The Laboratory of Building Design has been funded in 1986. 

Research is mainly focused on sustainability in the building sector, energy and environmental rating systems, indoor human comfort and well-being conditions, accessibility and assistive technology, wooden architecture and conservation of traditional/vernacular architecture. 

The activities are supported by various national and international agencies with funding coming from EU programs, National Research Council, Italian Ministry for University and Research, Autonomous Province of Trento and other public bodies, as well as self-financing from private contractual activities, always linked to research fields. 

The research staff also teaches in curricular courses concerning Building Construction both at the University of Trento and other universities all over the world, as well as courses offered under other educational initiatives (such training courses and lifelong learning initiatives).