The Responsive Architecture Lab (RAL) at the Illinois School of Architecture is a research and design collaborative that explores the various ways in which architecture can optimally respond to a range of needs and opportunities within multiple contexts.

More specifically, our lab is focused on contributing to the development of high-performance architecture through its responsive engagement with climatic factors, energy criteria, human experience, systems innovation, and design computation.

Researchers combine the knowledge and techniques of architectural design, computation, and performance optimization to develop new understanding, new methods, and new designs for architecture.

We embrace interdisciplinary research with colleagues in engineering and computer science. The RAL is particularly interested in pursuing collaborative research that demonstrates and enhances the ability of architecture to incorporate and develop new technologies in pursuit of a better built environment.