With the Digital DECATHLON, we aim to transform digital education by bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. The competition provides an easy entry point into digital planning, allowing students to develop essential BIM skills through collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork. By working on real design challenges in international teams, participants experience the complexities of digital workflows, improving their ability to coordinate, analyze, and optimize designs. Beyond technical proficiency, the project promotes European identity by connecting universities across borders and fostering intercultural competence. The competition format encourages innovation in digital construction, sustainability, and resource-efficient design. By integrating this model into higher education, we seek to create a lasting, scalable platform that enhances digital literacy in the built environment and prepares students for the evolving demands of the construction industry.
We applied for the Digital DECATHLON to address the urgent need for practical, interdisciplinary training in digital design and planning. While BIM is now part of many university curricula, the focus remains largely theoretical, with limited opportunities for hands-on collaboration. Yet, the construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation that demands new skills, especially in working across disciplines and geographies. This Erasmus+ project provides a structured, game-based approach that allows students from architecture, civil engineering, and related fields to work together on a shared BIM model. By simulating real-world workflows in a decentralized setting, the competition helps students gain practical experience in digital tools and methodologies. Additionally, the project fosters European cooperation, strengthening international exchange and preparing students for the demands of a globalized industry. Through this initiative, we aim to equip students with the skills needed for the future of digital construction while promoting sustainable and resource-efficient design approaches.