From Simulation to Sustainable Architecture
Application deadline: 15 April 2026 (Applications are reviewed continuously.)
A hands-on international programme combining digital simulations, natural materials, and real-world ecological design. Primarily intended for students from partner universities and institutions with Erasmus+ funding for BIP mobility. A limited number of non-funded participants may be accepted if capacity allows.
This Blended Intensive Programme brings together students from architecture, civil engineering, environmental studies, and related fields to explore sustainable building design through digital tools, natural materials, and collaborative project work.
The programme is organized by the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU), Faculty of Civil Engineering, in cooperation with partner universities and ecological organisations.
The BIP awards 4 ECTS credits and is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme.
The Blended Intensive Programme is organised by the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU) in cooperation with the following partner universities participating in Erasmus+ BIP mobility:
Priority in the selection process is given to students nominated by these partner institutions or any institutions with Erasmus+ funding for BIP mobility. A limited number of non-funded participants may be accepted if capacity allows.
Approx. 3 hours of online activities 2–3 weeks before the physical part. The online component includes a welcome session, introductory lectures on sustainable architecture and simulations, team formation, and presentation of the main project assignment. Tools used: MS Teams, Miro, Padlet, Slido.
The on-site week takes place in Bratislava and Hrubý Šúr and combines workshops, excursions, lectures, and studio work.
In-person introductions, overview of the programme, presentation of preliminary models from the online phase, introductory lectures (topics to be confirmed), and initial studio work.
Transfer from Bratislava, visit to EcoCocon production facility and selected sustainable buildings, arrival at EkoCentrum Hrubý Šúr, introduction to working with straw and clay, evening discussions, overnight stay at the EcoCentre.
Full-day hands-on workshop with natural materials, team prototyping and model building under expert guidance, evening transfer back to Bratislava.
A series of lectures related to the workshop topics (final list to be published later), studio work, and preparation for final presentations.
Presentation of final models and project outcomes, feedback from the jury, closing lecture, and awarding of Certificates of Participation.
Sustainable Architecture (11-UA)
4 ECTS credits
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to sustainable architectural design, focusing on the environmental and social quality of the built environment throughout its life cycle. It integrates theoretical knowledge with practical design work and hands-on experience with natural building materials.
Blended learning combining online lectures, hands-on workshops, project-based learning, digital tools, excursions, studio consultations, and final presentations.
Assessment is based on participation, teamwork, workshop engagement, project development, and final presentation. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis and awards 4 ECTS credits upon successful completion.
The teaching team consists of lecturers and experts from partner universities, EkoCentrum Hrubý Šúr, and industry partners such as EcoCocon. The final list of teachers and guest lecturers will be published later.
Students from partner universities and institutions with Erasmus+ funding for BIP mobility are given priority. However, to be eligible for Erasmus+ funding and formal recognition as BIP participants, students must be officially nominated by their home university and registered in the Beneficiary Module under the BIP code 2025-1-SK01-KA131-HED-000336310-2. A limited number of non-funded participants (free movers) may be accepted if capacity allows.
Applications are submitted via an online form. You will be asked to provide personal and study information, a short motivation statement, and optionally a portfolio or sample of previous work.
Application deadline: 15 April 2026
Or scan the QR code:
If selected, you will receive an official Acceptance Letter from STU confirming your participation in the BIP.
With the Acceptance Letter, contact your home university’s International Office. They will nominate you for the BIP and register you in the Beneficiary Module under the BIP code 2025-1-SK01-KA131-HED-000336310-2, enabling Erasmus+ funding.
Together with your home university, you will prepare a Learning Agreement including the course Sustainable Architecture (I1-UA), 4 ECTS credits, and both the online and physical components. A template of the Learning Agreement will be available for download.
After your Learning Agreement is approved, you will receive instructions on how to register in the Academic Information System (AIS) of STU. This is required for enrolment, credits, and the Transcript of Records.
To successfully complete the BIP, you must attend the online and physical parts, participate in team work and workshops, and sign the daily attendance sheet during the physical week.
At the end of the programme, you will complete a feedback questionnaire. After fulfilling all requirements, you will receive 4 ECTS credits, a Certificate of Participation, and a Transcript of Records issued by STU.
Students stay overnight at EkoCentrum Hrubý Šúr during the workshop days. In Bratislava, students arrange their own accommodation; recommended options will be published later.
Bratislava is accessible by train, bus, and via Vienna Airport. Local public transport is efficient; a 7-day ticket is recommended. Transfers to EcoCocon and EkoCentre during the BIP are organized by STU.
Main venue: Faculty of Civil Engineering, STU, Bratislava. Workshops and overnight stay: EkoCentrum Hrubý Šúr. Excursions include EcoCocon production facility and selected sustainable buildings.
Comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes, laptop, notebook, chargers, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, and any necessary medication. Optional: gloves for working with natural materials.
For questions about the BIP, please contact:
doc. Dr. techn. Ing. arch. Roman Rabenseifer
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU)
Email: roman.rabenseifer@stuba.sk
This Blended Intensive Programme is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme. Official BIP code: 2025-1-SK01-KA131-HED-000336310-2.
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