Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.5552/drvind.2026.0346

Integration of Engineered Wood Products Knowledge in Architectural Education: Evidence from North Macedonia

Marija Miloshevska Janakieska ; International Balkan University, Skopje, North Macedonia

Abstract

Engineered wood products (EWPs) are wood-based materials created by engineering and combining wood elements into high-performance products with improved structural, functional, aesthetic, and environmental characteristics. They have become a very important segment in sustainable construction in recent years, which highlights the need for their integration into architectural education. Unfortunately, in many developing countries, including North Macedonia, their presence in architectural curricula, and in the design practice, remains limited and insufficiently explored. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, perception,and application of EWPs among architecture students, with a focus on the relationship between the theoretical insights and practical application. The research was based on a case study conducted at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, at the International Balkan University in Skopje, North Macedonia. The methodology in this study comprises three steps to enable more holistic analyses. First, a survey questionnaire was distributed among architecture students at different levels of study to assess their familiarity with wood and EWPs, and their experience with their practical application throughout their studies. Second, analyses of the curriculum were conducted to evaluate the presence of wood-based topics in the courses of the study programme. Lastly, the study was further supported by research on the students’ projects to detect the level of application of wood and wood-based materials. The results indicate that students have relatively high theoretical knowledge of wood and EWPs. However, their experience remains limited, with a tendency towards non-structural use and less frequent implementation of these structural materials. Although there has been a gradual increase in the consideration of timber-based solutions in recent years, further research is required. Inaddition, there is a lack of dedicated courses that specifically focus on timber construction, which is the reason for limited practical and technical knowledge related to their application. This study reveals that practice-oriented approaches, including project-based learning and exposure to contemporary timber construction, are crucial in architectural education for strengthening the integration of wood-based materials. Finally, the findings of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the role of education in promoting sustainable material choices and provide guidelines for future curriculum development.

Keywords

timber; student projects; construction

Hrčak ID:

351300

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/351300

Publication date:

28.9.2026.

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