Integrated design in the process of architectural education

Abstract

Integrated design represents a contemporary approach of conceiving and development of building projects. It is defined as a design which results in buildings that successfully perform their function, in accordance with all aspects of sustainability: social, economic and environmental. The key issues to be considered during the design are related to the environmental protection, with special emphasis on harmful emissions, energy efficiency and materials and waste, as well as to the social benefits for building users, with special emphasis on protection and safety, comfort, spatial organization, space adaptability, maintenance and visual stimulation. This approach implies that different disciplines are involved in the decision-making from the very beginning of design process, with the idea to respond to the increasingly complex requirements. The paper discusses the innovative educational model, partially applied within the studies of architecture at University of Belgrade, which should address this new reality. Whereas integrated design requires system thinking and continuous interaction of all participants in the design process, research strategies that cross the boundaries of individual disciplines are applied. The learning is based on the integration of the theoretical knowledge in the field of architecture and engineering in function of problem-solving. It implies a holistic view on the design, within which education, research and practice are integrated into a single process that encourages critical thinking directed to multidisciplinary optimization of design solutions. The basic elements of the discussed educational model are presented in this paper, as well as its potential and limitations.