Mr Tom Benson
Tom is a multi-disciplinary designer and is trained in Architecture from the UK. Since graduating from the University of Westminster, he has been at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he is working as a Project Lead within the Senseable City Lab.
He graduated with distinction in a Master of Architecture in 2017 from the University of Westminster where his design thesis took an urban system approach which aimed to restore the Pallikaranai Wetland, India, considered to be an ecological system, using algal blooms. The design sought to implement a series of instruments deployed in the Pallikaranai Marsh, which will transform it into a responsive landscape, healing itself over time. The design thesis has been published globally.
He has also spent time working in three practices: First, in Beijing working for Buro Ole Scheeren where I worked on a series of international competitions ranging from a headquarters in Berlin to an urban design proposal in the Olympic Park in London. Second, with Foster + Partners, where I worked with Narinder Sagoo to develop narratives by using different media to conceptualise early-stage proposals. While there, I also helped design and develop the Droneport project based in Rwanda, Africa [Times Invention of The Year 2016]. Third, with GRUNER + FRIENDS to develop new tools using AI and Machine Learning to generate new proposals using various contextual parameters.
Tutoring experience
Practical Experince:
Project Lead // MIT Senseable City Lab // 2018-
Designer // Gruner+Friends // 2018
Researcher // Monsoon Assemblages // 2018
Part 2 Architectural Assistant // BDP // 2017-2018
Part 1 Architectural Assistant // Foster + Partners // 2014-2015
Designer // Buro Ole Scheeren // 2013-2014
Teaching Experience:
Tutor // MIT // 2018-2020
Tutor // University of Westminster // 2015-2017
Education:
Master of Architecture // University of Westminster // 2015-2017 (distintion)
Bachelor of Architecuture // University of Central Lancashire // 2010-2013 // (first class)
Publications:
New urban habits in Stockholm following COVID-19 // Urban Studies // 2020
Urban environments in the COVID-19 era: Assessing outdoor public spaces for pedestrian social distancing // Urban Studies // 2020
Predicting an Early Warning System for Gentrification in Stockholm // Machine Learning conference // 2020
Evaluating the Human Experience of Autonomous Boats with Immersive Virtual Reality // Journal of Urban Technology // 2020
Towards large-scale drive-by sensing with multi-purpose City Scanner nodes // IEEE conference // 2019
Awards:
Innovation by Design [Winner] // Fast Company // 2020
Best Paper Award [Winner] // IEEE conference // 2019
Innovation by Design [Honourable Mention] // Fast Company // 2019
Approach to tutoring
My teaching method varies on each class and the aims of the students. The overall method that I try to convey is enjoyment and engagement. You and I are both here to learn, and I feel strongly that learning should not be stressful. However, I will still push the students to achieve above and beyond, making radical proposals and decisions that can take them to the top of their respective field.
With my teaching experience at MIT and at the University of Westminster, I have taught various cultures and backgrounds, and levels of experience, and I am confident I can help you achieve your goals.
Qualifications
| Year | Course | Grade | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Bachelor of Architecture | First Class | UCLAN |
| 2017 | Master of Architecture | Distinction | University of Westminster |
| 2020 | Urban Science | - | MIT |
| Availability: | Weekdays (daytime and evening) / Weekends |
| Tuition location: | Tutor's home only |
| References: |  |