Eric M. Field

BSAD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
M.Arch University of Virginia

Teaching Resources Coordinator

Eric M. Field is a design technologist in the School of Architecture.
His research involves the crossover and application of information technology to spatial culture, design, analysis and construction.

Mr. Field has taught courses in digital CNC Fabrication, advanced geometric CAD modeling, daylighting and energy systems analysis, and Information Space — a course on information graphics and interface design. These investigations stem directly from his research into the active integration of information systems with both human culture and the construction of the human environment.

He has co-taught core technology classes in 3D Computer Aided Design and Visualization, Animation and Moviemaking, and has guest lectured extensively on technology applications in design studios, seminars, and other courses. In 2003 Mr. Field collaborated with SHoP Architects in a graduate design studio focused on ‘versioning’ through digital technology and fabrication. In 1998, he taught with Donald Prowler (U. Penn) a course on Simulating Heat and Light for passive solar energy design. Mr. Field has also taught several segments of AIA/Continuing Education seminars on digital technology.

Mr. Field directs the school’s CNC Fabrication Lab of computer-controlled lasers, milling and routing machines, 3D digitizing and rapid-prototyping equipment, and the associated Parts Lab, enabling fabrication in the design studio setting.

Mr. Field is also a lead collaborator in the management and development of Computing and Information Technology in the school.

Published work includes applications to historical archaeology such as "The Central Core Structural System: A Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Five-Story Pagoda of Hōryūji" in Hōryūji Reconsidered (forthcoming 2008 from Cambridge Scholars Publishing), “A Photographic Analysis of the Kentucky Coffee Trees on the South Lawn at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest” (2002) and contributions to “On the Job: Design and the American Office” (exhibit, National Building Museum, Washington, D.C., 2000–2001).

Recent work focuses on contemporary design computation, fabrication, and simulation analysis, including “Performative Modeling and Versioning: Experimenting with Performance Driven Design” (2004), and developing new applications of building information technology for sustainable design.

Prior to the School of Architecture, Mr. Field was with the Office of the University Architect as a technical design lead and project manager coordinating the university’s first Electronic Master Plan as well as the University Information Kiosk project (1995) - a prototype walk-up information interface for university visitors. Mr. Field designed and coordinated both the physical structure and the touch-screen displays of information and navigation.

Outside of the school, Mr. Field maintains a small consulting and research practice of teaching and project work for the architectural and design communities. Projects include residential, commercial, and non-profit work, as well as advanced research applications in technology.