Personal Statement

Michael Leighton Beaman is a Virginia Teaching Fellow and a visiting Assistant Professor of Architecture at The University of Virginia, School of Architecture. He also holds the position of Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Texas, Austin. His academic research focuses on the theory and application of technology in design and its implications for sustainability and socially conscious practices. At U.T., Austin Beaman coordinates undergraduate research studios, as well as conducts interdisciplinary technology seminars and teaches the Sustainability Innovations Advanced Studio series. While at U.Va. Beaman is pursuing research and instruction focused on procedural design problems. Professor Beaman is the Principle at GA|Collaborative (GA|C) and Founder of beta-field. GA|C is a multidisciplinary, international design firm working in the United States, Africa, Asia and Europe. Founded in 2007, GA|C works with non-profit organizations, NGOs, co-operatives and like-minded individuals to design and implement strategic architecture and landscape solutions to developing, disadvantaged or vulnerable communities. In 2009, Beaman formed beta-field, a research and design practice focused on generic and procedural design problems and their implications on the built environment, technology, & culture. Beta-field, provides a framework to engage projective processes and inquiries within the disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, product design and strategic design. Beaman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from North Carolina State University and a Master’s degree in Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. He has lectured and presented work, research, and theoretical texts throughout the U.S. Previous to his position at U.Va., Beaman has taught at Northeastern University, North Carolina State University College of Design, Boston Architecture College, and the Harvard Graduate School of Design Career Discovery Program. offices: GA|C - www.gacollaborative.org beta-field - www.beta-field.net