Evaluating the Incorporation of Ecological Conscious Building Design Methods in Architectural Education

As the global community struggles with pressing environmental challenges, the field of architecture finds itself at the forefront of sustainable innovation. The multidisciplinary nature of architectural education curriculums covers a wide range of ecological topics; however, the tangible impact of these courses in the design process has not been well explored. Accordingly, this study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of an “Ecological Conscious Building Design” (ECBD) course in enhancing architectural design education and promoting ecological consciousness among future architecture practitioners. To this extent, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was employed as a systematic framework for evaluating the impact of the course on students’ knowledge, abilities, and attitudes towards sustainable architectural practices. This study explored the benefits and drawbacks of integrating ecologically conscious building design techniques into architectural education through a comprehensive analysis of students’ feedback, performance assessments, and course outcomes. The research also examined the alignment between the course curriculum and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system criteria, assessing whether the course equips students to contribute to environmentally responsible architectural solutions. This research provides insights into academia and the architecture industry by exploring the nexus between architectural education and sustainable design. The results indicate that both students and experts prioritize “energy and atmosphere” and “indoor environmental quality” as critical components of sustainable design education. However, experts place greater emphasis on “innovation” and forward-looking approaches. These findings highlight a gap between pedagogical goals and practical readiness, offering actionable insights to align curriculum with industry standards and long-term sustainability strategies.