No news from Calls for Participation
No news from Competitions
No news from Course
No news from Cumulus for Ukraine
No news from Global Conversations
No news from Initiatives
No news from Job Listings
No news from Joint & Partner Events
No news from News
No news from Special Events
Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Architecture and Design at Harbin Institute of Technology is to maintain its reputation as one of China's top architectural schools while enhancing the quality of education and research in art and design through a rigorous and meticulous educational environment. The school is committed to cultivating a culture of high academic standards and detailed dedication, aiming to develop elite professionals in the fields of architecture, planning, design, and engineering. With a robust faculty that includes nationally and internationally recognized scholars and a vibrant community of master's and doctoral students, the school is dedicated to advancing architectural and design education and related disciplines to meet both national and international standards. Its goal is to continually progress towards becoming an internationally first-class institution, shaping the future of human welfare with innovation, integrity, and a global perspective.
International Role
After long-term exploration, the School of Architecture and Design has embraced an international and open educational philosophy, committed to developing outstanding talents with a global perspective. It centers on student development, providing diverse and personalized training programs. Graduates have been admitted to world-renowned institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, the Royal College of Art, and the University of the Arts London. The quality of its talent development has received widespread acclaim from employers and the industry. The school undertakes major research projects under China's "13th Five-Year Plan" and "14th Five-Year Plan", including significant projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, achieving substantial research outcomes. Continuing its tradition of international education, the School of Architecture and Design maintains close cooperation and friendly exchanges with top universities, academic research institutions, and design institutions in the USA, UK, Canada, France, Russia, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, etc.
Through these efforts, the School of Architecture and Design at Harbin Institute of Technology has made significant contributions to the international field and established profound cooperative relationships with partner universities and institutions worldwide.
National Role
The School of Architecture and Design at Harbin Institute of Technology plays a significant role in the international academic and professional community. As one of the top eight architectural schools in China, it has a profound foundation in architectural education, ranking alongside Tsinghua University and Tongji University, and exerts a broad influence in multiple disciplines related to human settlements.
The School consistently upholds a culture of rigorous scholarship and meticulous cultivation, creating a team of teachers who are dedicated, distinctive, capable, and committed. It currently has 187 staff members, including 151 full-time faculty. Among them are two overseas chair professors, four part-time doctoral supervisors, one member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, one National Survey and Design Master, one specially-appointed professor of national high-level talents, two national distinguished teachers, one national-level talent under the Millions of Talents Project, and two national-level new century excellent talents. Presently, there are 592 master’s and 272 doctoral students. The School aims to cultivate elite professionals such as top-tier architects, planners, designers, and engineers for the nation, progressing towards its goal of becoming an internationally first-class institution and discipline.
Main Focus
The Department of Design at the School of Architecture and Design, Harbin Institute of Technology is committed to providing a comprehensive and rigorous education in design, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. The department's educational offerings span undergraduate, graduate, and research levels, emphasizing innovation, technology integration, and sustainable practices, with a particular focus on academic construction and social innovation in the digital age. Below is an overview of the main educational focuses of the department:
Undergraduate Education
The undergraduate curriculum in the Department of Design is designed to provide students with a foundational knowledge of various design principles and methods. Students are exposed to multiple disciplines such as environmental design, landscape design, product design, and digital media arts. The courses aim to cultivate students' creativity, technical skills, and understanding of the aesthetics and functionality of design. With the rapid development of digital technology, undergraduate education especially emphasizes:
Core Design Courses, covering basic principles and techniques.
- Practical Projects and Workshops engage students in real-world design challenges, particularly in digital environments.
- Interdisciplinary Courses, encourage students to explore the intersection of design with technology, culture, societal needs, and business innovation.
Graduate Education
The graduate education in the Department extends beyond the undergraduate foundation to provide more specialized and in-depth studies. Master's programs focus on integrating theory with practice, covering areas such as design thinking and innovation strategies, user experience design, and environmental and sustainability design.
The doctoral program emphasizes the integration of art, critical thinking, and engineering thinking, and is particularly geared towards meeting the needs of the digital age. Specific courses include:
- Philosophy of Art and Design, exploring the theoretical foundations and practical applications of design and art.
- Critical and Creative Thinking, developing students' independent thinking to critically analyze and solve complex design problems.
- Engineering Design Thinking, teaching students how to use engineering methods and tools to optimize the practicality and innovativeness of design solutions.
The school demonstrates leadership and adaptability to social innovation and the digital age in its academic construction, especially in integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality into design education and research.
Research Directions in Education
The directions of the Department aim to advance the knowledge of design theory and education practice while addressing contemporary global challenges. Key areas include:
- Sustainable and Environmental Design Practices, focusing on developing methods to minimize environmental impact.
- Technology Integration in Design, exploring how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality can be seamlessly integrated into design practices.
- Social Innovation, applying design thinking to solve societal challenges to promote economic and social development, particularly in digital environments.
Professional Practice in Education
The Department emphasizes the importance of professional education practice, preparing students to confidently enter the design industry. This is achieved through:
- Professional Practice Courses, simulating real-world scenarios and challenges, especially in digital environments.
- Internships and Collaborations, partnering with leading industries and design firms to provide students with valuable real-world experience.
- Graduation Design Projects, require students to solve complex design problems from concept to execution using digital tools and platforms.
Overall, the Department of Design at the School of Architecture and Design, Harbin Institute of Technology aims to cultivate well-rounded, innovative, and technically proficient designers prepared to make significant contributions to the design field in China and internationally. The department's commitment to rigorous theory, practical application, and cutting-edge research ensures its graduates are equipped to lead in the continuously evolving global design landscape, particularly in adapting to complex societal needs and leading in the digital age.
Faculties and Departments
The Department of Design has a total of 52 faculty members, divided into four professional directions, specifically divided as follows:
- 12 faculty members in Environmental Design
- 14 faculty members in Landscape Architecture
- 11 faculty members in Product Design
- 15 faculty members in Digital Media Arts
Bachelor Level Programs
-
Environmental Design
1. Basic Professional Courses
| Course Name | Credits | Hours |
| Architectural Design-1 | 6.5 | 104 |
| Fundamentals of Artistic Design-2| 3.0 | 48 |
| BIM Design Fundamentals | 1.5 | 24 |
| History of Urban Development and Planning-1 | 1.0 | 16 |
| Courtyard Design | 1.0 | 16 |
| Design Presentation | 1.0 | 2 weeks |
| Painting Internship | 2.0 | 2 weeks |
| Professional Recognition Practice| 1.0 | 16 |
| Introduction to Human Settlements Environment | 1.0 | 16 |
| Fundamentals of Architectural Design | 6.5 | 104 |
| Introduction to Building Environment Studies | 1.0 | 16 |
| Fundamentals of Design Aesthetics | 1.0 | 16 |
| Fundamentals of Artistic Design-1 | 3.0 | 48 |
| Drawing Geometry and Shadow Perspective | 3.0 | 48 |
| Design Foundations | 4.0 | 64 |2. Professional Courses
| Course Name | Credits | Hours |
| Architectural Design-2 | 6.5 | 104 |
| History of Architecture in China and Abroad B | 2.5 | 40 |
| Open Research-Oriented Design | 4.0 | 64 |
| Introduction to Environmental Design | 1.0 | 16 |
| Principles of Interior Design | 1.0 | 16 |
| Interior Environmental Design-1 | 3.0 | 48 |
| Interior Environmental Design-2 | 3.5 | 56 |
| Furniture and Furnishings Design | 2.0 | 32 |
| Residential Area Environmental Design | 3.0 | 48 |
| Integrated Environmental Design | 2.0 | 32 |
| Ice and Snow Art Creation | 1.0 | 24 |
| Lighting Art Topics | 1.0 | 16 |
| Public Art Creation | 1.0 | 16 |
| Joint Design Workshop | 2.0 | 32 |
| Professional Practice for Designers | 4.0 | 4 weeks |
| Graduation Thesis (Design) | 8.0 | 16 weeks | -
Landscape Architecture
1. Basic Professional Courses
| Course Name | Credit | Hour |
| Drawing Geometry and Architectural Shadow Perspective | 3.0 | 48 |
| Design Basis (studio) | 4.0 | 64 |
| Introduction to Human Settlements | 1.0 | 16 |
| Architecture Design Basis (studio) | 6.5 | 104 |
| Introduction to Built Environment | 1.0 | 16 |
| Design Aesthetic Basis | 1.0 | 16 |
| Architectural Engineering Drawing | 2.0 | 32 |
| Plastic Arts Basis-1 | 3.0 | 48 |
| Internship and Practice – Cityscape Sketching | 2.0 | 2 weeks |
| Internship and Practice – Professional Cognitive | 1.0 | 1 week |
| Architectural Design-1 | 6.5 | 104 |
| Plastic Arts Basis-2 | 3.0 | 48 |
| History of Urban Development and Planning-1 | 1.0 | 16 |
| Modern Landscape Ideology | 1.5 | 24 |
| History of Chinese and foreign architecture B | 2.5 | 40 |
| Landscape architecture design | 6.5 | 104 |
| Landscape botany and its applied principles | 2.0 | 32 |
| Landscape survey | 2.0 | 32 |
| Plant landscape practice | 2.0 | 2 weeks |
| Cognition of landscape architecture | 2.0 | 2 weeks |2. Professional Courses
| Course Name | Credit | Hour |
| Landscape planning and design-1 | 6.5 | 104 |
| Landscape engineering and technology | 2.0 | 32 |
| Landscape ecology principle | 1.5 | 25 |
| Landscape planning and design-2 | 6.5 | 104 |
| Principles of landscape planning and design | 2.0 | 32 |
| Ancient landscape history | 2.5 | 40 |
| Landscape sociology | 1.5 | 24 |
| Joint Design Workshop | 2.0 | 32 |
| Landscape architecture design competition | 2.0 | 32 |
| Landscape planning and design-3 | 6.5 | 104 |
| Landscape physical environment | 1.5 | 24 |
| Urban Design Theory and Practice | 1.5 | 24 |
| Principles of ecological infrastructure planning | 1.0 | 16 |
| Travel Studio- Research and Design | 4.0 | 64 |
| Landscape planning and design-4 | 6.0 | 96 |
| Principles of territorial spatial planning | 2.0 | 32 |
| Landscape architecture design competition workshop | 2.0 | 2 weeks |
| Landscape architecture design competition | 2.0 | 2 weeks |
| Architect Business Practice-1 | 8.0 | 8 weeks |
| Architect Business Practice-2 | 4.0 | 4 weeks |
| Graduation Thesis (Design) | 8.0 | 16 weeks |
-
Product Design
1. Basic Professional Courses
| Course Name | Credits | Hours |
| Design Foundations | 4.0 | 64 |
| Fundamentals of Smart Creative Design| 4.0 | 64 |
| Introduction to Human Settlements Environment | 1.0 | 16 |
| Fundamentals of Artistic Design-1 | 3.0 | 48 |
| Fundamentals of Artistic Design-2 | 3.0 | 48 |
| Painting Internship | 2.0 | 2 weeks |
| Professional Recognition Practice | 1.0 | 1 week |
| History of Design | 2.0 | 32 |
| Ergonomics | 3.0 | 48 |
| Service Design | 2.0 | 32 |
| Product Engineering Drawing | 2.5 | 40 |
| Engineering Training (Manufacturing Processes Internship) | 2.0 | 2 weeks |
| Product Design Engineering (1) | 2.0 | 32 |
| Product Design Engineering (2) | 2.0 | 32 |2. Professional Courses
| Course Name | Credits | Hours |
| User Experience Methods and Metrics | 2.0 | 32 |
| Product Design Presentation Techniques | 2.5 | 60 |
| Computer-Aided Product Design | 2.0 | 32 |
| Product Design Modeling and Creativity | 4.0 | 96 |
| Product Interaction Design | 4.0 | 96 |
| Product Opportunity and Design Process | 4.0 | 96 |
| Appearance Structure and Material Craft | 4.0 | 96 |
| Product Brand Identity Design | 4.0 | 96 |
| Complex Surface Product Engineering Modeling | 2.0 | 32 |
| Joint Design Workshop | 2.0 | 32 |
| Open Research-Oriented Design | 4.0 | 64 |
| Rapid Product Design Practice | 1.0 | 32 |
| Professional Practice for Designers | 4.0 | 4 weeks |
| Graduation Thesis (Design) | 8.0 | 16 weeks | -
Digital Media Arts
1. Basic Professional Courses
| Course Name | Credits | Hours |
| Painting Internship | 2.0 | |
| Professional Recognition Practice | 1.0 | |
| Introduction to Human Settlements Environment | 1.0 | |
| Design Foundations | 4.0 | |
| Fundamentals of Design Aesthetics | 1.0 | |
| Fundamentals of Artistic Design-1 | 3.0 | |
| Fundamentals of Artistic Design-2 | 3.0 | |
| Fundamentals of Smart Creative Design | 4.0 | |
| Design Thinking | 2.0 | 32 |
| Design and Research Analysis | 2.0 | 32 |
| Photography and Lens Language Design | 3.0 | 48 |
| Basics of Image and Sound | 2.0 | 32 |
| Basics of Digital Media Programming| 2.0 | 32 |
| Fundamentals of Digital Media Design | 2.0 | 32 |2. Professional Courses
| Course Name | Credits | Hours |
| Design Aesthetics | 2.0 | 32 |
| Interaction Design | 2.0 | 32 |
| Architecture and New Media (in English) | 2.0 | 32 |
| User Experience Metrics | 2.0 | 32 |
| Digital Editing and Compositing | 2.0 | 32 |
| Animation-1 | 2.0 | 48 |
| Animation-2 | 2.0 | 48 |
| Digital Image Effects | 2.0 | 32 |
| Communication Studies | 2.0 | 32 |
| Web and Network Programming Design | 2.0 | 48 |
| Digital Media Planning and Marketing | 2.0 | 32 |
| Smart Media Communication | 1.5 | 24 |
| Game Engine Basics | 2.0 | 48 |
| Virtual Reality Systems | 2.0 | 32 |
| Interactive Video Production | 2.0 | 48 |
| Open Research-Oriented Design | 4.0 | 64 |
| Joint Design Workshop | 2.0 | 32 |
| Web and Network Programming Project| 1.0 | 1 week|
| Creative Internship | 1.0 | 1 week|
| Animation Project Design | 1.0 | 1 week|
| Digital Media Business Practice | 4.0 | 1 week |
Master Level Programs
Master of Design
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Numerical Analysis B | 32/12 |
| Mathematical Statistics | 32/0 |
| Academic Writing in Design Science | 16 |
| Research-based Innovative Design Thinking and Practice | 48 |
| Design Cognition Theory and Research Methods | 32 |
| Architectural Science Research Methods | 24 |
| Design Thinking and Artistic Form Research | 32 |
| Frontiers of Technology Applications in Design | 32 |
Elective Courses
Industrial Design Direction
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Research Methods in Demand Survey | 32/4 |
| Kansei Engineering | 32 |
| Theory and Design of Artistic Form | 32 |
| Sustainable Design Methods and Innovation | 32 |
| Product Design Practice | 32/30 |
| Design Psychology Experiments | 24/22 |
| Bodily Awareness Design | 16 |
Urban and Rural Living Environment Design Direction
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Environmental Design Theory and Frontier Trends | 16 |
| Environmental Behavioral Psychology | 16 |
| Landscape Aesthetics | 24 |
| Innovative Design in Exhibition | 16 |
| Integrated Environmental Design | 24 |
| Design Aesthetics | 24 |
| Research on Historical Building Protection | 16 |
Intelligent Interaction Technology and Imaging Technology Direction
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Website Technology Evolution and Structural Formation | 32 |
| Innovative Thinking and New Media Design | 16 |
| Information Visualization Design | 32 |
| Complex Networks and Their Visualization | 32 |
Interactive Media Art and Intelligent Communication Direction
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Trends in Design Art | 32 |
| Digital Media Sound Design and Practice | 16 |
| Research in Film Aesthetics | 16 |
| Interactive Design | 24/8 |
| Stereoscopic Imaging | 16/16 |
| History of Media Form Evolution | 16 |
| Visual Communication Research | 16 |
Research Activity and Main Areas
The Department of Design at Harbin Institute of Technology actively engages in a variety of research activities across multiple domains, demonstrating its commitment to advancing design knowledge and addressing contemporary global challenges. The department places a strong emphasis on integrating fundamental and applied research to foster innovation in design theories and methodologies. Below is a summary of the main areas and specific activities within the department's research framework:
1. Interdisciplinary Research
- Collaborative Projects: Involving multiple disciplines such as engineering, technology, and social sciences to provide holistic solutions to design problems.
- Cross-Disciplinary Courses: Offering courses that integrate insights from various fields to enrich design thinking and application.
2. Technological Integration in Design
- Technology Integration Labs: Dedicated spaces where students and researchers explore how cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) can be incorporated into design practices.
- Innovative Tool Development: Creating new tools and methods that leverage digital advancements to enhance design processes and outcomes.
3. Sustainable Design
- Sustainability Labs: Focused on projects that develop sustainable, eco-friendly design solutions that minimize environmental impact.
- Research on Sustainable Materials and Techniques: Investigating new materials and construction techniques that are environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
4. Social Innovation
- Design for Social Change: Projects that address key societal challenges such as inequality, urban development, and public health through innovative design solutions.
- Community Engagement Initiatives: Programs that involve local communities in the design process, ensuring that solutions are culturally relevant and socially inclusive.
5. Global Impact and Collaboration
- Global Research Networks: Establishing partnerships with international academic institutions and industry leaders to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint research initiatives.
- International Conferences and Workshops: Participating in and hosting international events to disseminate research findings and foster global dialogue on critical design issues.
6. Advanced Research Methodologies
- Doctoral Research Seminars: Forums for PhD students to present and critique ongoing research, promoting a rigorous academic environment.
- Publication and Dissemination: Encouraging the publication of research outcomes in prestigious journals and at leading conferences, enhancing the visibility and impact of the department's research.
7. Fundamental Research
- Theoretical Development: Delving into the basic principles and theories of design to provide a solid theoretical foundation for design practices.
- Methodological Innovation: Developing new research methods and techniques to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of design research.
- Academic Papers and Book Publishing: Regularly publishing academic papers and books on fundamental research in design, advancing the deepening and widespread dissemination of disciplinary knowledge.
Doctorate Level Programs
Doctoral Program in Design Studies
First Year: Foundations and Theory
Core Courses
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Advanced Numerical Analysis | 48/18 |
| Advanced Mathematical Statistics | 48/18 |
| Foundations of Academic Writing and Publishing in Design Sciences | 48 |
| Advanced Research Methods in Design Cognition | 48 |
| Advanced Architectural Science Research Methods | 36 |
| Advanced Studies in Design Thinking and Sculptural Arts | 48 |
| Philosophy, Speculation Studies, and Practice I | 48 |
| Decorative Aesthetics Theory Research | 32 |
| Research in Communications and Cross-Media Practice Methodologies | 48 |
| Academic Writing Training in Chinese and English I | 48 |
| Social Innovation and Economic Development Practice Research | 48 |
Elective Courses (Choose at least two)
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Advanced Engineering study | 48 |
| Advanced Environmental Design Theory | 32 |
| Advanced Information Visualization Design | 48 |
| Advanced Studies in Visual Communication | 32 |
Second Year: Specialization and Research
Core Courses
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Research-Oriented Innovative Design Thinking and Practice | 64 |
| Advanced Courses in Cutting-Edge Design Technology Applications | 48 |
| Philosophy, Speculation Studies, and Practice II | 64 |
| Cutting-Edge Design Studies | 48 |
| Cutting-Edge Art Studies | 48 |
| Learning and Practice in Forefront Science Methodologies | 48 |
| Forefront Engineering Practices and Research | 48 |
| Academic Writing Training in Chinese and English II | 48 |
Specialization Directions (Choose one direction and select two courses from it)
Industrial Design Direction
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Advanced Sustainable Design Methods and Innovation | 48 |
| Advanced Product Design Practice | 48/36 |
Urban and Rural Habitat Design Direction
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Advanced Landscape Aesthetics | 48 |
| Advanced Historical Building Conservation Research | 32 |
Intelligent Interaction Technology and Imaging Technology Direction
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Advanced Complex Networks and Visualization | 48 |
| Advanced Web Technology Evolution | 48 |
Interactive Media Arts and Intelligent Communication Direction
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Advanced Interaction Design | 48/24 |
| Advanced Digital Media Sound Design and Practice | 32 |
Third Year: Advanced Research and Professional Practice
Core Courses
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Philosophy, Speculation Studies, and Practice III | 64 |
| Professional Practice in Design | 8 weeks |
Fourth and Fifth Years: Thesis Preparation and Defense
Core Courses
| Course Name | Hours/Credits |
| Thesis Research (Design) | Variable |
| Thesis Preparation | Variable |
| Thesis Defense | Variable |
