The Department of Architecture and Urban Design was established in March of 1963. Dr. Lu Yu-Jun, the founder, recognized the inseparable relationship between architectural design and urban development. Therefore, he named the department "Architecture and Urban Design" with a focus on integrated learning and application in these two fields.
Since its establishment, the department has been one of the few in the country to offer a complete curriculum including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in architecture. It has nurtured numerous outstanding professionals and researchers in various architectural-related domains. In 1993, the department merged with the Department of Municipal Administration from the former Law School and the Department of Landscape Architecture from the former College of Agriculture to establish the first Environmental Design College in Taiwan. This further propelled the department's teaching towards interdisciplinary integration in the realm of architecture and urban design.
In response to international trends, the department's future development direction is centered around cultivating capabilities in architecture and urban design. This is supplemented by knowledge and skills in architectural technology and theory to promote education in sustainable environmental design, thus contributing to the foundational human resources for national urban and rural development. The Department of Architecture and Urban Design offers specialized tracks such as the "Architectural Group" and the "Interior Design Group." The primary educational goal is to cultivate architects and interior designers with a strong foundation in knowledge and skills essential for sustainable development.
The department trains students in abilities encompassing architectural design, interior design, construction engineering, digital design, architectural equipment, and environmental control design. In addition to possessing an excellent faculty, the department is dedicated to enriching various teaching and research facilities, in response to the development of 21st-century internet technology and the information age.
Efforts have been made to expand the library and laboratory equipment to enhance students' active engagement in research. Equipment such as laser cutting machines and 3D printers have been acquired to provide students with a comprehensive environment for design, research, and practical operations. This aims to empower students in keeping up with the technological advancements of the era and refining their skills.
The purpose of the department is to integrate the two fields of architecture and urban design into one, aiming to create an ideal sustainable built environment that encompasses aspects of life, production, and ecology. Therefore, the primary educational goal is to cultivate essential knowledge and skills in architecture and urban design that align with the principles of sustainable development. The curriculum aims to train students to possess the following abilities:
The department offers a variety of generous scholarships, including the Ding Yu-Qun Memorial Scholarship, Director Hsu Hsiu-Fu Memorial Scholarship, and Professor Tsai Tian-Bi Memorial Scholarship. These scholarships amount to 700,000 to 800,000 NTD and are awarded annually.
Cooperative Units for Summer Internships/Part-time Work include: