Building Change (BC) Workshop Analysis

Architecture Schools of Ireland - November 2024

Workshop Overview

The Building Change Workshop brought together Ireland's architecture schools to discuss curriculum transformation focusing on climate resilience and sustainability. Key participants included:

Participating Schools

  • University College Dublin (UCD)
  • Cork Centre for Architectural Education (CCAE)
  • Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
  • South East Technological University (SETU)
  • University of Limerick (UL)
  • Technological University Dublin (TUD)

Workshop Objectives

  • Review curriculum transformation progress
  • Share innovative teaching methods
  • Discuss integration of climate resilience
  • Explore future strategies
  • Foster collaboration between schools
  • Identify strength, weekness, and shared visions and resources

Common Themes Across Schools

Climate Action Integration

All schools are working to embed climate action across their curricula rather than treating it as an add-on component. This includes:

  • Carbon literacy training
  • Environmental analysis tools
  • Sustainable materials focus
  • Energy modeling integration

Student Agency & Voice

Increased focus on student-led initiatives and input into curriculum development through:

  • Student curator programs
  • Focus groups and feedback sessions
  • Student-organized events
  • Collaborative learning approaches

Digital Skills Evolution

Updating digital skills teaching with focus on:

  • Environmental analysis tools
  • BIM integration
  • Performance modeling
  • Data-driven design approaches

Cross-Disciplinary Learning

Enhanced collaboration across disciplines through:

  • Joint projects with engineering
  • Environmental science integration
  • Industry partnerships
  • Community engagement

Key Differences in Approaches

UCD Approach

Focus on comprehensive curriculum restructuring:

  • New module development
  • Integration of SDGs
  • Revised learning outcomes
  • Enhanced digital integration

CCAE Approach

Emphasis on cultural shift and disciplinary "rewilding":

  • Ecological focus
  • Student activism
  • Community engagement
  • Research integration

ATU Approach

Integration through vertical studios:

  • Digital tool focus
  • Cross-year collaboration
  • Practice integration
  • Technical emphasis

TUD Approach

Emphasis Practice:

  • Climate Action and Social Responsibility
  • Structured space for experimentation
  • Educator Upskilling
  • interdisciplinary teaching

SETU Approach

Emphasis Energy Analysis:

  • Regular seminar series across years
  • Hands-on workshops
  • Developing specific "resilient design drivers"
  • Focus on quantifiable carbon impacts
  • Material-specific approach to sustainability 

UL Approach

Emphasis the Urban Fabric:

  • Professional practice integration
  • Land classification methodologies
  • Cross-institutional collaboration
  • Focus on quantifiable carbon impacts
  • Business case development for curriculum

Identified Gaps

Technical Gaps

  • AI integration strategy
  • Advanced digital tools training
  • Carbon calculation standardization
  • Environmental modeling expertise
  • Universal Desgin (UD) emphasis - innovation 

Resource Gaps

  • Staff development resources
  • Equipment and software needs
  • Time allocation for new content
  • Assessment framework updates
  • Specific Sharing framework, network, and platforms      

Pressing Themes

Digital Transformation

Balancing traditional and digital skills:

  • Integration of new technologies
  • Maintaining core competencies
  • Data-driven design approaches
  • Digital literacy requirements

Professional Evolution

Changing role of architect in climate crisis:

  • New professional competencies
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Environmental leadership
  • Social responsibility

Limitations & Contradictions

Structural Limitations

  • Curriculum time constraints
  • Resource availability
  • Institutional barriers
  • Accreditation requirements

Pedagogical Tensions

  • Technical vs. design focus
  • Traditional vs. new methods
  • Theory vs. practice balance
  • Assessment challenges