The Resilient Design Curriculum was awarded €3.96 million and will radically revise architectural education to embed the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD, has announced funding of €7.6 million for two projects under the Human Capital initiative (HCI), including Resilient Design Curriculum led by Technological University Dublin in partnership with South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford’s Department of Architecture, and Ireland’s four other Schools of Architecture.
HCI programme
The HCI programme aims to develop innovative methods of teaching and delivery on enterprise-focused courses and, in particular, to provide lifelong learning and upskilling opportunities. The Resilient Design Curriculum project was awarded €3.96 million in funding over three years and will radically revise architectural education to embed the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The project in collaboration with all Schools of Architecture nationally, will adopt agile models of co-operation, collaboration, and co-learning, with the six higher education institutions working together, and with over 40 partners from industry, to engender the knowledge and skills necessary for architects to respond to the twin challenges of the climate and housing crises while demonstrating the societal value of inclusive, safe, and resilient design.
National step-change in architectural education
Welcoming the news Head of the Department of Architecture and Built Environment at SETU Waterford, Máire Henry said, “The Resilient Design Curriculum project is closely aligned to our strategic priorities of embedding sustainable design into our architectural programmes. In addition, working with our academic and enterprise partnerships, we will deliver a national step-change in architectural education to address the societal challenge of the housing crisis in Ireland and the global and existential threat of climate change.
“Our school of architecture, located in the Granary in the centre of Waterford City is a warehouse of ideas. We look forward to continuing our work with local authorities and stakeholders, using the City and region as a laboratory for testing new ideas on sustainable living for all communities.”
Catalyst for further innovation
Commenting on the importance of the projects, Minister Harris said, “We are living in rapidly changing times. The rate of technological advances, the impacts of climate change and global health issues are transforming how we live at an incessant rate. Our education system as the cradle of ideas and innovative thinking is well placed to develop graduates who can respond to this rapid rate of change and anticipate future challenges. It can equip future generations with the knowledge and skills to navigate the 21st century. Today’s announcement will allow institutions to respond to emerging skills needs and will act as catalysts for further innovation and models for replication across the higher education system.”
The Resilient Design Curriculum project will be officially launched by Minister Harris on 25 May 2022.