‘Building Beyond Borders’ Project-based learning from, with & for the world

Abstract

In accordance with and to strengthen the adopted Civic University model operationalized by a project-based learning approach, the Faculty of Architecture and arts of Hasselt University initiated the ‘Building Beyond Borders’ programme in the academic year 2018-2019. This postgraduate certificate invites students and professionals to enrich and strengthen skills in sustainable architecture. In a unique knowledge-driven, interdisciplinary and participatory set-up, the programme pushes innovation, contributes to the Sustainability Development Goals, and enhances competences in Global Citizenship. Learning from, with and for the world, is both motive and means to address 10 learning objectives for the participants. Each year, a Design/Build project is the leitmotif of the programme, which in 2018-2019 was a women’s house in Ouled-Merzoug in Morocco. This paper discusses the experiences of the pilot year in lessons learned and challenges, and outlines tentative perspectives for future editions of the programme. It is concluded that one of the main success factors of programmes set up as ‘Building Beyond Borders’ is the awareness of and anticipation on the dynamisms of intercultural collaboration in build projects.