Curricular Modernization at AGGF within the Erasmus+ SKILL2SUSTAIN Project

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ project "Boosting Digital and Green Skills for a Resilient and Sustainable Western Balkan Society" – SKILL2SUSTAIN, the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (AGGF) of the University of Banja Luka is actively implementing initiatives aimed at modernizing curricula and strengthening the digital and green competencies of both students and academic staff. A pivotal activity of the project entails the modernization of instructional content across three AGGF study programs, with the objective of better aligning higher education with contemporary professional demands, principles of sustainable development, and the priorities of the green and digital transformation in the construction sector.

This initiative encompasses the overhaul of six specific curricula within the fields of architecture, civil engineering, and geodesy, namely: Principles of structuring architectural buildings, Energy efficient and environmentally friendly building materials, Building materials 2, Contemporary concrete composites, Cartography 1, and Cartography 3. The enhancement of these curricular frameworks is informed by the recommendations developed within the SKILL2SUSTAIN project. These recommendations underscore the necessity of systematically integrating green and digital competencies into higher education, fostering an interdisciplinary approach, and applying advanced digital tools in the pedagogical process.

In the fields of architecture and civil engineering, the curricular updates focus on integrating the principles of the circular economy, energy efficiency, decarbonization, and the sustainable management of building materials. Within the revised curriculum for Energy efficient and environmentally friendly building materials, emphasis is placed on bridging traditional approaches to construction materials with circular economy principles and carbon emission reduction strategies, while adhering to relevant standards and European frameworks for sustainable development. The curriculum for Contemporary concrete composites is being enhanced through content pertaining to sustainable construction materials, construction waste recycling, and the development of high-performance materials with a reduced environmental footprint. This approach equips students to apply contemporary solutions in sustainable construction and the retrofitting of the existing building stock.

The digital transformation of the instructional process represents a vital segment of the modernized curricula for Building materials 2 and Principles of structuring architectural buildings. Particular significance is given to the application of Building Information Model/Modeling/Management (BIM), digital catalogs of construction materials, and other digital tools in the education of future architects and civil engineers. Incorporating these topics into the curricula contributes to the development of digital literacy, a more robust integration of theoretical knowledge with professional practice, and the alignment of student competencies with contemporary digital standards in the construction industry. Concurrently, this interdisciplinary curricular approach facilitates the convergence of architecture, civil engineering, materials technology, and aspects of sustainable development.

The curricular revision for Cartography 1 and Cartography 3 is oriented toward enhancing the digital and geoinformatics competencies of students. The new curriculum introduces contemporary approaches anchored in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital cartography, 3D terrain and object visualization, and spatial data interoperability. Special emphasis is placed on the utilization of open-access software and project-based learning, enabling students to apply acquired knowledge to concrete challenges, such as noise pollution analysis, renewable energy potential assessment, and the identification of areas vital for carbon sequestration. Within the updated framework for Cartography 3, the significance of integrating BIM and GIS technologies is further highlighted, alongside the application of relevant standards and initiatives—including ISO standards, the INSPIRE Directive, CityGML, and IFC—to enhance spatial data interoperability. This instructional content provides a crucial foundation for developing the competencies required for the deployment of digital twins in the built and urban environment.

By modernizing these six curricula across three AGGF study programs, the quality and relevance of higher education in the fields of architecture, civil engineering, and geodesy are significantly enhanced. This activity constitutes a direct contribution to achieving the objectives of the SKILL2SUSTAIN project by strengthening the capacity of the University of Banja Luka to deliver advanced educational curricula that equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for a sustainable, digitally supported, and more resilient future for the Western Balkans.