICIENCIES
3D modeling, Parametrics, CGI – pro. level - 10 years + experience in 3dsMax, in Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, Compositing + Animation and Particle FXs, VRay, MentalRay, FinalRender, Lumion. Working experience in Rhino + Grasshopper
CAD & BIM – 10 years + experience in AutoCad, overall knowledge of Revit and Catia
3D Animation & Editing – AdobeSuite, knowledge of camera tracking techniques and software
Mapping – Working experience of QGIS, python/QGIS experimental tools, Grasshopper GIS tools
Coding & Web-Development – experience in Python with webscraping/datamining, ML implementation, experience in Processing, IOS SDK + c, Html & Css + J-Query
Digital Fabrication Experience – 3D-printing, laser-cutting + overall knowledge of large scale fabrication methods and principles
Languages
Fluent English, Russian, Native Armenian
SELECTED COMPETITIONS
Emerging Architect of the Year, International Design Awards, LA, 2008
First Prize, International Best Diploma Projects Show-Competition, International Public Organization of Promoting Architectural Education, RF, 2009
First Prize, Living Home of the Future, I-TOON “Best Living Home of the Future” AM, 2008
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
“Evolving Skyscraper.” Limited Edition Skyscrapers Book. Ed. Carlo Aiello. Los Angeles, CA: eVolo LLC., 2011. 918-921. Print.
“Evolving Skyscraper.” UTOPIA FOREVER: Visions of Architecture and Urbanism. Ed. R. Klanten and L. Feireiss. Berlin: Gestalten, 2011. 144-45. Print.
“Hotel in Yerevan.” 08 BOOK OF DESIGN, Annual IDA Book No. 02. International Design Awards. Los Angeles, CA: IDA TM., 2009. Print.
Works Featured in Magazines
BySpace Press in China, Links Books Barcelona Spain, REVIEW Magazine Yerevan, AM, Sep 2010, NEWMAG Magazine, Yerevan, AM, June 2008. Additional publication requests by IA&B India, B1 MAG Thailand, Vision Magazine Philippines..
Works Featured in Non-Print Media
eVolo.com, inhabitat.com, ida.us, ecofriend.org, arch-times.com, greenmuze.com etc..
Authored Papers (Armenian)
“Complex Configuration Residential Buildings, Contemporary Developments” Scientific Work Collection. YSUAC. Yerevan: YSUAC Pub., 2011. Print.
“The Scene of the Mass Housing Architecture, Precast Concrete Construction and Complex Configuration Residential Buildings” Scientific Work Collection. YSUAC. Yerevan: YSUAC Pub., 2011. Print.
“The Development of Complex Configuration Residential Buildings in Their Nascent Stages” Scientific Work Collection. YSUAC. Yerevan: YSUAC Pub., 2010. Print.
Authored Articles in News*papers/sites (Armenian)
“The Start of the Project x-commons.” www.hetq.am. Ed. E. Baghdasaryan. Yerevan, AM., 2016. < http://hetq.am/arm/news/67415/meknarkum-e-x-commons-nakhagitsy.html>
“New Project; x-commons.com.” www.lragir.am. Ed. H. Ghahriyan. Yerevan, AM., 2016. <http://www.lragir.am/index/arm/0/society/view/131329>
Talks/Interviews
“’Unsubscribing from Invalid Architectural Thinking’ Interview with Vahan Misakyan.” Interview by A. Poghosyan. Architecture and Construction Magazine, Founded by the Union of Architects and the Union of Constructors of Armenia Nov. 2013: 22-25. Print.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS, LECTURES, TALKS
Architecting Anthropoveillance, 11 Feb - 17 Apr. 2019. HGH Gallery, Rapson Hall, University of Minnesota. Twin Cities.
Misakyan, Vahan. “Surveillant City.” Rapson Hall, UMN Twin Cities Campus. April 2019. Lecture
Misakyan, Vahan. “Architecting Anthropoveillance.” Rapson Hall, UMN Twin Cities Campus. November 2018. Lecture.
SERVICE
School of Architecture, Diversity Committee, Member, Fall 2018 - Spring 2020
School of Architecture, Admissions Committee, Reviewer, School of Architecture, Fall 2018
School of Architecture, Ad-Hoc Representation and Research Committee, Member, Fall 2018
College of Design, Design Technology Committee, Member, Fall 2018 - Spring 2020
College of Design, Digital Assistants Program Director, Fall 2018 - Spring 2020
Columbia University in the City of New York
President of the Armenian Society of Columbia University, 2011-2012
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
© 2008-2025 VAHAN M. MISAKYAN ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The entire content of the website, as well as its graphic and conceptual presentation, are subject to the copyright of the said author and may not be reproduced, shared in social media or used without the express written permission of said author.