Architectural research has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of the built environment and to advance the current level of sophistication in practice and education of architecture. In the context of an educational institution, such as Louisiana State University, research and scholarly work by members of the faculty are necessary for the personal development of the educator and the continued enrichment of the program. It is imperative, therefore, that The School of Architecture provides the appropriate environment to support faculty and student activity in research and quality professional work.

The Office of Building Research, School of Architecture, is the organism to promote the advancement of architectural research and the dissemination of research results to professionals and to society. Using the research needs which are perceived by the Director of OBR, research faculty, the potential identified by the Architectural Graduate program, the Research Agenda prepared by the Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC) and the Architectural Research Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), an agenda for research opportunity for the School can be identified.

The Office of Building Research functions as the focus of research endeavors within the School, serving in a coordinating and supportive role for research executed by members of the faculty and students of the School of Architecture. OBR is an active member of Architectural Research Centers Consortium.

OBR has achieved in some areas as the research authority and is planning to achieve in other areas as the status of recognition locally, professionally, in the State and even nationally and internationally as a productive research arm of the School of Architecture.