Dr. Othar Zaldastani

Othar Zaldastani with his wife, Elizabeth Reily Bailey

Through the Years: A Timeline of Dr. Zaldastani's Impactful Life

Early Life and Education:

  • 1922: Born in Tbilisi, Georgia.
  • 1925: Emigrates to France with his family.
  • 1945: Graduates from the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées (Paris School of Roads and Bridges).
  • Influenced by: Works of Georgian scientists Muskhelishvili and Vekua.

Academic and Research Career:

  • 1946: Earns Master's degree from Harvard University.
  • 1947-1950: Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.
  • 1950: Receives Doctorate in Science from Harvard, specializing in aerodynamics and soil mechanics.
  • Throughout career: Authors numerous theoretical works and invents new construction methods.
  • Research: Lays the groundwork for future projects like the Palm Jumeirah.

Engineering Career

  • 1946: Starts working at Harvard University.
  • 1948: Moves to Boston and begins consulting work at Nichols and Norton.
  • 1949-1952: Consultant at Nichols and Norton.
  • 1952: Becomes a partner, forming "Nichols, Norton and Zaldastani."
  • 1964-1989: President of "Zaldastani Association" in Boston.
  • 1971: Changes firm name to "Zaldastani Associates Incorporated."
  • 1989-1997: Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zaldastani Associates Inc.
  • Over a lifetime: leads a team of 25 engineers to design and implement over 1,000 structures worldwide, including:
    • Hotel: Copley Place
    • Airport: Boston International Airport
    • Stadiums: Fenway Park, Harvard University Stadium, and Brown University Stadium
    • University Projects: Reconstruction of "Moihan" University auditorium
    • Government buildings: Palaces in Washington D.C. and other US cities
    • International Projects: Multi-storey buildings in Iraq, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and France
    • Memorials: U.S. Memorial at the Normandy landing site
    • Artificial Island Project: Palm Jumeirah in Dubai (designed in 2002)

Key Achievements and Innovations

  • Pioneered: Use of artificial soil creation in construction projects.
  • Developed: Techniques for optimizing highway space utilization.
  • Received numerous awards: Recognized as one of America's best engineers.
  • Holds patents: Including a prestressed concrete beam and deck system.

Leadership in the Georgian Community

  • 1958-1965: Elected president of the Georgian Association in the United States.
  • Throughout career: Actively involved in preserving Georgian culture and heritage.
  • Contributes to: Securing official recognition for the Georgian Association.
  • Supports: Establishment of the American Academy in Tbilisi.
  • Facilitates: Educational opportunities for Georgian students in the US.

Personal Life

  • 1963: Marries Elizabeth Reily Bailey.
  • Has three children: Elizabeth, Anne, and Alexander.
  • 2005: Passes away.

Legacy

  • Daughter, Elizabeth Zaldastan: Serves as president of the Georgian Association (1995-2001).
  • Son, Nicholas Zaldastan: Works in the construction industry.
  • Remembered as: Brilliant scientist, accomplished engineer, and dedicated advocate for the Georgian community.

Additional Notes

  • 1997: Awarded Honorary Citizenship by the Georgian government.
  • His contributions to: Engineering and the Georgian community remain largely unknown in Georgia.