Neri Oxman American-Israeli architect, designer and professor at the MIT Media Lab Date of Birth: 06.10.1976 Country: Israel

1. Early Life and Education
2. Academic Career
3. Innovative Designs
4. Research and Technology
5. Personal Life
6. Accolades and Recognition

Early Life and Education

Neri Oxman (born October 6, 1976) is an American-Israeli architect, designer, and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab. Born in Haifa, Israel, to a family of architects, Oxman's upbringing immersed her in both nature and culture. She initially pursued medicine at Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem but later transferred to the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology's architecture program. After graduating in 2004 from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, Oxman returned to the United States to pursue a doctorate at MIT.

Academic Career

In 2010, Oxman became an associate professor at MIT. Her research focuses on the intersection of design, biology, and computer systems, exploring the integration of digital technologies and natural processes in architecture and design. She has developed the concept of "material ecology," which emphasizes the interconnectedness and responsiveness of materials and their environment.

Innovative Designs

Oxman's work has garnered widespread recognition for its innovative and forward-thinking approach. She has designed wearable 3D-printed garments using luminescent bacteria, investigated the use of 6,500 free-roaming silkworms to construct a "Silk Pavilion," and created a room-sized installation, "The Synthetic Apiary," to study the behavior of bees in a controlled environment.

Research and Technology

As director of the Mediated Matter research group at MIT, Oxman has developed prototypes for large-scale robotic 3D printers and advanced materials for additive manufacturing. Her Rottlace masks, printed using Stratasys materials, were used by Björk in the world's first 360° VR music video. She has also created the Vespers collection, a series of 15 "death masks" inspired by creatures like the xenomorph.

Personal Life

Oxman was previously married to Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov. After their divorce, she has been romantically linked to actor Brad Pitt, a rumored relationship that has been the subject of much media speculation. However, Oxman has denied these rumors, stating that her and Pitt's relationship is purely professional. She is currently in a relationship with billionaire Bill Ackman.

Accolades and Recognition

Oxman's work has been exhibited in major art institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and Beijing Design Biennale. She has appeared on the covers of magazines such as Fast Company, Wired UK, and ICON. Her contributions to architecture and design have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Shalom Life magazine's "50 Hottest Jewish Women" in 2014.