Less is More: Architecture’s Road to Maximum Efficiency with Masoud Akbarzadeh of the University of Pennsylvania

In every industry there’s a push to be more efficient, usually in our approach; improved methodology to increase accuracy in order to save both time and money is one example. In today’s episode, Masoud Akbarzadeh, assistant professor of architecture in structures and advanced technologies at the University of Pennsylvania, explains a different type of efficiency – one that involves the materials used and the way they interact with people and the planet. “In all of our research what we are trying to achieve is to reduce the amount of material that we are actually using for construction, to achieve lightweight-ness and in the meantime to preserve the performance,” Akbarzadeh said. We broke down efficiency in additive manufacturing of smart materials and robotic fabrication, and how Akbarzadeh is communicating these industry changes to his students.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the AEC Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @AECMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

branding
Bonfire Branding: How Solo Stove Sparked a Customer Movement with Liz Vanzura (Episode One)
January 22, 2026

When pandemic restrictions shut down restaurants, paused travel, and compressed social lives, connection didn’t disappear; it moved closer to home. Backyards quietly emerged as important gathering spaces, offering a simple way to be together without screens, schedules, or spectacle. What began as a workaround evolved into a familiar rhythm of gathering. In that shift,…

Read More
customer movement
Bonfire Branding: How Solo Stove Sparked a Customer Movement with Liz Vanzura (Episode Three)
January 22, 2026

As audiences tune out polished ads and lean into trust, brands are being forced to rethink how they show up for the customer. Research consistently shows that consumers rate peer-created content as more credible than traditional brand messaging, and algorithmic discovery is increasingly rewarding authenticity over polish. With AI reshaping how people search and…

Read More
supply chains
Why the Best Careers Are Designed Like Resilient Supply Chains
January 22, 2026

What do supply chains and community have in common? They both deliver value—when managed with purpose. At their best, they show how intentional systems, meaningful connections, and consistent action turn effort into lasting professional growth. This week on Professional Quotient, listeners hear from Nathan Chaney, founder of Supply Chaney, whose insights bridge the mechanics…

Read More
brand
Bonfire Branding: How Solo Stove Sparked a Customer Movement with Liz Vanzura (Episode Two)
January 22, 2026

As people seek relief from constant digital noise, the backyard has quietly become a modern “third space” in everyday life. Outdoor living, fire pits, and at-home hosting continue to grow as consumers prioritize connection, ease, and experiences that feel meaningful without requiring more complexity. Brands that understand this shift aren’t just selling products—they’re offering…

Read More