'Duaal' learning program and Multidisciplinary master Design Project for sustainable climatic design

The development in (Dutch) building practice necessitates developments in other aspects, besides specialized and professional skills, a new integral approach in education and the introduction of such an approach into building design practice. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) started the Duaal traject’ (route), in which students merge (combine) working in the practice and studying at the university at the same time. In 2005, the building services chair of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning of the TU/e commenced a multidisciplinary master project ‘Integral Design’ focused on a sustainable climatic design. In these (this) Multidisciplinary Master projects students of architecture, building technology, structural engineering and building services participated. They, the students begin with a two days learning-by-practice workshop which was implemented and tested in collaboration with experienced professionals from the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects (BNA) and the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers (ONRI). These workshops by themselves have become part of the permanent educational and professional program of the BNA. This is one of the few projects in which the practical experience is transferred into the educational academic program; normally this process functions the other way around. The results of the combined education of students and professionals is presented and discussed below mentioned