Neri Oxman Biography

Neri Oxman, an American-Israeli designer and professor at the MIT Media Lab, heads the Mediated Matter research group.

Her pioneering work spans digital fabrication, biologically inspired design, and materials science, aiming to foster a harmonious relationship between design, technology, and the natural environment.

Early Life and Education

Neri Oxman was born in Haifa, Israel, to architecture professors Robert and Rivka Oxman. Growing up in Israel, she spent time in her parents' architecture studio and her grandmother's house, nurturing her early interest in design. After graduating from the Hebrew Reali School in Haifa in 1993, Oxman served for three years in the Israeli Air Force, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. Following her military service, she initially pursued studies at Hebrew University's Hadassah Medical School for two years before shifting her focus to architecture.

Neri Oxman is an American-Israeli designer and professor at the MIT Media Lab.

Oxman began her architectural education at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology and completed her degree at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, graduating in 2004. Subsequently, in 2005, she commenced her Ph.D. studies in architectural design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the guidance of William J. Mitchell. Her doctoral research centered on material-aware design, culminating in her graduation from the program in 2010.

Pioneering Research and Impactful Projects at MIT

In 2006, Neri Oxman initiated an interdisciplinary research endeavor at MIT named material ecology, aimed at exploring generative design principles. This project laid the foundation for her innovative approach to design. By 2010, Oxman had risen to the position of professor at MIT and established her own laboratory, the Mediated Matter group at the MIT Media Lab. Her significant contributions earned her tenure at MIT in 2017.

Oxman's research interests encompass parametric and contextual design, focusing on engineering techniques to realize designs in various materials and contexts. Examples of her work include developing a "skin" for buildings capable of adapting to sunlight to create shade, as well as exploring the potential of structural biodegradable polymers. She has collaborated across disciplines, spanning biology, medicine, wearables, and fabrication tool design.

Her work has been widely recognized for its transformative impact on materials and structural design. In 2016, Oxman played a key role in launching the open-access Journal of Design Science, emphasizing the interconnectedness of science, engineering, design, and art.

Over the years, Oxman's projects have evolved from surfaces and furniture to encompass temporary or interactive installations. These projects not only showcase the final product but also delve into the production process and study the material properties involved. From mechanical processes seen in projects like the Ocean Pavilion and Glass I to biological ones like the Silk Pavilion and Synthetic Apiary, Oxman's work spans a wide spectrum of innovation.

Her groundbreaking work has earned a place in the permanent collections of prestigious museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna, the Smithsonian, and Boston's Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Science. In 2020, MoMA featured the first exhibition solely dedicated to Oxman's work from its collection, underscoring her significant influence in the realm of design and innovation.

Bridging Disciplines through Education

Neri Oxman's educational journey reflects her multifaceted approach to innovation. Initially delving into medicine for two years in Jerusalem, she transitioned to architecture, earning a Bachelor's degree in Israel followed by a Master's degree in London. Her discipline continued to evolve during her service in the Israeli Air Force.

Oxman furthered her academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in design computation at MIT, where she focused on integrating science and design through advanced digital fabrication techniques, cementing her commitment to pioneering interdisciplinary work.

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An Artistic Legacy and Personal Life

Neri Oxman hails from an artistic lineage, with both her parents serving as architecture professors, and her sister pursuing a career as an artist. Previously married to Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov, Oxman's personal life took a new turn in 2019 when she married investor Bill Ackman.

Together, they share a daughter and co-chair the Pershing Square Foundation, furthering their shared commitment to philanthropy and innovation.

Style and Appearance

Neri Oxman's appearance reflects her artistic persona and innovative spirit. Standing at an average height of 5'3" (160 cm) with a slender, fit build weighing approximately 62kg (137 lbs), she possesses striking green eyes and medium-length black hair, often styled in a casually tousled manner.

Her fashion aesthetic mirrors her professional work, characterized by an affinity for textures and sleek, minimalist silhouettes in neutral, earthy color palettes, embodying a seamless blend of creativity and sophistication.

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Achievements Across Design, Science, and Technology

Neri Oxman's illustrious career is marked by a diverse array of accomplishments that transcend traditional boundaries. Her pioneering work in "material ecology," bio-inspired design, and self-assembly has garnered her numerous prestigious awards, including the Vilcek Prize in Design, the National Design Award (Aguahoja), the MacArthur Fellowship, the Earth Award, the MIT Collier Medal, the Innovation by Design Award, and many others.

These accolades serve as a testament to Oxman's relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of architecture and science, reshaping our understanding of what is achievable through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Personal Life and Philanthropic Ventures

Before her current marriage, Neri Oxman was wed to Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov. However, in 2019, she tied the knot with investor and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, with whom she shares a daughter.

Together, they serve as co-trustees of the Pershing Square Foundation, engaging in philanthropic endeavors to drive positive change and innovation.