About Me

Hello, my name is Alexia Asgari. I am currently a student at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, pursuing a Master in Design Studies (Mediums).

In undergrad, I studied architecture at Cornell University.

I have always been passionate about the interdisciplinary nature of design. I first explored the integration of technology, biology, and material science to architecture in the Jenny Sabin Design Lab. In undergrad, I chose to minor in perceptual cognition due to my facination of how neuroscience could inform design. I am excited to use my time at the MIT Media Lab to continue exploring new topics and mediums.

Image

Image

About My Art

I don't think I have a particular medium. I've always just enjoyed making things. From architecture projects to sculptural installations to halloween costumes, I am willing to explore every medium.

I love taking photos. My portrait photography website is AlexiaAsgariPhotography.com, in case any one is in need of photos. During the pandemic I apprenticed for a portrait photographer. Photography has allowed me to collaborate with class magazines doing an editorial spread for Queer Magz, typical grad shoots, etc. I mainly like taking photos of myself, but occassionally enjoy the opportunitity to hide out in the rafters documententing my friends' DJ sets.

Image

I hand cut the pine veneer I used to weave into this extended screen.

Image

In a similar non-predictive design style, I fell in love with metalwork through my sculptural installation knots where I carefully folded and bended steel rebar/stock to form seemingly effortless knots.

Image

My non-predictive facination intertwined with my interests in robotic manufacturing and cognitive sciences through my thesis where I used human expression as a parameter in a generative design process for manufacturing 3D prints.

Image

In a project titled FaceX I used photogrammetry to create a custom auxetic face mask frame. In 2 images I used AR to display the facemask designs on a participant's face.

Image

Among the fun things I've made is this cardboard bathroom. Details available upon request.

Prior Experience

As a designer and artist, I love experimenting with different mediums. Below are some of my favorite tools.

3D printing

Joining the Jenny Sabin Design Lab in 2019, I was first introduced to 3D printing. I worked to repair, construct, and use these machines.

  • Sulla : Robosense (ceramic extruder mounted to a 6-axis robotic arm)
  • Potterbot
  • FDM (Zortrax, Ender, etc.)
  • SLA (Formlabs)
  • SLA DLP (Autodesk Ember)

Photogrammetry

My main uses of photogrammetry have involved mapping places and people.

  • Bodyscapes Art Exhibition - Vessels
  • Face-X
  • Collecting Dimensions of Robotic Components
  • Location mapping

Photography

After my work with Dariusz Terepka Photography, I have maintained a passion for this medium.

  • Architectural Photography
  • Portrait Photography
  • Event Photography

Other Mediums

Listed are other mediums I have explored for coursework, art shows, and personal curiosity.

  • Metalwork (welding, acetylene torch, Knots Sculptural Exhibition)
  • Woodwork (creating double-curved screens from handmade veneer, architectural models, etc.)
  • Lasercutting (wood, acrylic, etc.)
  • Painting
  • AR/VR
--> -->
Image

My puppy Frankie enjoys coming to lab. He mainly naps but loves getting cuddles from everyone in the Harvard Science Center Fab Lab. Click through to see photos of him having fun in the Fab Lab.

Image

Frankie and Noy

Image

Frankie and Selin

Image

Frankie and Kia

Image

Frankie and Rehana

Image

Frankie and Claire

Image

Frankie is a really good boy. He knows not to follow me into the soldering area so he just waits on the other side of the doorway.

Image

For more extended times where I am in the soldering room, he takes naps in his carrier.

Image

After a long day of watchng me make things, Frankie comes home exhausted.