Professor Julia Koerner Advances Sustainable Architecture Education at UCLA
Published: January 8, 2026 | Source: Daily Bruin | By Reese Dahlgren
Innovative Teaching in Architecture and Design
Julia Koerner, Associate Adjunct Professor at UCLA’s Architecture and Urban Design (AUD) department, is pioneering new frontiers in architectural education by integrating 3D printing and computational design techniques into her curriculum. Known for her collaborations on Academy Award-winning costume designs, Koerner now focuses on sustainable architecture, fashion, and product design through cutting-edge technology and biomimicry—the practice of emulating nature’s systems.
Hands-On Learning Through Computational Design
In Koerner’s one-year research studios, students utilize Grasshopper, a computational design software, enabling them to craft and customize 3D printed models. Projects from this year’s class include innovative aqua visors and 3D-printed goggles inspired by the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, illustrating the breadth of architecture beyond traditional building construction.
Graduate students Jared Miao and Maryam Abdal highlight the studio’s collaborative environment and Koerner’s mentorship, which helped them overcome steep learning curves in 3D printing and computational design. Abdal emphasized that the class inspired her to explore unconventional architecture sectors through mastery of new technologies.
Focus on Sustainability and Material Efficiency
Koerner’s teaching emphasizes eco-conscious design practices, encouraging the reuse of existing materials and the development of adaptive building solutions—such as shading facades that help buildings better withstand a changing climate. Students are tasked with minimizing structural waste and employing biomaterials derived from biological sources to enhance sustainability.
While 3D printing typically risks producing excess waste, Koerner and her students advocate a precise approach, where material use is carefully calculated to ensure environmentally responsible production.
Impact and Vision
Koerner’s multifaceted approach not only broadens the definition of architecture but also prepares students to innovate sustainably across diverse industries. By fostering a blend of technology, nature-inspired design, and sustainability principles, she is shaping architects who can build economically and environmentally smarter futures.
For readers interested in sustainable design and architectural innovation, Koerner’s work at UCLA underscores the growing potential of merging technology with eco-friendly practices to revolutionize how we conceive and construct our environments.
Source: Daily Bruin
Author: Reese Dahlgren, News Contributor, UCLA Daily Bruin
(Third-year English student with a minor in digital humanities)
Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.
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