Kookmin University opens graduate school to shape the future of architectural education

Kookmin University has opened a new Graduate School of Architecture aimed at preparing professionals for a field reshaped by artificial intelligence.

The university held an opening ceremony on Aug. 31 at its comprehensive welfare center. President Chung Seung-ryul, architectural figures from South Korea and abroad, academics and students attended. The event included the opening ceremony, a tour of the new graduate facilities and a commemorative exhibition.

The school describes its guiding concept as “AI Craft.” Rather than treating artificial intelligence simply as a tool for improving design efficiency, the concept seeks to reconnect thought and making, algorithms and materials, and information and place. The curriculum consists of architectural design and architecture programs.

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We will build a top-level educational environment so that students can experience world-class research and education in South Korea.

The architectural design program centers on design studios and combines urban and social understanding with technology and environmental knowledge. The architecture program focuses on research and practice across architectural history and theory, design, structures, the environment and construction. Depending on their previous education, design students can follow a two-year or three-year course. Students with a four-year architecture bachelor's degree enter the two-year course, while holders of architecture-related or other bachelor's degrees follow the three-year track.

The design program has received architectural education accreditation from the Korea Architectural Accrediting Board. The professional degree is linked to accreditation systems recognized by Canberra Accord members and UNESCO-UIA. Studio education will progress from basic form and spatial composition to urban and user analysis, the integration of technical elements, social and cultural needs, and sustainability.

Visiting dean Jang Yoon-kyu said the university would build an education environment where students could experience world-class research and teaching in South Korea. President Chung called the opening an important milestone in developing creative, convergent talent for future society.

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The opening of the Graduate School of Architecture will be an important milestone in Kookmin University's efforts to cultivate creative, convergent talent needed by future society.