The University of Kansas Department of Architecture will present the Robo Expo, an event focusing on computational thinking and emerging computer-enabled manufacturing technologies used in design fields. The event will take place 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 1 in The Forum at Marvin Hall.

Students, educators and professionals will be able to attend lectures, workshops, a robotics expo and participate in conversations regarding the future of design thinking and computational thinking.

“A foundation in architectural design studies at KU can serve as the springboard for a wide variety of innovative and creative careers,” said Department of Architecture Chair Paola Sanguinetti, one of the organizers of the Expo.

“The goal of the Robo Expo is to explore how design-based activities such as robotics and computer-aided manufacturing that involve design and computational thinking can become pathways that lead students into STEM fields at both the post-graduate and professional levels,” she said.

Two keynote presentations will address design thinking and STEM. In the morning session Melvin Mitchell, of Bryant Mitchell Architects, Washington, D.C., will present “What Is Design Computing?”

In the afternoon, Eui-Sung Yi, design principal at Morphosis Architects, Los Angeles, and director of the Now Institute at UCLA, will also make a presentation on computer-aided design used in the design of his firm’s iconic structures.

Andrew Manto from Zahner Inc., a Kansas City, Missouri-based metal fabricating company, will host a panel discussion on the use of robotics in architecture and design.

Faculty, high school educators and industry professionals are welcome to attend. For more information and to register, see the Robo Expo Information page.