The College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP) has a long history. Its origins can be traced back to the former Department of Architecture, formed in 1952 by the consolidation and restructuring of the Department of Civil Engineering at Tongji University, the Department of Architecture at St. John’s University, Hangzhou Christian College and Hanzhou Fine Arts School. Professor Huang Zuoxin (Henry Huang), Professor Wu Jingxiang, Prof. Feng Jizhong and Prof. Li Dehua were successive Chairs of the former Department of Architecture. Since being renamed the College of Architecture and Urban Planning in 1986, Professor Li Dehua, Professor Dai Fudong, Professor Tao Songling, Professor Zheng Shiling, Professor Chen Bingzhao and Professor Wang Bowei have all served as dean. Professor Wu Zhiqiang’s tenure as dean began in May 2003.

CAUP is one of the first colleges in China to offer programs in urban planning, historic building preservation engineering, landscape study, and industrial design. CAUP boasts China’s first graduate program in architecture (1954), one of the first doctoral programs (1981), and the first post-doctoral research center (1988). CAUP’s Urban Planning program is recognized as one of the key programs of both Shanghai and China. CAUP’s Architecture program is recognized as a key program of Shanghai. Due to their successes, both Architecture and Urban Planning programs were exempted from the typically required National Educational Program Accreditation in 2004 and will remain exempt until 2010 (seven year exemption).

Currently, CAUP has four departments (Department of Architecture, Department of Urban Planning, Department of Art Design, and the Department of Landscape Study) with six undergraduate programs, six postgraduate programs, and five doctoral programs. Extensive courses are offered in Urban Planning Design, Architectural Design, Landscape Design, and Graphic Design, enabling a balanced development among all of CAUP’s disciplines.

CAUP offers the most extensive programs in China and hosts the largest body of postgraduate students in the world. CAUP is thus recognized as one of the most globally influential, international academic centers. In addition, CAUP has undertaken large numbers of vital national and local research and has produced generations of talent in the field of construction.

In recent years, priority has been given to the study of “Eco-City”, “Green Building”, “Heritage Conservation”, and “Digital Design”. New strengths have been developed through the initiation of platforms which facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and understanding. Bearing the　responsibility of building harmonious and sustainable human environments, we aim to establish a world-class educational institution in Planning, Architecture, and Design. We will carry forward our Character and traditions, foster international and domestic collaboration, and help to create a bright future for China.