The LearnArch project, an Erasmus+ initiative, officially kicked off with its first in-person meeting held in Iași, Romania, from March 29-30, 2023. This significant event marked the beginning of a collaborative effort between partners from Romania, Greece, and Portugal, each bringing unique expertise in architecture, education, game design, and digital innovation.
About LearnArch
The goal of the LearnArch project is to enhance architectural education for adult learners through innovative and engaging methods. One of the key outcomes of this project will be the development of a physical and digital educational board game designed to simplify complex architectural concepts. This tool will allow trainers to better explain the intricacies of architecture, from design principles to construction rules, in a fun and accessible way.
Kick-Off Meeting: Key Highlights
The meeting was an opportunity for all partners to gather and align on the objectives of the project. Attendees included members from Dracon Rules Design Studio, NEA (North Eastern Architect), and Universidade Lusófona, as well as faculty from the Technical University of Iași. The meeting began with an introduction and team-building activities, including a unique ice-breaker: participants drew a building that represented them.
A comprehensive overview of the project was presented, covering the scope, timeline, target groups, and key deliverables. The focus was on defining the roles of each partner, setting milestones, and ensuring clarity in the management of the project.
Partnership Collaboration
The consortium's collaboration extends beyond the physical borders of the meeting. The partners bring a wealth of knowledge from various domains:
- NEA: Leveraging years of experience in architecture education and training.
- Dracon Rules Design Studio: Specializing in game design, especially for educational purposes.
- Universidade Lusófona: Focused on validating educational methodologies and fostering community engagement.
Visit to Technical University of Iași
One of the highlights of the meeting was the visit to the Faculty of Architecture at "Gh. Asachi" Technical University of Iași. This gave the partners a chance to interact with architecture students and explore the learning environment. Discussions centered around how the LearnArch project could enhance the teaching and learning process through the innovative use of the board game.
Looking Ahead
The next steps following the kick-off meeting include the development of the board game tool, which will be tested and refined through a series of learning-teaching-training (LTTA) activities. This hands-on approach will help shape the final product, ensuring that it meets the educational needs of adult learners and trainers alike.
By the end of the project, LearnArch aims to provide a versatile, engaging, and educational tool for institutions and trainers, making architecture education more accessible and enjoyable.
Stay tuned as we continue this exciting journey to innovate the future of architectural education with LearnArch!
