Renewable Energy in Architecture and Urbanism: Integrated Sustainable Development Approach in Architecture Education

Global energy challenges, including depletion of resources, environmental degradation, and increasing energy demand, due to the rising rates of population and urbanization raise the call for sustainable solutions. Egypt faces a critical situation due to rapid urbanization, increased energy consumption, and overdependence on non-renewable resources. These challenges call for transitioning toward renewable energy to ensure environmental sustainability and energy security in cities and communities. The paper discusses the rising need to integrate renewable energy concepts into architectural education in order to prepare future architects for these global and local challenges. It focuses on the development and implementation of the course "Renewable Energy in Architecture and Urbanism" within the Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design program at Helwan University, Egypt. The course aims to equip students with technical skills in the design of sustainable solutions that balance energy efficiency and environmental impact with social considerations. The study provides the teaching approach and methodologies including international collaborations to understand the global context; hands-on experience; site visits and holistic sustainable development approach. Linking renewable energy to urban resilience, the paper presents the outcome of students’ projects proposing practical applications that address the global urban development challenges.