A Multidisciplinary Design Education Facing Climate Change

To deal with global challenges we face such as climate change, the New European Bauhaus vision depends on educated and empowered citizens. According to this initiative, architecture and urban planning are only effective when a multidisciplinary approach is applied. This is even more important when integrating sustainability into architectural education.
This paper presents the results of an experimental study conducted during the first semester of a master's degree program in civil engineering and architecture at the University of Liège and as part of an integrated design process.
In this case study, the design studio is not only connected to a Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design course but also, to multidisciplinary interventions provided by different professionals that combine teaching and practice. These interventions include contributions from several fields such as architecture, civil engineering, building envelope, structure, fire safety, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and sustainability issues. Students are challenged to work in teams through a collaborative learning process and so to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of sustainability.
Our study is mainly based on examining the whole design process with teaching methods and learning outcomes. Data are collected via questionnaires and interview surveys to figure out students¿ feedback on this experience.
The analysis reveals that professionals `interventions foster the integration of sustainability criteria through different phases of the design process within an interdisciplinary approach.
This paper argues for more transfers between professional practice and teaching for a new generation of conscious architects and engineers aware of current environmental issues.