As main objective INCEPT Project was to develop, validate and implement a curricula on sustainable architecture within the Master of Architecture programmes at the participating universities. This curricula was designed to provide knowledge and build digital and green skills of architecture students on the major principles of sustainability and energy efficiency in the design of different building typologies. In addition to its main objective, the project aimed to achieve the following specific goals: - Enhance the knowledge of architecture students on key energy efficiency principles across the entire building life cycle, addressing both operational and embodied carbon as well as advanced climate smart, energy efficient and inclusive building design. - Train architecture students in designing more energy efficient, less carbon intensive and more sustainable buildings in the wider multi-faceted urban context allowing room for creativity and aesthetic decisions. - Validate and implement the newly developed educational curricula and design studio on sustainable architecture for architecture students. - Establish a digital educational platform to support e-learning and facilitate inter-university knowledge exchange.
In implementing the INCEPT project, the participating universities begin with the understanding that architectural education plays a fundamental role in achieving a sustainable built environment by preparing future professionals who can integrate sustainability into their practice. Moreover, in order to envision a sustainable climate neutral built environment, it covers a fundamental understanding of the link between sustainability, technology and design. The project aims to develop and implement forward-looking upgrade of architectural education curricula within the existing Master of Architecture programmes at the participating universities based on the understanding of the utmost need to establish a balanced integration of creativity and sustainability approaches. The starting point for the initiation of the INCEPT Project is the awareness of the critical need to align the Master of Architecture curricula with the contemporary requirements for sustainability and radical energy performance improvements of the built environment. The project is also driven by the understanding of the strong relation between architectural education and the profession itself.