Digital Design Collaboration in higher education

We applied for the Digital DECATHLON to address the urgent need for practical, interdisciplinary training in digital design and planning. While BIM is now part of many university curricula, the focus remains largely theoretical, with limited opportunities for hands-on collaboration. Yet, the construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation that demands new skills, especially in working across disciplines and geographies. This Erasmus+ project provides a structured, game-based approach that allows students from architecture, civil engineering, and related fields to work together on a shared BIM model. By simulating real-world workflows in a decentralized setting, the competition helps students gain practical experience in digital tools and methodologies. Additionally, the project fosters European cooperation, strengthening international exchange and preparing students for the demands of a globalized industry. Through this initiative, we aim to equip students with the skills needed for the future of digital construction while promoting sustainable and resource-efficient design approaches.

With the Digital DECATHLON, we aim to transform digital education by bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. The competition provides an easy entry point into digital planning, allowing students to develop essential BIM skills through collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork. By working on real design challenges in international teams, participants experience the complexities of digital workflows, improving their ability to coordinate, analyze, and optimize designs. Beyond technical proficiency, the project promotes European identity by connecting universities across borders and fostering intercultural competence. The competition format encourages innovation in digital construction, sustainability, and resource-efficient design. By integrating this model into higher education, we seek to create a lasting, scalable platform that enhances digital literacy in the built environment and prepares students for the evolving demands of the construction industry.

All proposed activities in the project were successfully completed: • WP1: Project Management –Coordination measures were implemented at both project and local level. • WP2: Quality of the Learning Path – Project goal were defined, assessments of the competitions and learning materials took place, juries were organised to assess the students' achievements, opinions and criticisms were collected and evaluated in order to optimise the competition. • WP3: Learning Management – Learning platforms and learning materials were developed and used, an e-learning qualification for BIM was created, and symposia and coaching sessions were held to support students. • WP4: Event Management – A launch event and two competitions were organised and held, including the kick-off and final, with all event and travel preparations. • WP5: Public Relations – The project's CI was developed and used, the website and Instagram account were designed and maintained. Lectures and presentations were held to promote the initiative and articles on the project were published. These activities ensured a structured realisation of the Digital Decathlon and promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, digital design training and international knowledge exchange.

The Digital Decathlon successfully delivered the following tangible results: 1. Competitions & Learning Materials • Two fully implemented interdisciplinary competitions, with students collaborating on BIM-based challenges. • Development and refinement of high-quality learning materials, continuously evaluated and improved after each competition. 2. Digital Learning Infrastructure • Creation and continuous enhancement of an online Learning Platform for digital design education. • Development and integration of E-learning qualifications, enabling students to acquire essential digital competencies. 3. Publications & Events • Two international symposia to disseminate insights and foster discussions on digitalization in construction. • Lectures and presentations at various events to promote the project and share key findings. • A structured ‘evaluation report’ summarising and assessing best practices for future implementations. 4. Public Relations & Outreach • Development of a website and social media presence (Instagram) to engage a broader audience. • Regular updates and content dissemination through digital channels. 5. Contacts • intensification of international research and teaching cooperation