From her diploma in Architecture and doctoral research in Switzerland at ETH Zurich to her current position as a Professor at the Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT), Professor Ming Shan (Charmaine) Ng has built a career at the intersection of architecture, robotics, and sustainability. During her PhD in Design for Digital Fabrication and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly at ETH Zurich, she immersed herself in digital fabrication and robotics, an experience that not only shaped her research direction but also forged lasting collaborations that continue to define her work today.

Now leading the Chair of Architecture, Construction and Innovation (建築構法イノベーション研究室) at KIT, she explores how novel technologies can solve complex design challenges with an emphasis on sustainability and systemic solutions. The international ties built in Switzerland remain central to her career, and they are most visible in the latest exhibition, Tor Alva – Built by Robots, in the Swiss Pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka, in collaboration with ETH Zurich and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). Tor Alva is the world’s tallest 3D-printed tower, and it is located in Switzerland.

Why did you choose Switzerland for your Bachelor’s and Doctoral studies, and how did that experience shape your career and vision?
I chose Switzerland because the Diploma in Architecture (Bachelor’s and Master’s) at ETH Zurich offers one of the best architectural educations in the world. My studies there greatly broadened my horizons and deepened my love for architecture. This foundation led me to an exciting professional journey, during which I worked on several high-profile projects, including the Google Headquarters Bay View, Genossenschaft Kalkbreite in Zurich, and Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 5.
After many years in the industry, I decided to return to ETH Zurich to pursue a doctoral degree in the Department of Civil Engineering. The education I received there gave me strong confidence in my abilities and a deep belief in the value of applying knowledge to contribute to society.

How did your time at ETH Zurich influence the way you approach research and innovation today?
My time at ETH Zurich has deeply and positively influenced the way I approach innovation and knowledge. Whether through research, architectural design, construction projects, or collaborations with experts from different fields, I’ve learned to value not just the outcomes but also the joy and enthusiasm that come from the process of learning and exploration.

What role did your Swiss experience play in building the international collaborations you are now leading?
Thanks to my experience in Switzerland and the strong ties I have fostered there, I am now honored to take a leading role in bringing Swiss collaborators to Japan. This includes not only presenting the Tor Alva – Built by Robots exhibition at EXPO 2025 Osaka (from August 13 to October 13, 2025) but also organizing an event with over 30 professionals from the Japanese construction industry at the Swiss Pavilion on July 8, 2025. This collaboration has strengthened ties between Switzerland and Japan, fostering the exchange of knowledge and the development of potential joint R&D projects.
I am also currently working with the ETH Zurich team on process studies related to Tor Alva, further advancing our shared commitment to innovation in digital construction technologies.

Can you tell us more about your current project: the Tor Alva – Built by robots project?
Tor Alva—also known as the White Tower—is a collaboration between ETH Zurich, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), and the Kyoto Institute of Technology. Standing 30 meters tall in the Swiss mountains, it is the world’s tallest 3D-printed structure, composed of 124 3D-printed components fabricated at ETH Zurich.
The project goes beyond demonstrating cutting-edge digital fabrication and human-robot collaboration in construction; it also carries social and cultural significance. Located in the small Alpine village of Mulegns, which has only 11 residents, Tor Alva is helping to revitalize the area by serving as the new center for Digital Construction Technologies, hosting art installations, and performances.

How has your research at Kyoto Institute of Technology contributed to this project?
At the Kyoto Institute of Technology, we focus on integrating robotics into architectural design and construction. The collaboration on this project has allowed us to test our research in a real-world context, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with digital fabrication and supporting the development of sustainable construction practices.

What significance does showcasing Tor Alva at EXPO 2025 Osaka hold for your project?
The Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka provided a global platform to share our work at the intersection of architecture, robotics, and sustainability. It allowed us to engage with a diverse audience, gather feedback, and foster discussions on the future of construction. We aim to understand public perceptions of 3D-printed structures and explore how these innovations can be integrated into everyday life in socially meaningful ways. Through the exhibition at Expo 2025 Osaka, we invited visitors to provide their feedback about digital technologies through seeing the exhibits on this 10-second survey: https://limesurvey.zhaw.ch/expo

How could further collaboration contribute to your research?
Cross-cultural collaboration is key to advancing robotic architecture. We welcome partnerships with institutions and researchers interested in digital fabrication and sustainable construction. By working together, we can push the boundaries of innovation and contribute to the development of more sustainable and socially integrated built environments.

Interview conducted by Leïla Joutet
Editorial direction and final review by Alice Rouaud