In both its research and its teaching activities, the ILEK integrates the typical architectural focus on design and form with the engineering fields of analysis, construction, and material science. Following a highly interdisciplinary approach, the institute focuses on the conceptual and crossmaterial development of all types of building technologies, facade and structural systems with a special focus on the overall life-cycle from design to disassembly.

The range of areas covered extends from building with textiles and glass to new constructions in concrete, steel, and timber, as well as so-called ultra-lightweight construction using adaptive systems. Innovative manufacturing and control technologies, as well as all types of digital tools, are incorporated into this work.

From the individual details to the overall system, the aim is to optimize form and structure with respect to energy and resource consumption, durability and reliability, recycling potential and environmental sustainability.Vital to the success of this approach is the integration of the institute in an active international network with other leading research and teaching institutions, as well as the collaboration with numerous industry partners.