Education

Three sections to train tomorrow’s architects and engineers

©EPFL-SAR/EPFL-SGC/EPFL-SSIE

Each of ENAC’s three sections delivers excellence in education, with world-class courses that enable students to become experts. During their Bachelor’s degree, they acquire the foundations on which their chosen Master’s specialization will be based.

 

Architecture (SAR)

The Architecture Section (SAR) engages the big-picture thinking inherent in the discipline of architecture to address the pressing challenges of the climate crisis and the threat of ecosystem collapse. It takes a transdisciplinary and transcalar approach to teaching, exploring new ways of critically engaging urban design and architecture – and their holistic processes, instruments and technologies – in the ecological transition.

Civil Engineering (SGC)

The Civil Engineering Section (SGC) places the challenge of sustainability with respect to natural resources, urbanization and risks at the center of its polytechnic training priorities. Its teaching program is geared toward research and development for more sustainable structures, new forms of energy, and optimized transportation and mobility systems.

Environmental Sciences and Engineering (SSIE)

The Environmental Sciences and Engineering Section (SSIE) trains engineers to develop solutions to the complex environmental problems our planet is facing, such as climate change, resource depletion, pollution and biodiversity loss. It equips students with solid scientific and technological foundations, while factoring human, economic and social dimensions into its teaching.

Interdisciplinarity education

Combining disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary breadth, ENAC trains architects and engineers to excel in their chosen disciplines and to work effectively with professionals from other fields. This capacity for inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration is essential to address global sustainability challenges and to ensure ongoing innovation.

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“Projeter Ensemble” program

Students from the three sections work together in multidisciplinary teams to solve complex sustainability challenges.

Student Kreativity and innovation Lab (SKIL)

This academic makerspace fosters hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration between students, allowing them to transform their ideas into reality — whether physical or digital.

Interdisciplinary minors

ENAC hosts three interdisciplinary minors: Engineering for Sustainability; Integrated Design, Architecture and Sustainability (IDEAS); and Urban Planning and Territorial Development.

Continuing education

ENAC’s mission is not limited to the education of successful professionals. We also aim to update and develop the knowledge and skills of established experts. This is why the faculty offers a wide range of continuing education programs.

News about Education

Vincent Digneaux, Solène Guisan and Vincent Kastl: winners of the student architecture prize.© 2023 EPFL/Alain Herzog-CC BY-SA

“It's often better to choose simple solutions over complicated ones”

— Vincent Digneaux, Solène Guisan and Vincent Kastl were crowned winners of the Sustainable is Beautiful student architecture prize for their modular footbridge over the Chamberonne river. Designing the structure, which serves as both a crossing and a meeting place, gave them their first taste of life as an architect.

Hugo Nick in front of the Chillon viaduct in the canton of Vaud. © 2024 EPFL/Alain Herzog - CC-BY-SA 4.0

Testing automated crack-detection methods for concrete

— MASTER'S PROJECT – An EPFL Master’s student in civil engineering has evaluated the effectiveness of new computer-based methods for inspecting potentially dangerous cracks in concrete. 

Nicolas Bissardon and Agathe Crosnier, 2023 Durabilis Awards recipients © 2023 EPFL/Alain Herzog  - CC-BY-SA 4.0

“There's room in Swiss agriculture for greater biodiversity”

— This year’s UNIL-EPFL Durabilis Awards went to two Master’s projects addressing sustainability in the food industry. Both winners – Agathe Crosnier (EPFL – SSIE) and Nicolas Bissardon (UNIL) – came up with fresh ideas for producing and consuming food in a more environmentally responsible way.

Sarah Planchamp, diplômée en architecture devant le barrage de la Grande Dixence.© EPFL/Marie Geiser

What will the Grande Dixence region look like 200 years from now?

— MASTER'S PROJECT – An EPFL architecture student explored what the area around the Grande Dixence dam in Valais Canton might look like in 2223, drawing on scientific data to shed light on the long-term implications of environmental change.

Andreas Schüler with an infrared camera in his laboratory.© EPFL/Alain Herzog

Physics sheds light on the study of architecture

— Andreas Schüler, an expert in specialty materials for solar energy conversion, is this year’s winner of both the PolySphère award for best teacher at EPFL’s School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) and the PolySphère d’Or award for best teacher at EPFL. The awards are given out by EPFL students, who selected Schüler for his outstanding teaching in his Building Physics class. 

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