Architectural Culture and Heritage Research Lab

The Architectural Culture and Heritage Research Lab at Korea University is dedicated to uncovering and preserving the historical value of traditional architecture while creating a sustainable future through the integration of modern technologies.
The lab is led by Professor Seongryong Ryu, who earned his master's and doctoral degrees at Korea University. Professor Ryu has systematically organized the history and styles of Korean wooden architecture and has been recognized with numerous academic awards.
Through extensive research and analysis of various architectural heritage sites, including Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) and Manwoldae, a royal palace from the Goryeo Dynasty, the lab provides essential foundational data for the efficient preservation and accurate restoration of historical structures.

Recently, the lab has been at the forefront of incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) into its projects, leading the modernization and advancement of traditional wooden architecture.
With the organic fusion of tradition and contemporary technology as its ultimate goal, the lab strives to contribute to the preservation and creative development of Korea’s architectural heritage.

• Major research content

• History of Korean Architecture
• History of East Asian Architecture
• Development of AI-based Analysis and Virtual Design Technologies for Traditional Wooden Structures
• Architectural Research for the Digital Restoration of Manwoldae Palace in Gaeseong
• Construction of Repair History Database and HBIM for Cultural Heritage

A.D.R.P Lab

The Architecture Design, Research, and Practice (A.D.R.P) Lab at Korea University's Department of Architecture engages in the critical exploration of architecture's potential and role as a social catalyst. The lab investigates the complex relationships between architecture, urbanism, society, culture, and technology. It seeks to respond organically to rapidly evolving social contexts, experimenting with innovative technologies to propose sustainable and creative architectural solutions.
A.D.R.P functions as a collaborative research platform that bridges theory and practice, translating research into real-world design through built projects. By fostering interdisciplinary participation and emphasizing practice-based inquiry, the lab aims to offer bold yet precise responses to the pressing challenges faced by contemporary architecture.

• Major research content

• Research on the relationship between supertall buildings, cities, and society
• Research on sustainable architectural design
• Research on the systemic integration of architecture and technology
• Research on high-performance façade design
• Research on high-efficiency, eco-friendly architectural retrofits

AEES Lab : Architectural Environment & Energy Systems Lab

Korea University's Architectural Environment and Energy Systems Laboratory conducts comprehensive research in building services and environmental engineering, aiming to enhance energy efficiency in buildings, which account for over 30% of global energy consumption, and to create comfortable indoor environments. Our research includes machine learning-based optimal control technologies for building systems, the development and implementation of energy supply systems for smart cities, utilization of unused energy sources, and the application of renewable energy systems. Our goal is not only to meet the technological demands of the present generation but also to pioneer essential building and environmental engineering technologies for future generations. Through these efforts, we strive to improve human health and advance the competitiveness of the building services industry.

• Major research content

• Machine Learning based Model Predictive Control
• Variable Refrigerant Flow System, Underfloor Air Distribution System, Radiant Cooling & Heating System, Energy Efficient Heat Pump System
• Renewable Energy System for Building Applications
• Energy Demand/Supply System for Smart City
• Emerging Technology in Building Mechanical Systems

OA-Lab : Operative Architecture Lab

OA-Lab(Operative Architecture Laboratory) at Korea University is a design-research platform found by Jungmin Nam, to bridge between ¡°real life-application¡± and ¡°academic research.¡± It pursues an innovative design practice, believing that design can improve our society and culture. Looking for design opportunities inherent in our everyday life, OA-Lab works with projects with various scales and searches for design solutions to make them operate with their environment, society and culture. OA-Lab is conducting design research by focusing on urban-human life, technology and materials, as follows.

• Major research content

• Research on Integrated Architectural Greenery
• Study on low-rise Housing in the dense city
• Research on digital Fabrications for the Integrated design-construction
• Study on educational and cultural building typologies

ARTS Lab : Architectural Research of Technology & Scientific design Lab

Established in 2024, the Architectural Research of Technology and Scientific design Lab (ARTS Lab) in the Korea University leads innovative architectural research through the integration of advanced technologies, aiming to realize future architectural design as a Bio-Living System. Our laboratory is dedicated to scientifically validating a visionary future for architecture by implementing experimental architectural models using state-of-the-art research infrastructures and cutting-edge experimental equipment, including AI-based design automation and optimization, bio-based novel materials, bio/4D printing, and robotics prototyping facilities. ARTS Lab seeks to blur the divide between architectural design and technology through interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations with leading academic institutions and industries both domestically and internationally. To this end, we aim to foster an open research ecosystem by strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration among next-generation architects and researchers, while establishing a global research network to achieve high-quality research performance. Our lab members explore new directions for future architecture through creative and challenging research activities. By striving to become leaders on both domestic and international fronts, they will play a pivotal role in constructing sustainable architectural and urban environments.

• Major research content

• AI-assisted Robotics in Architecture
• 3D/4D Printed Architecture using Emerging Materials
• Responsively Movable (Kinetic) Architecture
• Building Design Simulation, Optimization, and Automation