1995-1999 The Beginning
Before the establishment of the Graduate Institute of Architecture (GIA), it was the Architecture Group at the Institute of Applied Arts. The research directions of the group are in the Theory of Digital Architecture and the Process of Design Thinking. The group accepts 5-7 master students and was led by Prof. Yu-Tung Liu, Prof. Chiyi Chang, and a group of adjunct faculties. The curriculum was primarily in computer-related architectural theories, such as Artificial Intelligence, Collaborative Design, Design Thinking, Media, Cognition and Computation, as well as Design Methodology. The goal of the group was to set a solid foundation for the researches in digital theories in architecture and promote the achievements to the international communities.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of “Architectural Design in the Era of Computers and the Internet” and to maintain a forward-thinking approach amidst the global digital advancements in architecture, the focus was placed on “The Digital Development of Architecture.” This approach aimed to integrate design creation, theoretical research, and studies on design media to avoid fragmented comprehension.
In pursuit of these objectives, active collaborations were established with architectural research institutions sharing similar goals, such as MIT and Columbia University in the United States, as well as ETH Zurich in Switzerland. These efforts centered around three key aspects in the history of contemporary architecture:
- Design Creation: Architectural design, design methods, and processes.
- Cognitive Thinking and Computational Theory: Design thinking, cognition, and computational design.
- Digital Media Research: Development, creation, and application of digital design media.
2000-2009 First Decade
Architecture, by its very nature, is an integration of art (architectural design creation and methodology), technology (technical expertise and theory), and humanities (culture, society, history, and philosophy). The essence of architecture has always been closely intertwined with the development of its era. Looking at major revolutionary advancements in human civilization—the pastoral age, the agricultural age, and the industrial age—each has brought profound transformations to architecture across artistic, technological, and humanistic dimensions. In contemporary times, two critical questions have emerged in architectural education at National Chiao Tung University (NCTU): how to extend theory into design and how to expand digitalization comprehensively.
Recognizing the rise of digital architecture and avant-garde design trends, and the urgent need to cultivate more professional design leaders, NCTU submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Education in 1998 to establish the Graduate Institute of Architecture. Approval was granted in 1999, and the institute was officially established in 2000. In architectural design, the institute offers a Master of Architecture (M.Arch. I & II) degrees, enrolling students from architecture-related backgrounds (M.Arch. II) as well as those from non-architecture disciplines (M.Arch. I). For digital design, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Architecture is offered, admitting graduates from architecture and related digital design fields.
The three specialization tracks are as follows:
- Master of Architecture, M.Arch. I
- Master of Architecture, M.Arch. II
- Master of Science in Architecture, M.S.
2010-2019 Second Decade
During this phase, the Graduate Institute of Architecture underwent organizational restructuring and development, marked by faculty transitions, the introduction of new talent, and adjustments to the academic curriculum. These changes were made in response to reforms in the architectural licensure examination, emerging digital technology trends, and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and global engagement. As a result, starting in 2015, the research domains were restructured into two major directions:
1. Professional Contemporary Architectural Design
This track primarily corresponds to the Postgraduate Architecture Program (M.Arch. I), which admits students from non-architecture backgrounds. The curriculum and research focus on fundamental and professional architectural education, as well as theoretical and practical training in global and Taiwanese contemporary architectural thought and avant-garde architectural design.
2. Advanced Interdisciplinary Design Research
This track is centered on digital theory, design science, advanced technologies, and design practice and offers three degrees:
• Master of Architecture (M.Arch. II)
• Master of Science in Architecture (M.S.)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture (Ph.D.)
Students from both architecture and non-architecture backgrounds are admitted into this track. The teaching and research are further divided into architecture-oriented and digital-oriented directions:
- Architectural Design Track
- Designed for students with prior architectural training.
- Focuses on advanced architectural topics, architectural theory, innovative design, social engagement, smart living, and architectural practice projects.
- Also includes training in professional writing, analysis, and critique.
- Digital Design Track & Ph.D. Explores 21st-century digital advancements, and emphasizes both cutting-edge experimentation and a balance of theoretical validation and technical implementation. Such as:
- Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
- Computational design methodologies
- Design programming and development
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Advanced architectural materials
- Robotics and intelligent machines
- Interactive technology and environmental art
- Experimental new digital media
This period coincided with global educational reforms, including architectural education reform, the Maker Movement, interdisciplinary education collaboration, and experimental education. In response to these trends, the institute expanded its engagement with new educational environments and cross-disciplinary initiatives. Key efforts included:
- Establishing university-wide design workshops
- Launching interdisciplinary undergraduate design programs
- Introducing the Bǎi Chuān Program, an experimental education initiative
These initiatives reflected the institute’s commitment to cross-disciplinary design education, experimental learning, and broader design outreach activities.
Vision
Cross-disciplinary education
In recent years, the curriculum structure and academic system of the Graduate Institute of Architecture have undergone significant changes. In response to global trends in education and professional practice, the institute has made a dedicated effort to integrate digital technology, design, and other interdisciplinary fields. This integration distinguishes the institute from other architectural programs. Looking ahead, the vision for education focuses on the innovation and convergence of digital technology and art, urban design, and architectural design, positioning the institute as a leader in architectural education in Taiwan—one that aligns with contemporary advancements and cultivates future leaders.
Since 2015, the institute has further expanded its cross-college, cross-disciplinary, and cross-university collaborations in both teaching and research, including:
Intra-University Collaborations:
- Interdisciplinary Arts Team (in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Arts and the Institute of Music)
- Robotics Program (Master’s program in the College of Electrical Engineering)
- Arete Honors Program (an extension of the undergraduate liberal arts program and experimental education)
- Smart Living Talent Development Program
- Design and Innovative Technology Interdisciplinary Program (for undergraduate students)
- Service Learning Programs (primarily for undergraduates)
- Undergraduate General Education Courses
Inter-University Collaborations:
- High Scope Program (an initiative extending university-level innovative courses to high school students)
- Old Town Revitalization and Local Regeneration Projects
- Aesthetic Education Reform in Secondary Schools
- Humanitarian Architecture Initiatives
These initiatives reflect the institute’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary learning, advancing design education, and engaging with broader societal and cultural developments.
International Collaborations
Over the years, the Graduate Institute of Architecture has actively established international collaborations with universities and institutions worldwide, including:
- 2010: Co-hosted the “Innovative Knowledge-Based Regional Development and Creative Cities” International Workshop and Forum with the Architectural Association (AA) in the UK and the International Urban Development Association (INTA). Additionally, collaborated on the Co-Studio Teaching program with Yale University, University of Kentucky, Syracuse University, The University of Hong Kong, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Yokohama National University.
- 2011: Invited Professor Andrea Leers from Harvard University Graduate School of Design to give a Future Campus lecture and lead a masterclass workshop.
- 2012: Hosted ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) faculty and students for a month-long Generative Architecture Workshop, Exhibition, and Forum.
- 2013: Organized the ARCHISTAGOGUE Biomimicry & Light Mapping Workshop and Exhibition, featuring an avant-garde Polish architecture and art collective.
- 2014: Competed in the Solar Decathlon Europe 2014, an international green building energy house competition hosted by France’s CSTB (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment) and the U.S. Department of Energy. The team won: 1st place in Urban Design, 2nd place in Innovation, 3rd place in Energy Efficiency, and 3rd place in the Public Choice Award. Looking ahead, the institute aims to expand collaborations with top academic institutions over the next five years to further broaden its international perspective.
- 2015: Invited Alastair Parvin, founder of WikiHouse, to participate in a humanitarian architecture design course focused on open-source housing design and construction.
- 2015–2018: Collaborated with National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) to organize an International Digital Design and Fabrication Workshop.
- 2016: Selected as the Taiwan Pavilion team for the Venice Architecture Biennale, presenting the theme “Taiwan Re-Fabrication: Vernacular Architecture”.
- June 2016: Participated in the Smart Craft Studio, a month-long digital craftsmanship workshop in Hida, Japan, co-hosted by FabCafe, the University of Toronto, Parsons School of Design (New York), and National Chiao Tung University (NCTU).
- 2016–2018: Invited for multiple consecutive years to participate in the International Design Workshop co-hosted by the University of Tokyo and UCLA. This workshop featured renowned architects, designers, and top architecture and design faculty and students from around the world.
- 2017: Collaborated with Europeana (European Digital Library Organization), the British Library, Waag (Netherlands Institute for New Media), and the new media art collective TeamLab to organize an International Digital Culture Forum.
- November 2018: Competed in the Middle East Solar Decathlon (SDME 2018) in Dubai, addressing water scarcity and extreme temperature challenges in addition to the ten standard competition categories.
Beyond continuing existing global partnerships, the institute will enhance its focus on the following key areas: Emerging Architecture and Design, Environmental and Sustainability Issues, Design Science and Digital Culture, and Technological Governance and Infrastructure.
Through these initiatives, the institute aims to remain at the forefront of architectural education and research, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaborations on an international scale.