Dr. Leslie Lok

Associate Professor

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Biography

Leslie Lok is an associate professor at Cornell University in the Department of Architecture, where she directs the Rural-Urban Building Innovation Lab. Her research and teaching focus on exploring the intersection of technology, novel material methods, and urbanization through the use of non-standardized natural materials. Lok examines regional behaviors and spatial transformations of material resources, which inform design strategies and computational protocols. She co-founded HANNAH, an experimental design practice that emphasizes innovative construction methodologies including 3D printing and robotic fabrication to advance contemporary building practices. Her work has garnered recognition from organizations such as the Architectural League and has been featured in notable publications like Architectural Record and Architect Magazine. Additionally, her contributions to the field have been showcased in various exhibitions, including the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam and the Bi-City Biennale Urbanism/Architecture in Shenzhen. Lok received her Master of Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

Works at the Department of Architecture and directs the Rural-Urban Building Innovation Lab.

Awards

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Architectural League Prize

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New Practices ArchDaily

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NYSCA Creative Project Grant

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Progressives Architect Magazine

Courses

Design III: Material Sense Option Studio: Sectional City — Urban Housing Fabric Option Studio: Fabric Urbanism — Strategies Urban Mat-housing Fabrication Special Topics Visual Representation: Drawing City Manifestos Spatial Tensions: Mapping Global Spatio-politics

Requirements for Cornell University

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:15
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Portfolio (SlideRoom)
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Department of Architecture