Ruxin Xie

Ruxin (pronounced as Ru-shin) is a researcher, designer, and lifelong maker. Her work lies at the intersection of art, architecture, mechanics, and robotics.  
She lives with a tabby cat named TT — Tiny Tiger. ᓚᘏᗢ

Curriculum vitae
Publications
Contact


2025

XXXBuildfest 2024Bethel, NY, USAXXIXRobotic SetupsPrinceton, NJ, USA
2023
XXVIIIThe ObservatoryCupertino, CA, USA XXVIITree House[Concept]XXVIGoogle StoreSanta Monica, CA, USAXXVCat LampCupertino, CA, USA
2022
XXIVSystems EngagementAnn Arbor, MI, USA
2021
XXIIICocoonAnn Arbor, MI, USAXXIISocial EquilibriaVenice, ItalyXXITopology Optimized Building Envelope Ann Arbor, MI, USAXXPoly-Fractal PackingAnn Arbor, MI, USAXIXPneumatic Origami Self FoldingAnn Arbor, MI, USA
2020

XVIIIDesign Ecologies of Glass[Concept]XVIIArchitecture {AI}[Concept]XVIVolumetric KnittingAnn Arbor, MI, USAXVShelf - Generative DeisignAnn Arbor, MI, USAXIVLight LeakAnn Arbor, MI, USAXIIITriByteAnn Arbor, MI, USAXIIMantaAnn Arbor, MI, USAXIHoursteelAnn Arbor, MI, USA
2019

XContext. Community. Co-op. Core[Concept]IXPlayscapeAnn Arbor, MI, USAVIIIExquisite LampAnn Arbor, MI, USAVIIKnitted InflatablesAnn Arbor, MI, USA
2018
VIEngageAnn Arbor, MI, USAVFantastic Beasts And Here They Are[Concept]IVAnimation and Architecture[Concept]
2017 and Earlier
IIISponge at Crossroad[Concept]IIBridge Church[Concept]IBirdwatching Pavilion[Concept]
Life

Drawings

Photography

Cooking





© 2017–2025 Ruxin Xie
Design Ecologies of Glass

Year
2020

Location
Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Instructors
Kathy Velikov
Matias del Campo

Researchers
Lucas Denit, Kazi Najeeb Hasan Ruxin Xie

Status
Concept

Affiliation
Taubman College University of Michigan

Program
Community Stage

Role
Computational Designer

Tool Box
Rhino, Grasshopper, Ladybug (Climate Analysis), Archsim (Energy Modeling), Diva (Daylighting & Energy Modeling), Octopus (Multi-Objective Optimization)


As all-glass envelopes with very high efficiency (R-20) become technologically feasible, this project investigates the implications for existing building typologies and the new design possibilities that emerge. We explore the significant decision-making drivers, paradigm shifts, and transformations within the ecology of design, delivery, and real estate that will shape the future of building envelopes and typologies.

Design Research Problem: Developing scenarios requires a flexible design methodology that allows for the rapid visualization and evaluation of multiple options based on the differential prioritization of design drivers.



 




Methodology: The approach combines parametric modeling with evolutionary solvers. Conventional digital modeling tools often rely on destructive processes, where changes to model geometry cannot be easily revisited or updated. In contrast, a parametric modeling tool is non-destructive, enabling decisions made at one stage of the design to remain open for revision later, with subsequent design characteristics updating accordingly.An evolutionary solver employs a problem-solving method that mimics biological evolution, achieving a “fitness” objective by testing numerous iterations. While early solvers typically optimized a single fitness goal, a multi-objective solver balances the fitness of two or more goals simultaneously.


Optimization Objectives:
Fitness 1: Total Annual Solar Exposure, measured in total kWh during the month of August.
Fitness 2: Interior Daylight Quality, assessed as a proportion of spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) versus Annual Sun Exposure (ASE).
Fitness 3: Cross Ventilation, quantified in hours of thermal comfort without mechanical heating or cooling during August.

This project aims to redefine our understanding of building envelopes, pushing the boundaries of design through innovative methodologies and optimization strategies.