Stijn Brancart

Experience

• 

  Vrije Universiteit Brussel

  Sept 2013 - Aug 2021

  Within the proof-of-concept project 'Flexible systems for temporary, mobile and transformable event shelters', I collaborated on the further development and potential marketing of rapidly assembled bending-active systems. As a visiting professor at the department of Mechanics of Materials and Constructions, I co-taught the MA2 course unit 'Form finding and structural optimisation'. During one year, I got to share my expertise on the design of lightweight structures. As a postdoctoral researcher I was involved in the Circular Retrofit Lab as part of the H2020 project 'Buildings as Material Banks' (BAMB). The main aim of this project was to aid the construction sector in its transition towards a more circular model. The Circular Retrofit Lab is a pilot project for circular construction at the campus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, which puts forward practical solutions for circular design in close collaboration with a wide range of industrial partners. Through my PhD dissertation entitled 'Rapidly assembled systems with flexible components: a dialogue between active-bending and transformability' I studied innovative structural systems for the development of temporary structures. These structures are material-efficient and can easily be manufactured, assembled and reused. As such, the work can contribute to the event sector, offering solutions for festivals, fairs and exhibitions.

  • Research Collaborator

    Jun 2019 - Aug 2021

  • Visiting professor

    Oct 2018 - Sept 2019

  • Postdoctoral researcher - Circular Retrofit Lab and BAMB

    Jun 2018 - May 2019

  • PhD researcher

    Sept 2013 - Jun 2018
• 

  VIBE vzw

  Sept 2019 - Aug 2021

  Circular construction expert

  As a circular construction expert at VIBE vzw I advised and supported different construction actors on the transition towards a circular construction industry. Through small research projects, education and project guidance, me and my colleagues worked on developing a more sustainable building practice.

• 

  Delft University of Technology

  Sept 2021 - now

  Assistant professor of structural design

  As an assistant professor at the Department of Architectural Engineering & Technology at TU Delft, I am responsible for teaching and research in the field of circular timber structures. With this, I aim to contribute to a more resource-efficient, local, and ultimately regenerative timber construction practice.