From 28 September to 2 October 2026, the University of Parma (Italy) hosted two study visits organised within the framework of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project “Green & Energy-Efficient Building Design for UA Renovation” (GreenBUILD).

The visits brought together representatives of the project’s partner universities to exchange experience in modern teaching methodologies, curriculum development, digital learning technologies, and laboratory-based education. Particular attention was paid to European approaches to preparing highly qualified specialists in sustainable construction, energy-efficient building design, and renovation.

The activities were organised for members of two project working groups (WG1 and WG2), supporting the development of innovative educational programmes and professional training opportunities for Ukraine’s construction sector.

Exploring innovative teaching and learning approaches

The programme included a series of training sessions delivered by academic and administrative staff of the University of Parma, focusing on modern approaches to higher education.

Participants explored a wide range of topics, including:

• Course evaluation strategies: formative and summative assessment, evaluation rubrics, and methods for measuring learning outcomes;

• Classroom management: active learning environments, student engagement, and effective teaching strategies;

• Digital tools for education: application of Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 technologies, interactive platforms, and collaborative learning tools;

• Course development strategies: structured teaching sequences and practical approaches to applying theoretical knowledge;

• MOOC implementation: integration of massive open online courses into university curricula, credit recognition, and student support;

• Innovation in higher education: institutional approaches to modernising teaching and learning practices.

These sessions provided opportunities to discuss how European educational practices can be adapted to the needs of Ukrainian universities and incorporated into the GreenBUILD educational programmes.

Advancing sustainable construction education

A significant part of the study visits was dedicated to specialised teaching approaches and technologies relevant to architecture, construction engineering, and building energy performance.

University of Parma experts presented their experience in several areas:

• Photogrammetry and geomatics applications in architecture and construction;

• Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its integration into university education;

• Innovative pedagogical approaches to architectural design in the age of artificial intelligence;

• Dynamic simulation of building energy performance.

The discussions highlighted the importance of combining advanced digital technologies with practical engineering competencies to prepare specialists capable of addressing the challenges of sustainable and energy-efficient reconstruction.

Particular attention was given to the integration of these approaches into the development of GreenBUILD-related courses and teaching materials.

Learning from European laboratory infrastructure

The programme also included visits to the University of Parma’s research and educational facilities, providing participants with opportunities to explore modern laboratory infrastructure and its role in engineering education.

The visits covered the University of Parma Tecnopolo, digital fabrication and 3D printing laboratories, and facilities dedicated to materials testing and structural engineering.

These activities demonstrated how research infrastructure, experimental methods, and practical laboratory training can support the development of professional competencies in construction and related engineering disciplines.

The experience is particularly relevant to GreenBUILD activities aimed at strengthening laboratory-based education and modernising learning environments at Ukrainian partner universities.

Collaborative development of GreenBUILD educational programmes

Another important component of the visits was the presentation and discussion of GreenBUILD-related Master’s programmes, curriculum structures, and course contents.

Representatives of the partner universities exchanged approaches to curriculum development, discussed the integration of innovative teaching methods, and explored opportunities to incorporate European expertise into educational programmes.

The joint discussions provided a platform for aligning educational approaches with contemporary technological developments and the professional competencies required for sustainable reconstruction.

Contributing to GreenBUILD objectives

The study visits to the University of Parma represent an important step in strengthening cooperation between European and Ukrainian higher education institutions within the GreenBUILD consortium.

By combining knowledge exchange, pedagogical training, curriculum discussions, and laboratory visits, the activities support the project’s broader objectives of modernising higher education and developing innovative learning opportunities in sustainable and energy-efficient construction.

The knowledge and experience gained during the visits will contribute to the further development of GreenBUILD educational programmes, teaching materials, and practical training approaches, helping Ukrainian universities prepare a new generation of specialists equipped to support Ukraine’s green, energy-efficient, and resilient reconstruction.