The Postgraduate Course in Sustainable Architecture is a joint initiative arising from the collaboration between the ESCOLA SUPERIOR ARTÍSTICA DO PORTO and CRITICAL CONCRETE, with the aim of providing training capable of addressing the pressing challenges of the contemporary world, namely the need to adopt sustainable and accessible building solutions.

The conceptual framework proposed by the programme thus results from a collaboration that brings together, integrates and adapts knowledge of vernacular construction with methods and expertise in sustainable building, with a view to applying them to innovative building solutions; it is also inspired by individuals and organisations that focus on social and sustainable building and employ unconventional approaches in the fields of architecture and urban planning.

The Postgraduate Course in Sustainable Architecture aims to enable students to acquire the following common knowledge and skills:

1. To acquire a conceptual foundation for an ecological and social approach to architecture and urban planning:

– To raise awareness of the need to change conventional forms of construction and design.
– To learn to recognise ecological urban methods and to create sustainable and liveable cities, integrating social housing and affordable housing based on climate-sensitive urban planning.
– To understand the importance of circular economy strategies, local construction methods, and the proper management of resources.
– To understand the importance of circular economy strategies, local construction methods, as well as the proper management of water resources and energy efficiency
– To share knowledge on sustainable, natural and low-tech construction methodologies.
– To acquire the skills to manage and finance a sustainable project from the design phase through to construction.
– To learn how to implement a bottom-up approach by applying participatory design and communication methodologies, equipping communities with co-design tools and strategies that enable them to work with social and political actors.
– To learn techniques for engaging the local population and institutions, in order to raise awareness and create opportunities for people at risk of social exclusion.

* The postgraduate programme is taught in English and is delivered via a blended learning approach (online and face-to-face).