Robin is a structural engineer and researcher working on the topology of structures. His doctoral and postdoctoral research journey through Ecole des Ponts, ETH Zurich, University of Cambridge, Princeton University, and TU Delft led him to develop holistic digital design & construction processes, including generative design, constrained optimization, robotic fabrication, and augmented craft, with applications focusing on spanning structures, like gridshells, shells, vaults, and floors. As a researcher at Ecole des Ponts, Robin is exploring generative design methods and digital construction technologies aiming to make complex topology accessible.

• Structural design
• Topological exploration
• Generative design
• Structural optimization
• Automated construction

• Academic coordinator | Department of Civil Engineering and Construction | ENPC
• Lecturer | Advanced Structural Design | ENPC

• Since 2025 | Ecole Nationale des Ponts & Chaussées | Academic coordinator and researcher
• 2023 – 2025 | TU Delft | Assistant professor
• 2022 – 2023 | Princeton University| Postdoctoral research associate
• 2019 – 2022 | University of Cambridge | Postdoctoral research associate
• 2016 – 2019 | Ecole Nationale des Ponts & Chaussées and ETH Zurich | Joint doctoral researcher

• Oval, Robin, Matthias Rippmann, Romain Mesnil, Tom Van Mele, Olivier Baverel, and Philippe Block. “Feature-based topology finding of patterns for shell structures." Automation in Construction. 2019.
• Oval, Robin, Romain Mesnil, Tom Van Mele, Olivier Baverel, and Philippe Block. “Similarity-driven topology finding of surface patterns for structural design." Computer-Aided Design. 2024.
• Oval, Robin, Mishael Nuh, Eduardo Costa, Omar Abo Madyan, John Orr, and Paul Shepherd. “A prototype low-carbon segmented concrete shell building floor system." Structures. 2023.
• Nuh, Mishael, Robin Oval, John Orr, and Paul Shepherd. “Digital fabrication of ribbed concrete shells using automated robotic concrete spraying." Additive Manufacturing. 2022.
• Oval, Robin, John Orr, and Paul Shepherd. “Structural design and fabrication of concrete reinforcement with layout optimisation and robotic filament winding." Automation in Construction. 2025.
• Oval, Robin, Rafael Pastrana, Edvard PG Bruun, Vittorio Paris, Salvador Gomis Aviño, Sigrid Adriaenssens, and Wesam Al Asali. “An integrated digital design and construction approach for falsework-minimal masonry vaults." Structures. 2024.
• Nourian, Pirouz, Shervin Azadi, and Robin Oval. “Generative design in architecture: From mathematical optimization to grammatical customization." In Computational design and digital manufacturing. 2023.