Using Kits to Teach Structural Engineering with Marcio Sequeira

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Mike Palmer welcomes Marcio Sequeira, founder and CEO of MOLA, to discuss structural engineering education and the future of architecture.

Marcio shares his background and how his interest in architecture and structures was influenced by his parents' careers in steel construction and physics. He explains how he developed MOLA, a physical model kit that uses springs and magnets to teach structural concepts, out of frustration with abstract structural engineering classes in university.

We explore the importance of hands-on, visual learning in architectural education and how MOLA helps students develop intuition about building behavior. Marcio discusses MOLA's use in university settings, including at MIT for teaching structural dynamics.

The conversation touches on the balance between artistic vision and functionality in architecture, using examples like Gaudi's work in Barcelona. We discuss the challenges of teaching architectural concepts earlier in K-12 education and the potential for tools like MOLA to spark interest in the field.

Marcio shares insights on emerging trends in architecture, including the increasing use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in Brazil. We also explore the impact of climate change and environmental concerns on architectural design.

The episode concludes with Marcio's advice for aspiring architects and educators, emphasizing the value of persistence and long-term vision. He shares that MOLA took 20 years from concept to a successful company, highlighting the importance of dedication in pursuing one's goals.

Key takeaways:

1. Hands-on, visual learning tools like MOLA can significantly enhance structural engineering education.
2. Integrating architectural concepts earlier in K-12 education could help spark interest in the field.
3. Persistence and long-term vision are crucial for success in both education and entrepreneurship.

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