Program overview
Architectural design and theory, simply put, teaches you how to design houses and urban spaces that are both beautiful and functional. At the graduate level, it goes deeper—not just drawing, but exploring the logic behind architecture: why design this way? How does space affect people's feelings? How do materials, structure, and environment coordinate? Core courses include architectural design (with major design projects each semester), architectural history and theory, building structures, building physics (acoustics, lighting, thermal), urban design, landscape design, and more. You'll also learn cutting-edge tools like BIM (Building Information Modeling) and parametric design. It's suitable for students who are sensitive to space, enjoy drawing and hands-on work, and are willing to delve into both technology and humanities. Chinese universities have unique strengths in this field—for example, Tsinghua University, Tongji University, Southeast University, and Tianjin University. Many professors are renowned architects themselves, and schools take you on field trips to old neighborhoods and new landmarks, even involving you in real projects. International students can experience China's unique urban development cases, such as high-density communities and historic district preservation—experiences that are also valuable when returning home.