In January 2024, Lisbon hosted an important activity for the LearnArch project, gathering partners from Romania, Greece, and Portugal for a Learning-Teaching-Training activity (LTTA) fostered by the Portuguese partner – COFAC Lusofona University. During 5 days, the “Light Box” board game was tested and refined, marking a significant leap in non-formal architectural education. The game, embodying the project’s core mission, aimed to revolutionize the way architectural concepts are taught, making learning both fun and interactive.
The LTTA was meticulously designed to encompass both learning and training aspects, utilizing “Light Box” to its fullest potential. The participants, including educators related to architecture and game design developers, were immersed in a comprehensive training methodology. They were introduced to the educational goals of the game and its classroom application, ensuring a deep understanding of its purpose and mechanics.
A key feature of the LTTA was the hands-on playtesting sessions. Educators from NEA and game developers from Dracon worked closely, facilitating these sessions and guiding the students of Lusofona University through the gameplay. This collaborative environment allowed for live testing of the game’s effectiveness, providing valuable feedback for its finalization. The goal was to observe the game in action, assess its educational impact, and refine its mechanics based on real-world interaction.
The target audience for this activity was as diverse as it was focused. Members of NEA brought their architectural expertise to the educational sessions, while Dracon’s developers ensured the gameplay remained engaging and educational. Lusofona’s trainers and project members played a dual role, both organizing the sessions and participating as learners to offer their perspectives. This approach ensured that the game was evaluated from multiple angles, enhancing its quality and applicability.
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The significance of the LTTA cannot be overstated. It was a vital component of the LearnArch project’s quality control mechanism, ensuring the board game tool’s effectiveness before its wider release. By engaging directly with the target audience, the project team could fine-tune the game, making it a valuable resource for architectural education. The activity not only aimed to perfect the game but also to raise awareness about the project, leveraging social media and online platforms to reach a broader audience.
The results from Lisbon’s LTTA were promising. The direct feedback from the sessions provided essential insights for improving the game, moving it closer to its final version. Furthermore, the event significantly boosted the project’s visibility, drawing attention to its innovative approach to learning. By merging gameplay with educational content, LearnArch is set to offer a new, dynamic way to explore architectural concepts, making learning an engaging and interactive experience. This LTTA was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in education, marking a significant milestone in the journey of the LearnArch project.
