The section for Architecture and Urban Design has the built environment as the field of attention. The section conducts research and teaching in the broad span from the large-scale development plan to the detail of the building with diversity in the disciplinary backgrounds, coming from architecture, urban design, engineering, social science etc. The research and teaching conducted in the section focuses on creating a strong combination of design-based, technological, and social science competencies with new innovative approaches to research and teaching characterized by an innovative approach linking research and practice within the built environment. Further, a holistic and integrated design approach is reflected in many research projects with the aim to produce new research-based knowledge to provide architectural quality for the users.  

The main focus of the research in the section is within: sustainable architecture, zero energy buildings, architectural quality, housing, health and well-being, tectonics architecture, urban design, mobilities research, mobilities design, urban- and landscape design, performative urban environments, and urban space design.