Fascinated by how contemporary objects can embody intelligence in their fabrication, functionality and form, Zach Pino creates parametric digital technologies, sensor-enabled electronics and novel reactive materials to design objects that exhibit an awareness of their users and environment.
With concepts derived from his experience in paper engineering, computer science, linguistics and animation, Zach’s current work focuses on 3D data visualization, language interfaces, sensor-enabled objects and software-evolved forms and kinetics.
Prior to joining UIC, where he teaches parametric modeling and electronics prototyping, Zach
contributed software, engineering simulations, translations, and design work to the Endangered Languages Project, Blue Origin, NASA, Celestron Telescopes, Pixar and the US Department of State. In addition to client partnerships, he has also launched multiple self-initiated crowdfunded projects.
Zach has displayed work at the Istanbul Design Biennial, Volume Gallery in Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Block Museum of Art.
He currently also serves as the lead digital tools instructor and digital project facilitator at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Institute of Design, where he teaches parametric design, fabricating with electronics, data visualization and cartography, animation, entrepreneurial design and product design courses.