Riga Technical University, Institute of Architecture and Design, Riga, Latvia
Ķīpsalas street 6, Riga
23-25 April 2026
Register for the meeting
We warmly invite Heads of Schools, Education and Architecture Programmes/Majors, and Study Coordinators from NBAA member institutions to join us.
Theme
Interdisciplinarity in Architectural Education
Architectural education can no longer be limited to design skills alone – it is becoming a platform for developing the ability to work across disciplines. If architects are seen solely as providers of spatial design services, their influence on construction and urban development diminishes. At the same time, architectural education opens opportunities to work in the fields of economy, business, digital innovation, and the implementation of sustainable materials and circular solutions.
Rapid technological and societal changes require universities to anticipate future labor market demands and prepare students for interdisciplinary collaboration. This raises the question – to what extent can interdisciplinarity be integrated into the curriculum, and which areas should be strengthened today to ensure the continued relevance and impact of architectural education in the future?
Join the discussion and share your experiences on shaping the future of architectural education globally and locally!
Program
Thursday, April 23, 2026
| 9.30 | Registration, coffee |
| 10.00 | Opening session: Mara Liepa-Zemesa, Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen |
| 10.30 | Keynote in global context: prof., PhD Alex Bitterman |
| 11.15 | Keynote in self experience working at NBAA schools: PhD Yulia Sinke |
| 12.00 | Coffee break |
| 12.30 | Introduction of the Study and Research Environment at Riga Technical University: prof., dr. Ugis Bratuskins |
| 13.00 | Campus tour |
| 14.00 | Lunch |
| 15.00 | Board meeting and meeting for study coordinators |
| 16.00 | Introduction to and visit of the Adaptive Materials Workshop “Bio-Based Fibre Architecture” 2026* |
| 18.00 | Dinner |
Friday, April 24, 2026
| 9.30 | Opening of the day |
| 10.00 | Presentations of NBAA schools: Interdisciplinarity in the Curriculum – Key Areas and Approaches |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13.00 | Guided tour of Riga |
| 17.00 | Informal meeting in Riga Old Town (optional) |
Saturday, April 24, 2026
| 10.00 | Optional:
Final presentations by students of the
Adaptive Materials Workshop “Bio-Based Fibre Architecture” 2026*
|
* All NBAA school students are welcome to join the BIP! More information at this link
Hotel recommendations:
For your convenience, we would like to suggest the following hotels, all located within easy reach of the conference venue. Please note that participants are kindly asked to arrange their accommodation individually:
Riga Islande Hotel
Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town
Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
To help you plan your stay in Riga, please find below some useful links:
Top places to see in Riga
General information about Riga
Getting from the airport to the city centre
Public transport in Riga