Implementation of practice-based methodologies into architectural education.

In architecture education worldwide, there is an old but perpetual debate on how to integrate practical learning in the academic program. In recent times, introduction of problem-based and project-based learning (PBL) has been highly praised approach because it empowers the students to deal with real-life problems. Like many other higher education institutions which strive to improve their curricula, the Faculty of Architecture University of Sarajevo examines various modalities of integration of practice into formal education. The curriculum has evolved from a predominantly theoretical framework and working with abstract assignments to recognizing and adequately responding to up-to-date topics and real social problems. However, there is a noticeable institutional inertia that impedes the timely response of the academic community to urgent challenges and changes in society. In an effort to eliminate the identified shortcomings and improve the education process, the Faculty of Architecture University of Sarajevo, has undertaken a number of activities in cooperation with partner institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU, resulting with critical assessment of the status quo and developing guidelines for future actions. Following the implementation of the international research project "HERD" 2013-2016, energy efficiency and sustainability topics have been incorporated in several courses. As a result of the capacity building of the teaching staff and their continuous training, the project "Typology of residential buildings in BiH" was successfully implemented. The long-term outcomes of this project are of national relevance, as it assists the government in creating strategies for implementing energy efficiency in the housing sector, while the research results can be easily utilized both by the individuals and society as a whole. Examples of cooperation with the industry also serve as an illustration of possible ways to improve the quality of education and raise the competencies of the students. The aim of this paper is to present the importance and modalities of incorporating the practical component into the process of architecture education and actualization of global topics in the local context. It is also necessary to point out the shortcomings in the existing academic procedures on different levels, and the need of valorisation of extracurricular activities. The previously gained experience and examples of good practice should support all stakeholders involved in the educational process: from academia, the industry and the professionals, to the wider community. Such shared endeavours can significantly contribute to a better learning environment and application of acquired knowledge and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]