RESEARCH PLATFORM

Centered on architectural history and theory, as well as heritage conservation disciplines, the institute currently relies on three important research platforms.

· Key Laboratory of Urban and Architectural Heritage Conservation (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, China

Based on two national key disciplines of the School of Architecture – Architectural History and Theory and Architectural Design and Theory, this laboratory integrates multidisciplinary strengths from architecture, civil engineering, materials, environment, humanities, etc. It was officially approved and began operation in 2012, receiving “Good” evaluations from the Ministry of Education in both 2018 and 2023. After reorganization in September 2023, five main research directions were established:

(1) Chinese theories and methods for urban and rural architectural heritage conservation; (2) Multi-scale historical space evolution mechanisms and living heritage protection; (3) Performance degradation mechanisms and preventive conservation of architectural heritage; (4) Green and low-carbon approaches to urban and rural architectural heritage conservation and regeneration; (5) Digital systems for urban and rural architectural heritage conservation and inheritance.

· Key Research Base for Traditional Wooden Structure Construction Techniques, National Cultural Heritage Administration

Focuses on traditional wooden structure construction techniques, the core content of Chinese traditional architecture,this base is committed to the protection and inheritance, scientific analysis, theoretical development, and practical innovation of traditional wooden structure construction techniques in architectural heritage conservation and restoration. The base is grounded in local knowledge while broadly absorbing international experience, exploring Eastern architectural heritage conservation theories. It deepens traditional wooden structure protection and restoration methods, builds high-level research and international exchange platforms, and promotes the inheritance and innovation of traditional architectural techniques.

· Jiangsu Provincial Key Research Base for Preventive Conservation of Architectural Heritage

Established in 2018, the research base is China’s first specialized research platform in this field. Integrating multidisciplinary strengths in heritage conservation, materials science, and engineering mechanics, the laboratory pioneers China’s transition towards preventive protection of immovable cultural relics. Particularly through the “Belt and Road” initiatives, it facilitates international exchanges to share China’s distinctive preventive conservation methodologies while enhancing comprehensive protection capabilities.

RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS

The institute has long maintained a prominent position in architectural history and theory research fields both domestically and internationally. Research achievements have won numerous prestigious awards, including the National Science and Technology Progress First Prize, Ministry of Education Science and Technology Progress Second Prize, Ministry of Construction Science and Technology Achievement First Prize, National Book Award, and China Outstanding Publication Nomination Award. Currently, it undertakes 5 National Natural Science Foundation projects and 4 National Social Science Foundation projects, while playing significant roles in architectural design, heritage conservation, urban design, and conservation planning for key national heritage conservation units.

"Multi-Scale Urban Heritage" project

First Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award