Opening a New Future,
the Institute of Building Performance
We establish performance standards and implement a performance-centered architectural process through comprehensive research, testing, and evaluation.
The history of architecture began and evolved alongside the history of humankind. As people shifted from a nomadic, hunting-based life to a settled, agricultural one, they began to build homes; and as society and culture advanced, a wide variety of buildings emerged. These buildings have changed over time according to era and geography, balancing diversity and unity.
Humanity has engaged in building for countless purposes and functions — housing, production, artistic activity, and far beyond. However diverse their purposes, all buildings must possess three core elements to be recognized as truly functional: structure, beauty, and function. The emphasis among these elements has shifted with the times and perspectives, and continues to do so today.
A building's dignity may be defined by its historical and aesthetic significance, but it can fully serve humankind only when its most fundamental quality — engineering performance — is properly realized. We now live in an age that demands buildings which fully perform their function. Yet in today's diversified and advanced concept of architecture, the basic conditions of such performance become highly complex depending on the nature of the building and the parties involved.
We established the Institute of Building Performance to set professional performance standards across the fields of architecture and architectural engineering, to establish verification and certification systems through comprehensive research, testing, and evaluation, to realize a performance-centered building process, and to disseminate it widely — thereby creating comfortable and safe architectural and urban living spaces, and serving the safety of the public and the common good.
A building is also a symbol of the character and standard of its society. As a nation rising to global prominence in many fields, Korea too needs architecture befitting its economic and cultural standing. We wish to contribute, with one heart, to a building culture in which beautiful, high-performing buildings can be created — and we look forward to the active participation and encouragement of the many professionals who love architecture.
Chairman, Institute of Building PerformanceKang Bu-seong
Operating Principles
Centered in Seoul, the Institute of Building Performance has introduced and operates a comprehensive building performance grading and evaluation system to maintain and enhance the convenience, comfort, aesthetics, and function of buildings nationwide. By promoting buildings and spaces of outstanding performance, it aims to advance building management technology and foster a sound building culture.
Article 2 of the Articles of Incorporation defines the specific objectives of the Institute as follows:
- 01Research, R&D, and support for the building performance grading / evaluation system
- 02Establishing standards and conducting evaluations for the system
- 03Publishing and distributing reference materials for the system
- 04Cooperation and exchange with public institutions, organizations, and companies
- 05Training of specialists and job-creation programs
- 06Barrier-Free (BF) certification, specialist training, and research
- 07Other architecture-related activities necessary to fulfill the Institute's purpose
The Institute was founded with 8 registered directors and over 100 members. Under the direct supervision of the Chairman, it operates the BF Certification Center for a barrier-free living environment, along with 20 specialized performance committees (including the General Building Performance Committee), 6 special committees (including the Legal & Institutional Improvement Committee), and 16 regional institutes across Seoul, Gyeonggi, and other areas. It also includes three affiliated bodies: the Education Center, the Research Center, and the Performance Certification Center.
The ultimate purpose of the Institute is to serve public safety and the common good. Accordingly, rather than pursuing its own interests, the Institute works closely and exchanges information with the Architectural Institute of Korea and other related academic and professional associations, devoting itself to advancing the performance of Korea's buildings. We kindly ask for the active interest and participation of government and local authorities and of experts across industry, academia, and the public sector.
President, Institute of Building PerformanceJeong Hwan-mok