Digital design in studies

The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is launching a course for digitally savvy architects, civil engineers and building technicians in autumn. The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland is also planning a new programme.

Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) is launching a new degree programme called "Digital Construction", as announced at a virtual media conference. The HSLU's Department of Engineering & Architecture is launching the Bachelor's degree in autumn 2020 in the fields of architecture, civil engineering and building technology to complement its existing courses. Students will acquire a mix of technical and digital skills. In particular, they will learn how to create BIM models and cover technologies such as parametric design, the Internet of Things and virtual and augmented reality.

BIM expert Mark Baldwin and Markus Weber, President of "Bauen digital Schweiz", are jointly leading the degree programme. According to the press release, HSLU is the first university in the German-speaking world to launch a new Bachelor's degree programme for the digital transformation in the construction sector. "The increasing demand for competent young talent with digital skills cannot be satisfied." There is currently a shortage of around 500 specialists in the field of building information modelling alone in Switzerland.

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) also wants to move forward digitally. From autumn 2021, it is planning a new Master's degree course in "Virtual Design and Construction", which will complement the courses offered at the Institute of Digital Construction. The FHNW School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics is designing the programme together with the FHNW School of Applied Psychology. According to the FHNW, the digital Master's programme would be the first of its kind in Switzerland. However, it must first be definitively approved.

Source: Hochparterre