Kurt Hong joins KU School of Architecture & Design to focus on computational design

The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design has announced that Tzu-Chieh Kurt Hong has joined the university as assistant professor of architecture.  

Hong began his career as an engineer after earning both his undergraduate and Master of Science degrees in Electronics Engineering from National Chiao Tung University in Hsinchu, Taiwan. After working as a digital circuit designer in Taiwan for 4 years, he decided to change his focus to architecture. He subsequently earned his Master of Architecture in Taiwan, then earned a second Master of Science in Architecture and Design from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He then received his doctorate from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he focused his research on the implementation of the shape computation system, Shape Machine. This computational technology is designed to bring shape-based search and replace capabilities to CAD modeling systems. 

Much of Hong’s work has focused on expanding the capabilities of the Shape Machine within Georgia Institute of Technology’s Shape Computation Lab. In addition to holding numerous workshops, exhibitions, and presentations specific to research done within the lab, he holds a U.S. Patent in Shape Computational Technology. He is currently working toward a second patent that will be assigned to KU. Hong is also interested in parametric design, which uses an algorithmic process to design, as well as multidisciplinary research. 

As a researcher and professor at KU, Hong’s goal is to bridge the worlds of design and computing and to ensure KU remains a leader in research and innovation within its design/build studios. Prior to joining the faculty at KU, he taught at the Georgia Institute of Technology. 

“The KU Department of Architecture is excited to have Dr. Kurt Hong joining the faculty,” said Hui Cai, Chair of the Department of Architecture. “His expertise in digital design and design computation will bring new energy to the program. He will integrate the state-of-the-art digital design in teaching and help prepare our students with the most competitive digital design skills. In addition, Dr. Hong will strengthen the school’s research portfolio through research in advanced digital design and fabrication.”