Building Change Initiative Wins Global Award for Innovation in Architectural Education
Building Change Initiative Wins Global Award for Innovation in Architectural Education
Technological University Dublin and the School of Architecture, Building and Environment (SABE) have been recognised on the global stage after the Building Change initiative received one of just five Innovation in Education Awards at the UIA – International Union of Architects (UIA) Congress held recently in Barcelona.
Led by TU Dublin on behalf of Ireland's six Schools of Architecture, Building Change has transformed architectural education by embedding sustainability, climate action and social responsibility at the heart of the curriculum. The award recognises collaboration between higher education institutions, professional bodies, industry, local authorities and communities to prepare the next generation of architects for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Accepting the award on behalf of the TU Dublin team, Jennifer Boyer and Emma Geoghegan acknowledged the collective effort behind the initiative, which has engaged participants from across Ireland. Students have worked alongside academics and industry partners on real-world projects, applying emerging climate policy, sustainable design principles and innovative approaches to housing challenges. This collaborative model has enabled students to develop the knowledge, skills and values required to become future leaders in the built environment.
The initiative has also strengthened collaboration across Ireland's architectural education sector. Bringing together all Irish schools of architecture at TU Dublin, University of Limerick, University College Dublin, Atlantic Technological University, South East Technological University, University College Cork/Munster Technological University, the project has fostered a shared approach to curriculum development, professional competencies and teaching practice. The success of Building Change has been made possible through the commitment of the partner organisations, including the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), and the Higher Education Authority, whose funding enabled innovation and collaboration across the sector.
Reflecting on the award, SABE Head of Architecture, Emma Geoghegan thanked the SABE Building Change team (Noel Brady, Miriam Delaney, Sarah O’Dwyer and David Leech) whilst acknowledging that the recognition belongs to the many students, educators and partners who have worked together to demonstrate how collaboration and innovation in higher education can help address some of society's most pressing environmental and social challenges. 