Urban Planning & Architectural ...
Online Conference
20 Oct 2026 / 22 Oct 2026 read more
Subscribe to our newsletter
The global built environment is undergoing a profound transformation, moving beyond traditional construction methods toward a model that prioritizes climate resilience, technological integration, and social equity. As urban areas expand at an unprecedented rate, the planning and architectural sectors face the dual challenge of accommodating rapid population growth while ensuring the preservation of urban heritage and environmental sustainability.
The current era of urbanization is defined by a shift toward "adaptive" and "intelligent" design, where the objective is to create cities that are not only functional but also restorative and energy-positive. This movement requires a sophisticated synthesis of AI-driven urban intelligence, nature-based infrastructure, and community-centric development to manage the complexities of modern city life.
In response to these systemic shifts, the 12th edition of the Urban Planning and Architectural Design for Sustainable Development (UPADSD) conference, in continued collaboration with the DIDA Department at the University of Florence, serves as a global forum for redefining the future of our cities. By integrating advanced digital tools with regenerative design strategies, UPADSD provides a definitive platform where academic research, policy expertise, and industry leadership converge. This edition emphasizes actionable, future-proof solutions, including policy roundtables and specialized publication opportunities, to build a resilient, inclusive, and technologically advanced global urban ecosystem.
Conference Scope
This conference functions as a premier international hub for the convergence of diverse academic, corporate, and entrepreneurial expertise. It brings together urban planners, architects, environmental scientists, policymakers, and civil engineers to foster multidisciplinary research that addresses the urgent need to redesign urban frameworks in a rapidly evolving global context.
Statement of Purpose
UPADSD aims to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary forum that bridges the gap between theoretical urban design and modern engineering evolution. Our mission is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, methodologies, and best practices among scholars and built-environment practitioners. By examining the synergy between digital innovation and climate-responsive architecture, we aim to offer actionable insights that empower urban leaders, strategists, and designers to lead the transition toward a sustainable, healthy, and environmentally resilient urban market.
1.1. Multidisciplinary Frameworks for Holistic Urban Design.
1.2. Management of Complex Urban Development Lifecycles.
1.3. Strategies for Adaptive Urban Governance and Planning.
1.4. Balance of Densification with Urban Livability Standards.
1.5. Coordination of Multi-Stakeholder Urban Renewal Projects.
1.6. Long-Term Management Models for Growing Metropolises.
1.7. Integration of Socio-Economic Factors into Urban Design.
1.8. Scalable Micro-Interventions for Macro-Urban Impact.
2.1. Sustainable Urbanization in Emerging Economies.
2.2. Regional Planning Strategies for Resource-Efficient Growth.
2.3. Prevention of Urban Sprawl Through Compact City Models.
2.4. Infrastructure Planning for Rapidly Expanding Populations.
2.5. Land Use Optimization in High-Density Urban Centers.
2.6. Bridging of Rural and Urban Development Divides.
2.7. Decentralized Services for Balanced Regional Growth.
2.8. Policy Mechanisms for Sustainable Urban Transitions.
3.1. Computational Design for Complex Architectural Forms.
3.2. Automation in Architectural Planning and Drafting.
3.3. Advanced Simulation Tools for Performance-Based Design.
3.4. Integration of Modularity into Custom Architectural Design.
3.5. Impact of Robotics on Modern Architectural Practices.
3.6. Precision Engineering in Structural Design.
3.7. Human-Centric Design Through Interactive Software.
3.8. Evolving Design Aesthetics in The Digital Age.
4.1. Passive Design Strategies for Micro-Climate Control.
4.2. Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effects Through Layout.
4.3. Climate-Adaptive Building Orientation and Spacing.
4.4. Designs for Extreme Wind and Solar Access.
4.5. Urban Morphology and Natural Ventilation Pathways.
4.6. Carbon Footprint Reduction Through Spatial Design.
4.7. Reflective Materials and Cool Surface Technologies.
4.8. Urban Climate Data Analysis for Strategic Design.
5.1. Cultural Landscape Preservation in Urban Planning.
5.2. Art Installations for Urban Regeneration.
5.3. Reflection of Local Heritage in Contemporary Architecture.
5.4. Public Space Design for Diverse Cultural Expressions.
5.5. Digital Technologies for Cultural Heritage Documentation.
5.6. Designs for Community-Led Cultural Events.
5.7. Identity-Driven Design in Globalized Cityscapes.
5.8. Ethics of Historic Integration in Modern Buildings.
6.1. Transformation of Obsolete Infrastructure for New Uses.
6.2. Post-Pandemic Shifts in Workplace and Home Design.
6.3. Emergence of Flexible, Multi-Purpose Urban Spaces.
6.4. Trends in Modular and Prefabricated Construction.
6.5. Integration of Smart Technologies Into Aging Environments.
6.6. Dynamic Facades and Responsive Building Envelopes.
6.7. Innovation in Small-Scale Urban Interventions.
6.8. Circular Design Principles for Existing Structures.
7.1. AI for Predictive Modeling in Urban Growth.
7.2. Machine Learning in Smart Traffic and Mobility Management.
7.3. Adaptive Planning Using Real-Time Sensor Data.
7.4. AI-Driven Optimization of Energy Usage in Buildings.
7.5. Automated Monitoring of Infrastructure Health.
7.6. Citizen Participation Via Digital AI Tools.
7.7. Management of Privacy and Ethics in Urban Data Usage.
7.8. Generative AI for Neighborhood Design Solutions.
8.1. Infrastructure for Flood Resilience and Water Management.
8.2. Climate-Positive Urban Energy Systems.
8.3. Community-Led Strategies for Climate Disaster Recovery.
8.4. Resilient Building Codes for Changing Environments.
8.5. Designs for Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Protection.
8.6. Long-Term Adaptation Pathways for Vulnerable Districts.
8.7. Integration of Carbon-Capture Tech in Urban Design.
8.8. Resilience Metrics in Urban Neighborhoods.
9.1. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) As A Catalyst.
9.2. Design of Walkable and Cycle-Friendly Neighborhoods.
9.3. Electrification of Public Transit Infrastructure.
9.4. Integration of Micro-Mobility with Mass Transit.
9.5. Reduction of Vehicular Dependency Through Urban Design.
9.6. Smart Parking Solutions for Sustainable Mobility.
9.7. Universal Accessibility in Public Transport Systems.
9.8. Data-Driven Optimization of Transit Networks.
10.1. Low-Carbon Concrete and Steel Alternatives.
10.2. Use of Bio-Based and Recycled Building Materials.
10.3. Innovations in 3D-Printed Building Components.
10.4. Prefabrication and Off-Site Assembly Techniques.
10.5. Lifecycle Assessment of Modern Construction Materials.
10.6. Self-Healing and Smart Material Applications.
10.7. Traditional Material Techniques for Modern Performance.
10.8. Construction Waste Management and Recycling Loops.
11.1. Conversion of Industrial Buildings into Mixed-Use Hubs.
11.2. Retrofitting Heritage Structures for Energy Efficiency.
11.3. Strategies for Increased Structural Longevity.
11.4. Balance of Historic Integrity with Modern Utility.
11.5. Regenerative Design in Large-Scale Building Refurbishments.
11.6. Social and Economic Impacts of Adaptive Reuse.
11.7. Legislative Support for Repurposing Older Assets.
11.8. Design for Disassembly in Renovation Projects.
12.1. Integration of Vertical Gardens and Green Roofs.
12.2. Expansion of Permeable Surfaces for Natural Drainage.
12.3. Urban Forestry for Biodiversity and Air Quality.
12.4. Pocket Parks and Distributed Green Spaces.
12.5. Economic Benefits of Nature-Based Urban Interventions.
12.6. Bio-Filtration Systems for Urban Water Reuse.
12.7. Planning Corridors for Urban Wildlife Migration.
12.8. Scaling of Nature-Based Solutions for Whole Cities.
13.1. Biophilic Design in High-Density Residential Areas.
13.2. Design for Social Interaction in Public Squares.
13.3. Impact of Green Spaces on Mental and Physical Health.
13.4. Inclusive Public Design for Vulnerable Groups.
13.5. Tactical Urbanism for Immediate Community Improvement.
13.6. Safety and Security Through Environmental Design.
13.7. Youth and Elderly-Oriented Public Space Programming.
13.8. Social Equity Measurement in Public Space Access.
14.1. Rapid Housing Solutions for Disaster-Affected Areas.
14.2. Integration of Long-Term Resilience in Recovery Planning.
14.3. Social Cohesion During Post-Disaster Reconstruction.
14.4. Temporary Urban Interventions in Crisis Settings.
14.5. Risk Mapping to Prevent Future Community Damage.
14.6. Financing and Policy for Equitable Reconstruction.
14.7. Preservation of Community Heritage Post-Catastrophe.
14.8. Local Capacity Building for Disaster Preparedness.
15.1. Innovative Municipal Financing for Urban Projects.
15.2. Policy Frameworks for Public-Private Partnerships.
15.3. Regulatory Incentives for Sustainable Development.
15.4. Implementation of Circular Economy Policies in Cities.
15.5. Land Value Capture for Infrastructure Funding.
15.6. Addressing Housing Affordability Through Policy.
15.7. Governance Models for Regional Planning Bodies.
15.8. Alignment of Urban Policies with Global Sustainability Agendas.
16.1. Scenario Planning for Long-Term Urban Sustainability.
16.2. Utopian Versus Dystopian Urban Visions in Practice.
16.3. Designs for The Evolving Needs of The Next Century.
16.4. Autonomous Transportation Impacts on Urban Form.
16.5. Success Evaluation in Sustainable City Models.
16.6. Education and Professional Training for Future Urbanists.
16.7. Global Cooperation on Shared Urban Challenges.
16.8. Transition to Zero-Impact Urban Ecosystems.
| Title | Date |
|---|---|
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 18 Apr 2027 |
| Last Notification for Abstract Acceptance & Approval to present | 30 Apr 2027 |
| Letter of Visa (for delegates who need visa entry) Payment required | 10 Jul 2027 |
| Early Payment Deadline | 10 May 2027 |
| Regular Payment Deadline | 15 Jul 2027 |
| Late Payment Deadline | 10 Sep 2027 |
| Full Paper Submission Deadline | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Notification of acceptance/ rejection of the submitted full paper | 10 Sep 2027 |
| Conference Program | 18 Sep 2027 |
| Conference Launch | 18 Oct 2027 |
Payments through the website are currently unavailable due to ongoing website enhancements. IEREK offers alternative payment methods, including bank transfer and secure third-party online payment links.
The registration fee does not cover accommodation or travel expenses. A list of accommodation options can be suggested by our team if available. Please contact [email protected] for inquiries.
We recommend that all authors take advantage of the benefits that IEREK offers, including various attendance types, publishing opportunities, and opportunities for discounts and waivers.
We are pleased to inform all applicants that they can use their previous publications to register for an IEREK membership, which offers a special discount.
IEREK offers a special discount to applicants from collaborative universities that have signed an MoU with IEREK to host or co-host one of its conferences.
IEREK also provides special discounts to authors from low and medium-income countries.
The disclosed fees are for the conference participation (Publication is free of charge, but only the conference participants can be considered for publishing in the conference proceedings).
Some of the disclosed conference fees may vary depending on the book series and/or journal(s) presented as a publication outlet, as we encourage submission to newly founded book series and/or journal(s) by presenting a discounted rate for the conference's fees.
IEREK offers many types of registrations that are diverse in registration fees; applicants can choose the type they are familiar with as follows:
Participants who are PhD holders, post-doctoral researchers, and universities’ affiliated professors and experts in the field.
Must provide proof of enrollment in a university by providing an enrollment certificate and/or a valid university ID (with issue/expiry date) etc.
Participants who are not affiliated with universities such as practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, etc.
Have access to the event to enjoy the discussions, coffee breaks, and lunch as a co-author or audience.
IEREK Community members receive 25% off the Regular payment stage.
If you are a returning author, published researcher, institutional partner, or active contributor to IEREK activities, you may be eligible for exclusive Community benefits. Visit the IEREK Community Section to learn more and check your eligibility.
| Type of Registration | Early Payment Deadline 10 May 2027 |
Regular Payment Deadline 15 Jul 2027 |
Late Payment Deadline 10 Sep 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scopus indexed-ASTI Book by Springer or SUCI Book by Springer | |||
| Student / Early Career Researcher | 300 € | 350 € | 400 € |
| Academic | 350 € | 400 € | 450 € |
| Professional / Industry | 400 € | 450 € | 500 € |
| Co-author/ Audience | 150 € | 200 € | 250 € |
| SLNR Book by Springer | |||
| Student / Early Career Researcher | 250 € | 300 € | 350 € |
| Academic | |||
| Professional / Industry | |||
| Co-author/ Audience | 150 € | 200 € | 250 € |
| Open Access IEREK Press Journals | |||
| Student / Early Career Researcher | 200 € | 250 € | 300 € |
| Academic | 250 € | 300 € | 350 € |
| Professional / Industry | 300 € | 350 € | 400 € |
| Co-author/ Audience | 150 € | 200 € | 250 € |
IEREK offers various types of participation. Applicants can apply for in-person attendance to benefit fully from conference discussions and knowledge exchange.
IEREK also offers virtual attendance for authors to present their research papers online; however, we strongly encourage all applicants to attend the conference in person.
The physical fee covers:
* Each research paper should have one main author who should pay the full fee (Author fees) regardless of attendance. Co-authors, each, have their fees to pay to attend the event. This applies to online attendance as well as physical attendance.
* A research paper fee allows only one author, whether main or co-author, to attend the conference and receive only one conference kit. Extras can be requested for an additional fee.
| Type of Registration | Early Payment Deadline 10 May 2027 |
Regular Payment Deadline 15 Jul 2027 |
Late Payment Deadline 10 Sep 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scopus indexed-ASTI Book by Springer or SUCI Book by Springer | |||
| Student / Early Career Researcher | 250 € | 300 € | 350 € |
| Academic | 300 € | 350 € | 400 € |
| Professional / Industry | 350 € | 400 € | 450 € |
| Co-author/ Audience | 100 € | 150 € | 200 € |
| SLNR Book by Springer | |||
| Student / Early Career Researcher | 200 € | 250 € | 300 € |
| Academic | |||
| Professional / Industry | |||
| Co-author/ Audience | 100 € | 150 € | 200 € |
| Open Access IEREK Press Journals | |||
| Student / Early Career Researcher | 150 € | 200 € | 250 € |
| Academic | 200 € | 250 € | 300 € |
| Professional / Industry | 250 € | 300 € | 350 € |
| Co-author/ Audience | 100 € | 150 € | 200 € |
IEREK offers virtual attendance, providing authors with a unique link to join the conference sessions and present their papers as per the announced program.
The online fee covers:
* Each research paper should have one main author who should pay the full fee (Author fees) regardless of attendance.
* Co-authors, each, have their fees to pay to attend the event. This applies to online attendance as well as physical attendance.
* If an author is eligible for more than one discount, IEREK will apply only the highest discount. Discounts cannot be combined.
* Authors should contact the conference manager through this email [email protected] to consider the discount and waiving for all the above cases so that the conference manager can provide an exclusive invoice for each case.
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Congo Dem. Rep., Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
IEREK puts a lot of effort into expediting the peer review process to publish articles as quickly as possible. This requires prompt responses from all authors to the editors' comments, if any. Your swift response is highly appreciated to advance the production process and get your articles online. We prioritize the first author to respond as per our formula. The conference proceedings will be divided into multiple books, with the first one scheduled for publication within 6 months after the conference date. We encourage all authors to aim for publication in the first release.
Registration and financial transactions for this conference are managed through our strategic partners, working in close academic partnership with IEREK to ensure seamless delivery of conference services and publication standards.
Both entities work in close academic partnership with IEREK to ensure the highest standards of financial transparency, conference administration, and publication quality.
IEREK Community is a reflection of our appreciation for the scholars, institutions, and research groups who continuously contribute to the growth and excellence of IEREK’s academic network. Through exclusive rates and added privileges, we aim to make participation more accessible while strengthening long-term collaboration, research continuity, and institutional partnerships within our global community.
Eligible members of the IEREK Community receive a 25% discount during the Regular payment stage and may benefit from special discounts on other IEREK conferences.
The IEREK Community includes:
Previous attendees of IEREK conferences
Loyal authors who consistently participate in multiple editions of the same conference
Authors who have published in IEREK conference proceedings or journals
Researchers registering as a group submission
Faculty members and researchers from universities with current or past partnership agreements with IEREK
Universities and academic institutions located in the hosting country of the conference
Active authors who continuously support and engage with IEREK’s activities on social media (sharing, promoting, and contributing to community visibility)
Academics who support IEREK as moderators, keynote or guest speakers, reviewers, or editors
Authors should contact the conference manager at [email protected] to request consideration for discounts in any of the above cases.

All accepted submissions to the conference, after a rigorous double-blinded peer-review process by the respective Editorial Board, will be published in one of the following:
Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI), an IEREK interdisciplinary book series published by Springer Nature. (SCOPUS indexed)
Publisher: Springer Nature (IEREK Interdisciplinary book series)
Indexing: SCOPUS indexed; some titles in Web of Science (ISI)
Focus: Emerging research in science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development, addressing UN SDGs.
Publisher: Springer (Peer-reviewed book series)
Indexing: EI Compendex, SCImago, SCOPUS, zbMATH
Focus: Sustainable engineering materials and designs for civil infrastructures, addressing impacts of weather extremes and improving well-being.

Focus: Environmental and developmental challenges in the MENA region.
Key Areas: Earth Systems Science, Geotechnics, and Geoinformatics specific to MENA.
Goal: Publish scientific breakthroughs and innovative solutions for a sustainable MENA Future.
Publisher: Springer (Peer-reviewed book series)
Focus: Groundbreaking research at the intersection of sustainable landscape planning and natural resources management.
Key Areas: Landscape ecology, green urbanism, urban regeneration, land restoration, energy management, nature conservation, geosciences, civil engineering, and water management.
Internationally peer-reviewed, open access journals published by IEREK Press. Covering a wide range of disciplines including sustainability, architecture, engineering, and environmental sciences.
Journal on:
This is not a prerequisite for presenting your work at the conference. Meaning, you can present your submitted abstract without intending to publish your work.
This process can only be initiated after payment completion and confirmation:
Registration
To help the organizers plan for inter-disciplinary dialogue, participants are requested to choose from the conference themes/ Topics upon registration.
They must also refer to, and abide by, the following instructions in registering and/ or submitting their contributions:
NOTE: If you are contributing as an Author of a submitted abstract (for publishing consideration and/or presentation), and regardless of attendance, the fee for the registration is the same. See and Conference Fees for more information.
Types of Participation
1. Attend/ Present in-person or Online and Publish in indexed Conference proceedings
The conference offers a Physical attendance option for your convenience. That said, participants will have a chance to present their abstract/research, on campus, and have their work considered for publication in the ASTI Series by Springer as part of the conference proceedings.
See Author Instructions and Conference Fees for more information.
2. Non-presenting participant
Non-presenting participants may also wish to attend the conference as Audience Members or Co-authors contributing to an already submitted abstract/ paper. See Conference Fees for more information.
Notes to consider:
* Attendance online and in-person are possible upon confirmation with the conference secretariat/ coordinator at [email protected] and following Conference Fees covered.
* The participation fee is uninform for all options presented above.
* For participants wishing to attend in-person, a visa invitation letter will be provided upon request, for which case a copy of your passport will be required. The invitation letter can only be provided after acceptance and full payment.
* Before planning your trip, be sure to check travel restrictions to the conference’s hosting country. Visit travel information and restrictions, and send in your questions if you have any to the conference coordinator at the email [email protected]
Attending a conference dramatically enhances both your professional and personal development. They help you sharpen the saw, meet and converse with industry experts, expand your resources and grow your professional network. IEREK Conference will help you:
1. Open Discussions: We bring together leading academic scientists, from different universities and countries, to exchange and share their experiences and research results.
2. Internationally Accredited Certificate: The participants are granted internationally recognized certificates acknowledged by IEREK, the University, and Partnering Organizations.
3. Publication: Selected high-quality manuscripts will be published, after peer review, in the Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) book series by Springer or by IEREK Press Journals, both of which are indexed in world-renowned databases.
4. Research Technologies: Conferences can expand your resources by providing a great opportunity to promote gathered information on new technologies related to your research.
5. Networking: You can engage with industry experts to discuss with them the very latest research projects they could be working on and increase your chances of collaboration in future projects.
6. Academic Reputation: Attending many conferences will make you a known figure in academic circles and an active member of the academic community.
7. Conference Abstracts Material: Delegates will receive the conference Abstracts book in a digital format.
For IEREK's Previous Publications, Please Click here
- Urban planning and Architectural Design for Sustainable Development (UPADSD) held in Lecce of Italy in October, 2015.

- Urban Planning and Architectural Design for Sustainable Development (UPADSD) – 2nd Edition held in Palermo Italy in October 2017.
- Urban Planning and Architectural Design for Sustainable Development (UPADSD) – 3rd Edition held in Cairo, Egypt in December 2018.
- Urban Planning and Architectural Design for Sustainable Development (UPADSD) – 4th Edition (Online Conference) in November 2019.
|
Cancellation Policy |
Up to 60 days before the event |
Up to 50 days before the event |
Up to 40 days before the event |
39 days before the event |
|
Penalty |
20% |
50% |
70% |
100% |
EXCEPTION
A refund is not possible if
-An acceptance letter has been issued (Authors only)
-The proceedings of the event have been published (Authors only)
-A Visa invitation letter has been issued (All Participants)
Visa Rejection Cases
Reason and proof of rejection must be submitted. If the reason for rejection is due to an error on our part, the participant will be refunded their full fee with a deduction of a 20% administration fee.
Documents to be issued by IEREK to acquire a visa are as follows:
*Final Acceptance Letter (Authors only)
*Visa Invitation Letter
*Invoice/proof of payment
We encourage all authors and attendees to ensure their having acquired all documents (those applicable) mentioned.
If the reason for rejection is not related to any of the aforementioned and is an error on the participant’s part, the following will apply:
*Authors: may choose to let their co-author present his/her research on his/her behalf free of charge. If the author does not have a co-author, a member of the scientific committee shall present on the author’s behalf.
*Audience members/Registrants: will only be allowed to attend another similar event of their choosing that is organized by IEREK free of charge.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join IEREK community