NEB Concepts | DigiNEB Podcasts

Andrew Dubber in conversation with leading architects, educators, and project leaders

Topic: Education innovation

Aase Højlund Nielsen pt 2 – Technology, Inclusion, and the Power of Place

How do digital tools support community engagement? Aase Højlund Nielsen explains the role of technology in urban planning, the importance of adapting strategies for different cultures, and how Copenhagen’s unique context influences innovation. She also reflects on the limitations of replicating solutions across different regions and the need for meaningful, localised approaches.

Community engagement Technology integration Education innovation Adaptability Cultural heritage and diversity Co-creation and participatory design

Andreja Kutnar pt 3 – Digital Twins, Smart Forestry, and the Data-Driven Future of Wood

Can forests have digital twins? Andreja Kutnar explores how technology is revolutionising forestry and timber construction, from tracking trees via satellite to embedding sensors in buildings. She explains how digital tools help ensure sustainable forest management, prevent illegal logging, and provide real-time data on material performance.

Digital twins and simulations Sustainability Interdisciplinary approach Education innovation Human-centered design Technology integration

Andreja Kutnar pt 4 – Fire, Water, and the Misconceptions About Timber Buildings

Are wooden buildings a fire risk? Andreja Kutnar challenges common myths about timber construction, explaining why fire resistance is actually one of wood’s strengths. She also discusses the real concern—water damage—and how digital monitoring, careful construction, and skilled labour are crucial to ensuring long-lasting, safe wooden structures.

Sustainability Building materials and techniques Education innovation Technology integration Interdisciplinary approach Architectural education and practice

Andreja Kutnar pt 5 – Inclusion, Policy, and the Role of Wood in a Circular Economy

What role should policy play in promoting sustainable materials? Andreja Kutnar highlights the importance of education, regulation, and public awareness in shifting construction towards more sustainable practices. She explores the potential for material banks, circularity in timber buildings, and the policies that can help ensure that renewable resources are used responsibly.

Sustainability Climate change and adaptation Education innovation Policy-making and evaluation Technology integration Local and regional solutions

Frank van der Hoeven pt 2 – Open Science, Architecture, and Public Engagement

How can architectural research be made more accessible? Frank van der Hoeven traces his journey from urban design to European research coordination, explaining how open science can connect architects, researchers, and the public. He discusses why architecture shouldn't hide behind paywalls, the importance of publishing in language people actually read, and how transparency in design benefits society.

Architectural education and practice Education innovation European collaboration and policy Knowledge sharing and dissemination Interdisciplinary approach Community engagement

Mia Roth-Čerina pt 3 – Coexistence, Speculative Design, and the Future of Architecture

Can architecture exist without the compulsion to build? Mia Roth-Čerina discusses the themes of her book Designing and Coexistence, which challenges the drive for constant newness in architecture. She explores ideas of mutualism, the importance of repurposing rather than replacing, and how speculative design can help reimagine the future of urban and rural spaces.

Sustainability Interdisciplinary approach Ecosystem approach Education innovation Environmental conservation Adaptability

Mia Roth-Čerina pt 4 – Architectural Education and the Changing Role of the Architect

What do architecture graduates actually do? Mia Roth-Čerina shares insights from her research into the shifting roles of architects in contemporary society. She examines how architectural education must move beyond rigid structures to foster adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving, and considers what a truly forward-thinking curriculum might look like.

Architectural education and practice Education innovation Interdisciplinary approach Sustainability Technology integration Social renewal and societal change

Roberto Cavallo pt 1 – Architecture, Education, and the European Perspective

Roberto Cavallo, associate professor at TU Delft, reflects on his journey from Italy to the Netherlands and the cultural differences in architecture and education across Europe. He explores how national identity shapes architectural practice, the evolution of European design thinking, and the growing interconnectedness of the profession.

Architectural education and practice European collaboration and policy Social renewal and societal change Interdisciplinary approach Digitalization and innovation Education innovation

Roberto Cavallo pt 2 – Learning from Place: Local Knowledge and Global Perspectives

Should architecture education be standardised across Europe? Roberto Cavallo argues for a balance between universal design principles and the unique characteristics of local environments. He discusses the strength of European diversity in placemaking, the importance of mobility in education, and how young designers can position themselves in an evolving profession.

European collaboration and policy Local and regional solutions Knowledge sharing and dissemination Cultural heritage and diversity Education innovation Interdisciplinary approach

Roberto Cavallo pt 5 – Rethinking Architectural Education in the Digital Age

Education is no longer confined to the classroom. Roberto Cavallo discusses the shift towards participatory, learner-centred approaches in architecture, the rise of informal education through digital platforms, and the need for safe spaces where students can experiment and learn from failure. He also examines how institutions can open up to a broader audience through lifelong learning initiatives.

Education innovation Urban design and development Co-creation and participatory design Education innovation Accessibility Interdisciplinary approach

Roberto Cavallo pt 6 – What Comes After DigiNEB? The Future of the NEB Academy

What happens when EU-funded projects come to an end? Roberto Cavallo considers the long-term impact of DigiNEB, the potential of the NEB Academy, and how digital knowledge-sharing can support the future of sustainable design. He also discusses how European initiatives can foster lasting collaborations and new ways of thinking about architecture and urbanism.

New European Bauhaus AI and digital tools Knowledge sharing and dissemination Education innovation Sustainability Interdisciplinary approach

Selma Harrington pt 1 – Architecture, Advocacy, and Heritage

Selma Harrington, an architect and educator, discusses her career spanning architecture, design, and advocacy for sustainable built environments. She reflects on modernist heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the impact of post-war neglect on architecture, and her research into the transformation of the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A fascinating look into the intersections of architecture, history, and European identity.

Architectural education and practice Sustainability Heritage preservation Art and culture Aesthetics Interdisciplinary approach Cultural heritage and diversity

Selma Harrington pt 6 – AI, Digital Education, and the Role of Water in Urban Identity

How is AI reshaping architecture and design education? Selma Harrington reflects on digital learning, the balance between technology and creativity, and the continued relevance of hand-drawn sketches. She also explores the cultural and political significance of water in urban design, from Ottoman-era fountains to contemporary concerns about privatisation and sustainability.

Education innovation AI and digital tools Architectural education and practice Technology integration Interdisciplinary approach Water management and design