The 38th Architectural Research Conference and the 10th National Forum on Architectural Design Teaching and Architectural Education Held at Feng Chia University

The 38th Architectural Research Conference and the 10th National Forum on Architectural Design Teaching and Architectural Education, organized by the Architectural Institute of Taiwan and co-organized by the School of Architecture, Feng Chia University, was held on June 13 at Gongshan Hall and Renyan Building on the Feng Chia University campus. The conference accepted a total of 174 papers, including 137 oral presentations and 37 poster presentations. Renowned international speakers, including Nuno Fontarra, Partner Architect at Mecanoo, and Professor Philomena M. Bluyssen from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), were invited to deliver keynote speeches, attracting architectural scholars, practitioners, faculty members, and students from Taiwan and abroad.

The forum was dedicated to promoting architectural research, design education, and professional exchange. Topics covered included ecological sustainability, urban planning, architectural design, architectural history and theory, building environmental technologies, architectural engineering, construction economics and management, digital applications, and environmental behavior. The conference showcased the diversity of architectural research while addressing important trends such as sustainable development, digital transformation, and innovation in architectural education. Participants were also invited to tour Gongshan Hall at Feng Chia University, experiencing architect Kengo Kuma’s “anti-object” architectural philosophy and its implementation within the campus environment.

The international forum featured two distinguished speakers who presented contemporary research in architectural design and indoor environmental studies. Nuno Fontarra, Partner Architect at Mecanoo, delivered a lecture titled “Architecture Beyond Buildings,” exploring strategies for integrating architecture with urban context, public spaces, and local culture through a range of international case studies. Professor Philomena M. Bluyssen of TU Delft presented on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), offering a human-centered perspective on indoor environmental assessment and emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting healthy buildings and occupant well-being.

The research presentation sessions were coordinated by Liang Tseng, Executive Supervisor of the Architectural Institute of Taiwan. During the afternoon, 27 parallel sessions were held simultaneously in Renyan Building. The poster exhibition area featured 37 research projects, providing opportunities for face-to-face discussion on research methodologies and findings. Following the completion of all presentation sessions, an awards ceremony was held, during which 38 research papers received Outstanding Paper Awards in recognition of their academic contributions and innovative value.

Tai-Sheng Cheng, President of the Architectural Institute of Taiwan, delivered remarks at the opening ceremony.

Distinguished guests and participants gathered for a group photo in front of Gongshan Hall.