Space for integration – nature, heritage, people

Project facts

Project promoter:
Cracow University of Technology(PL)
Project Number:
PL-EDUCATION-0197
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€136,060
Donor Project Partners:
Norwegian Legacy AS(NO)
Other Project Partners
Eurokreator T&C Ltd.(PL)
Programme:

Description

The motivation for taking up the project is the introduction of the interior design module for the 2nd year of the 1st degree of architecture at the Faculty of Architecture as an obligatory subject due to the need to adapt the curriculum to the new education standards for the field of architecture applicable from 2020. In order to ensure the competitiveness of the graduate, it is necessary to have practical knowledge of the specifics of interior design, consisting in knowledge of the principles of design, lighting technology, selection and technical properties of furniture and building materials.
Interior design, taking into account aspects of inclusion, accessibility and multiculturalism, is insufficient in education schedules for students and staff. Aspects of the so-called sustainable tourism are not included in the education level as well as.
Practical knowledge and new modules in the curricula are essential to ensure the graduate''s competitiveness.
Basic goals of the project:
1. Introducing of inclusive education elements at the university
2. Updating the educational offer
3. Better adjustment of the educational offer to the labor market
4. Establishing institutional cooperation in the field of education
Results planned:
a) Course methodology for students
b) Course for students
c) E-learning resources
d) Research works.
In the project we plan learning mobilities, where the target group is to be both the staff of the Partners and the Applicant''s students.
Target groups:
1. Academic teachers (training, mobility, research) number of teachers 20 people
2. Students of engineering and master''s studies in architecture 200 people
3. Partner''s staff - 20 people
4. Siemach''s group of special educators
Long-term benefits are:
- Scalability of results that can be applied at other universities
- Strengthening cooperation between project partners and institutions working directly with young people

Summary of project results

The assumption of the project is to take into account the cultural background and social inclusion understood as supporting people with special needs (elderly people, children, people with disabilities) in interior design, assuming accessibility, the principles of universal design and multiculturalism. A properly designed interior allows a person with physical disabilities to function comfortably and facilitate development. The interior can also have an impact on emotions, so for people with mental disabilities, it is important to consciously use space, color and lighting, which can have a beneficial effect on supporting the treatment of anxiety, stress or depression. Taking into account the problem of multiculturalism in interior design can have a positive impact on the aspect of cultural interpenetration. The program involves exploring interior design practices in other cultures in order to sensitize future designers to the needs of space users and indicate the directions of possible borrowings

The project succeeded in introducing an innovative curriculum for the interior design module in the second year of the bachelor''s degree in architecture at the Faculty of Architecture as a compulsory subject tailored to the new educational standards for the faculty of architecture, in force since 2020. This ensured the competitiveness of the graduate with the necessary practical knowledge of the specifics of interior design consisting of knowledge of design principles, lighting techniques, selection and technical properties of furniture and building materials.
In line with the current market demand, the introduced module also equips graduates with knowledge related to interior design taking into account aspects of inclusion, accessibility and multiculturalism. The module also introduces content on sustainable tourism.

The results of the project are:
(a) Methodology of the course for students
b) Course for students
c) E-learning materials
d) Research work

As part of the result "Course methodology for students" - a description of the educational concept was developed (relationship of studies with the university''s strategy, socio-economic needs for the creation of studies, assignment of the field of study to the disciplines to which the learning outcomes apply. Justification of the need to introduce a given subject, description of the scientific activity conducted in a given discipline, description of learning outcomes for studies at a specific field, level and profile, description of the process leading to obtaining learning outcomes and ECTS points. Applications were prepared and the document was translated into English.

 

Through the mobilities, the competencies of the staff and students were improved.

As a result of the work, students learned the principles of universal, sustainable and inclusive design. The material is intended to be an inspiration for other universities. The course was international in nature and was developed based on the methodology of international studies. Its organizational structure was of a blended learning nature. An innovative aspect was the inclusion of: integration in terms of cultural origins, people with disabilities, people with special needs such as children), accessibility, sustainable design, greenery and multiculturalism. The project had a significant impact on the participating institutions, influencing the development of university programs, modification of study programs and the promotion of both administrative and academic staff.
At European and international level, the project contributed:
It contributed to the achievement of ET 2020, the European strategic goals for education and training, by improving the quality of education and programs that supported innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the long term.
The project was consistent with the 2030 Agenda for a Sustainable Economy, particularly in terms of optimizing the use of environmental resources, respecting cultural authenticity and supporting employment growth.
The project''s results were applicable to other countries in the long term, demonstrating its impact beyond national borders.
At the national level, the project aimed to improve the national education system by introducing new educational programs, tools and methods that could be transferred to other sectors in the long term.
On a local and regional scale, the project fostered closer cooperation between project partners and institutions directly involved in working with young people, in particular universities, in the long term. This collaboration aimed to create lasting positive effects in the local and regional educational landscape.

Summary of bilateral results

There are many advantages to working with institutions from Donor States on a project. Their financial support is essential, for the implementation of key initiatives. The transfer of expertise and advanced technologies from donor countries is important, contributing to the project''s short-term and long-term goals. Knowledge sharing includes best practices and methodologies that can greatly enhance local capabilities. The involvement of Donor States has supported capacity building initiatives, including training programs and workshops. This fosters skills development among local institutions in the long run. Cooperation with Donor States promotes global cooperation and networking that facilitates the exchange of ideas, innovations and solutions. Donor country standards and guidelines also play an important role in ensuring project quality. Their involvement contributes to better management. In addition to project-specific benefits, cooperation with Donor States often coincides with shared global goals such as sustainable development, poverty reduction and environmental protection. This shared vision improves coordination and increases the likelihood of achieving meaningful and sustainable results. In addition, the accountability required by donor countries in the use of funds contributes to transparency, reducing the likelihood of mismanagement.Collaboration with donor country institutions enriches projects not only by contributing financially, but also by bringing diverse expertise, fostering global linkages and aligning efforts with overarching sustainable development goals.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.