Circular building at VUB

Engineering studies: Architecture at the Free University of Brussels

For the first time, the subject of circular construction will become a compulsory course subject in Flanders. This within the Engineering: Architecture at the Free University of Brussels (VUB). The subject comes in the second year but in the course students discover a new part of sustainable building. Among other things, they discover:

• Year 1: sustainable construction and detailing
• Year 2: circular design and construction
• Year 3: bioclimatic design
• Year 4: energy performance of buildings
• Year 5: electives on sustainable construction and entrepreneurship

However, the subject does not only take place behind the desk. Students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the subject matter in practical components. Together with architects and contractors, they explore how material reuse can make living affordable again and how innovative structures can reduce our environmental footprint. This will be done in the form of guest lectures, group discussions and sketching assignments at construction sites.

With this innovation in the study programme, the VUB aims to form the engineer-architects of tomorrow. This will allow students to later work in the construction industry in a creative and critical manner with a backpack full of technical knowledge.

Photo: Vrije Universiteit Brussel / Thierry Geenen