On 10-11 April, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) hosted a summit of the deans of the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE). 

Founded in 1975, the EAAE brings together 146 European schools of architecture to continuously strengthen the training of architectural professionals and promote the quality of architecture in Europe. One of the EAAE's missions is to create discussion and exchange of experiences between schools of architecture. This is why, for the fifth year meetings of the heads of schools are held in different countries to strengthen contacts and discuss possible ways of improving architectural education. 

The 5th EAAE Deans' Summit was invited by the Faculty of Architecture (FA) of VILNIUS TECH to take place in Vilnius and proposed the theme of interconnection, inviting to create a change together. AF brought together 60 deans, heads of European schools of architecture from 30 countries and 48 higher education institutions. The meeting focused on the general issues of the association, with guest speakers and discussions moderated by emerging FA teachers and researchers. 

"Architecture transforms the world by collaborating with diverse fields. The effective design of a livable environment relies on integrating various domains of science and knowledge. In today's society, interdisciplinary collaboration can ignite significant advancements even among seemingly unrelated disciplines. This exchange of methodologies is vital in addressing challenges like climate change and geopolitical tensions, where integrating various scientific fields is essential for developing sustainable, resilient solutions that preserve nature, support cultural identity, protect personal freedoms, and enhance urban security," welcomed the heads of the European Schools, and invited to the debate the Deans of the FA, assoc. prof. dr. Liutauras Nekrošius (2014-2024) and prof. dr. Dalia Dijokienė (2024 onwards). 

The opening of the event was also welcomed by the Vice-Rector of Research and Innovation of VILNIUS TECH, prof. dr. Dalius Navakauskas, the Vice President of the EAAE, prof. dr. Mia Roth-Cherina (University of Zagreb) and the President, assoc. prof. dr. Roberto Cavallo (TU Delft): 

"And if the events of recent months have taught us anything, it’s that the pace of change and the uncertainty around us is accelerating. The world is shifting rapidly. That’s why interconnection is more important than ever. In these turbulent times, the power of our network, the strength of our EAAE community, and our collective collaboration are absolutely vital. It is through unity and shared intent that we can face the challenges ahead, support the necessary changes, and empower the next generation of built environment professionals to thrive and lead with purpose. Therefore, this summit is not just another meeting – it's a call to action. And the core idea behind this gathering is simple yet powerful: together, we can drive change. "  

 The presentations by representatives of different academic disciplines provoked discussions, inspired to look at architectural studies from a different angle and to think about the most important issues in the world today. Aaron Mazeika, a structural engineer, head of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill's (SOM) offices in Chicago, Melbourne and Hong Kong, invited architects and engineers to collaborate in the search for effective solutions to buildings. VILNIUS TECH lecturer, advisor to the Minister of the Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, landscape architect Ramunė Baniulienė presented Vilnius - the European Green Capital 2025 and its journey towards a climate neutral city.   

VILNIUS TECH professor and interdisciplinary artist dr. Audrius Novickas shared his experience on how to use artistic disciplines to broaden the fields of architects' thinking and creativity. The last part of the event invited to look back at the challenges posed by disasters and war conflicts: VILNIUS TECH professor, architectural theorist and critic dr. Almantas Liudas Samalavičius reflected on the dangers of water and the creative possibilities it offers, while Maksimas Milta (head of the Reckoning project, Ukraine), who has been recording war crimes in Ukraine, analysed what we can learn from the destruction of the cultural landscape and the creativity of the defenders. 

The discussion sessions for the European Deans were moderated by VILNIUS TECH lecturers and researchers: lect. Justina Muliuolytė, lect. Ignas Uogintas, assoc. prof. dr. Eglė Bazaraitė, assoc. prof. dr. Kateryna Didenko, assist. dr. Mindaugas Reklaitis, dr. Aušra Černauskienė, Kostas Biliūnas The moderators invited the participants to talk about the present, the future, interdisciplinarity in architectural studies, research and how it can be directed towards solving global issues. A special memory of Vilnius was created for the guests by Jonas Šečkus, PhD in Geology, who invited them on a hike that took them back to the Vilnius of the Ice Age. 

This year the EAAE celebrates its 50th anniversary. The celebratory conference will take place in Barcelona in August 2025. VILNIUS TECH hosted the first meeting of EAAE members in Baltic countries. Read more about the 5th Deans' Summit and the EAAE here. 

Partners: EAAE, VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Architecture, Go Vilnius, Schüco  

Photos: Urtė Stumbrytė. Album of Aleksas Jaunius photos here.