The Building Futures Institute is a research unit of the College of Architecture and Planning. It engages Ball State faculty, students, and industry partners in forward-thinking research in a number of specialized areas. Our work links us to partners in firms and organizations outside the university.

Each area of research is headed by an individual with a passion for how today’s ideas and concepts shape and change the future of the built-field. The scope of research continues to evolve and includes Open Building, Integrated Practice, Nanotechnology, Learning Environments, and Architectural Structures/Digital Heritage.

We spearhead new concepts through education and consultation. Recently we have: 

• organized an international environmental design conference, Education for an Open Architecture, focused on the design of open-ended yet sustainable physical environments for educators, students, and practitioners from around the world concerned for the future of architectural education
• cosponsored Health by Design, a major health care conference
• worked with leading educators and architects focused on new concepts and patterns for the design of facilities supportive of Charter School goals and objectives

If you have additional questions, need help, or are looking for collaboration, please feel free to contact us to discuss.