From 20 to 22 October 2026, the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Montenegro hosted the 1st International Conference “Architectural Education in the 21st Century” (1AEDU21) in Podgorica, Montenegro. Aleš Švigelj and Prof. Dr. Alenka Fikfak from the Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana, presented the paper “Beyond the Design Studio: Adaptive Learning Models for Inclusive and Sustainable Architectural Education.”

The paper examines SAFE as a pedagogical model and considers how experiential, participatory and transdisciplinary learning in real urban settings can contribute to inclusive and sustainable architectural and urban planning education. Drawing on five SAFE Intensive Study Programmes, the presentation explored how encounters with users, local actors and different disciplines can broaden students’ understanding of space and support a shift from designing for users towards learning with users.

More information about the conference is available on the official conference website.