Department of Architecture Engineering

The Architectural Engineering Department was established in 2020 as the first department of the College of Engineering at the Catholic University in Erbil (CUE). The Department was created in response to the growing need for skilled professionals capable of contributing to Iraq’s architectural identity and structure development through innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary education. The program was envisioned as a foundation for a modern Iraqi architectural school, rooted in the principle of communication through originality and modernity. The five-year Bachelor’s degree program offers students a comprehensive education that blends engineering and art, enabling them to transform creative ideas into functional, sustainable, and culturally resonant architectural designs. The Department began with six students in its first academic year (2020-2021) and has grown significantly over time. Today, the Department serves 74 students, reflecting increased demand and the Department’s growing reputation for academic excellence.

From the outset, the Department has emphasized both theoretical learning and hands-on skills. It is housed in a modern campus featuring four fully equipped design studios, four teaching halls, a rich central library, a computer lab, a surveying lab, a construction material lab, and collaborative learning spaces (140-seat Auditorium). The Department initially had six faculty members. This number has expanded to twelve academic staff, including five permanent Ph.D. holders and two permanent M.Sc. holder,s and external experienced architects.

The Department, through its faculty members, is active in research, publications, national and international symposiums and conferences, contributing to the broader discourse in architectural education and practice. Over the years, the Department has established academic collaborations with both local (University of Mosul and Salahaddin University) and international institutions (IUD-Italy and INTI International University – Malaysia). It regularly organizes guest lectures, students’ product exhibitions, technical workshops, symposiums, and events that foster a culture of creativity and critical thinking. Annual traditions such as Engineering Day, Italian Engineering Day, student design festivals, university open day, and graduation exhibitions bring together students, alumni, faculty, and the community. Student life is enriched by summer internships, scientific site visits, and opportunities for community service and engagement. Alumni will work in prominent architectural and engineering firms, pursue graduate studies abroad, and contribute meaningfully to both the public and private sectors throughout the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

In its commitment to social responsibility, the Department has collaborated with local municipalities, NGOs, General Directorate of Urban Planning, and professional bodies on various projects, including urban renewal, structural safety assessments, and sustainable design workshops. These initiatives highlight the Department’s dedication to applying architectural knowledge for the benefit of the wider community. Looking ahead, the Architectural Engineering Department remains committed to academic excellence, research innovation, and positive contributions to both the built environment and the broader society.

The Architecture Department is dedicated to educating students in both the theoretical and practical dimensions of architecture, emphasizing its intellectual, engineering, aesthetic, ethical, and social aspects, and relevant research skills. Apart from the various forms of national collaboration, the department capitalizes on its well-established international collaboration, such as with the Italian Institution of Design (IUAD), in developing cross-cultural learning activities.

We aspire to be an internationally accredited department that delivers more sustainable architecture education and research while preserving our diverse cultural heritage and rich values through collaboration with local and international institutions and agencies.

Students in the Department of Architectural Engineering enroll in a comprehensive five-year (ten-semester) academic program leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Architectural Engineering. The program is structured to deliver a total of 300 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits, aligning with international academic standards. The curriculum integrates both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, with coursework advancing annually to align with students’ growing technical and creative capabilities. The design focus progresses from small-scale residential buildings, such as houses and villas, in the early stages, to large-scale, complex structures, including hotels, schools, hospitals, bridges, and other public facilities. These design projects expose students to various topographies, elevations, and climatic conditions, encouraging problem-solving through sustainable and context-sensitive design solutions.

To bridge academic learning with real-world application, the program includes scientific field visits at every stage. These visits allow students to witness various phases of construction, such as site preparation, structural framing, finishing, and mechanical/electrical system integration, offering deeper insight into construction practices and reinforcing classroom theories. The department is also committed to fostering international and regional collaboration. It regularly organizes symposiums, seminars, and workshops in partnership with Mosul and Salahaddin Universities, the Italian Consulate, and Malaysian universities. These events cover emerging themes in architectural design, urban planning, and heritage conservation, providing students with global exposure and interdisciplinary knowledge.

During the summer, students in the first four academic years are assigned targeted tasks and projects designed to refine their manual drafting skills and strengthen their command of architectural design software, including AutoCAD, 3D-Max, Sketch-Up, and Revit. In the final year, students embark on their graduation projects, beginning with initial research during the summer break. They work closely with academic advisors, receiving continuous feedback to ensure that design, structural, and sustainability aspects are cohesively integrated. Projects are typically presented to review panels, fostering skills in professional presentation, defense, and critique. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in design competitions, internships, and community-based projects to enhance their portfolios and develop practical experience. The department also supports students in publishing their work and attending academic conferences, encouraging research and innovation in architectural education.