sus^cool
International Summer School

CONTENT

The construction industry is changing, and skills and knowledge transfer in the field of sustainable construction need to be promoted and expanded at an international level. In the project sus^cool, university education for students in the field of sustainable, high-quality construction is to be placed on a broad basis throughout Europe through transnational and transdisciplinary, practical learning approaches. Students from various countries and disciplines will participate in a unique hands-on learning experience, experimenting with bio-based materials.

The sus^cool, Summer School is organized by the Department of Building and Design of the University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna, in partnership with several architectural schools and programmes in Europe, including the Joint Master of Architecture of Fribourg.

The summer school is organized in two parts : a preparatory online lecture programme during the Spring Semester 2025 and an on-site, two-week workshop, between July 7–18, 2025 at the University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna.

TEACHING AIMS

• Exploring the building materials timber, earth, and straw, guided by renowned experts as lecturers and supervisors.
• Experimenting, planning and building with bio-based materials, innovative techniques and approaches.
• Developping transcultural and transnational learning, a global understanding of the discipline for students and teachers, and comprehensive specialist knowledge viewed from multiple international perspectives.

TEACHING METHODS

The summer academy uses didactic methods such as problem-based learning and project exercises that create practical relevance in cooperation with specialized construction companies from the Vienna region. International and transdisciplinary cooperation and dialog is also achieved through e-learning tools and digital integration of international experts.

The online part serves as an introduction to bio-based materials, preparing the students for the hands-on experience. In spring 2025, students will attend online lectures on Thursday and Tuesday evenings and participate in a design competition, receiving guidance and mentorship throughout. The best project will be selected by students and lecturers and brought to life on-site in July.