5 minutes with Martha Tsigkari

Martha Tsigkari is the head of Applied R+D, a group pursuing state-of-the-art research in different fields from complex geometry to machine learning at Foster + Partners. Martha’s work incorporates computational design, human-computer interaction, machine learning, and optimisation. She has investigated the use of AI and genetic algorithms in the design process, aiming to solve problems that range from passively actuated micromaterials to performance-driven urban layouts. She has provided solutions for hundreds of projects since she joined the practice in 2006.

Martha tells us about her experience working on Mexico City Airport, a mentor who shaped her career, and why she loves visiting the Acropolis Museum in Athens. 

Earliest memory at Foster + Partners

Walking up the main staircase in our London office for the first time – it’s definitely designed to create a dramatic sense of arrival.

A standout project

Mexico City airport – the one that got away!

I was lucky enough to work with the design team on the development of the airport’s space frame and cladding, using parametric design and custom algorithms.

A mentor

The late and great Alasdair Turner, the course leader and my tutor on the MSc Adaptive Architecture and Computation course at the Bartlett [School of Architecture, UCL]. It’s now the MSc Architectural Computation course, which I teach on as an Associate Professor.

Alasdair pulled me down the rabbit hole and showed me a world I didn’t know existed.

A source of inspiration

My entire Applied R+D team – their talent, creativity and sense of humour inspires me every day.

A favourite city to visit

Any city by the sea will do – like my hometown of Thessaloniki.

Napoli is also a great one. The city and its people are genuine and unpretentious. Its chaotic vibrancy suits me well – like the poet Wisława Szymborska, I prefer the hell of chaos to the hell of order.

Where do you call home?

London is the home I return to, but I feel viscerally connected to the sea, sun and rocks of Greece.

A hidden gem in your neighbourhood

The lawn in front of Battersea Power Station on a summer’s evening.  

When everyone has gone, you can sit on the deck chairs and enjoy the quiet of the river.

A city we should learn from

Athens – both an example to replicate and avoid.

Your favourite building 

I am biased towards all Foster + Partners buildings, as I think they create incredible spatial experiences.

As I’m unable to pick one, I will choose a building that we haven’t designed: the Acropolis Museum in Athens. I love the juxtaposition between the Parthenon on the Acropolis hill and the marble sculptures exhibited within the museum.

Early bird or night owl?

The only thing I'm good at in the morning is drinking coffee.

One thing you can’t live without

Stories.

A piece of advice for your younger self

Don’t sweat the small stuff.