SPACE International Conference 2025 on Architectural Culture and Society
The 8th of the “SPACE International Conference 2025 on Architectural Culture and Society” will be held online 12-13 December 2025, online, running in parallel with the City Planning and Urban Design Conference. The theme of this year’s Conference is “Beyond Efficiency: Architecture, Culture, and the Human Experience in Smart Cities“.
As smart technologies increasingly shape urban environments, architectural culture finds itself at a crossroads. How do we ensure that in the pursuit of efficiency, innovation, and data-driven design, we do not lose sight of memory, identity, belonging, and lived experience? This conference explores how architecture can critically engage with the promises of the smart city—while also advocating for inclusion, heritage, and the richness of human-centred environments.
This event brings together architects, historians, theorists, planners, designers, and interdisciplinary researchers to discuss the evolving relationship between architecture, technology, and society. We aim to examine how architectural practices, narratives, and ethics shape our collective urban futures.
Our conferences at SPACE Studies are designed to provide an engaging and professional platform for academics, industry leaders, and practitioners to connect, collaborate, and share cutting-edge research in the fields of architecture, planning, and urban design as well as all interdisciplinary areas. With a proven track record of successful events, we uphold high standards, ensuring an enriching experience for all participants. Our International Advisory Board includes distinguished experts who help shape the quality and impact of our sessions.
Call for Papers
We welcome submissions from academics, industry professionals, policymakers and
emerging voices whose work engages with the theme “Beyond Efficiency: Architecture, Culture, and the Human Experience in Smart Cities.” Contributions may be theoretical, practice-based, or reflective, and we encourage work that explores tensions between innovation and cultural meaning in the built environment.
Suggested topics include:
1: Architecture, Identity, and Belonging in the Digital Age
- Cultural narratives and spatial storytelling
- Architecture and memory in smart environments
- Designing for social cohesion and diversity
- Migration, displacement, and spatial belonging
2: Human-Centred Design and the Ethics of Innovation
- Emotional and sensory experience in architectural design
- Ethics of optimisation: What does it mean to design for ‘efficiency’?
- Accessibility and inclusion in smart architecture
- Aesthetics and the human scale in tech-driven cities
3: Cultural Heritage and Adaptive Urban Futures
- Heritage preservation in rapidly transforming cities
- Integrating tradition and innovation in urban form
- Cultural resilience amid digital change
- Architectural responses to ecological and technological shifts
4: Critical Theory, Speculative Design, and Urban Imagination
- Architectural theory in the age of digital transformation
- Speculative practices and future imaginaries
- Utopias, dystopias, and critical design in urban culture
- Interdisciplinary reflections from art, philosophy, and media studies
Although our focus is on this theme, we also welcome contributions related to broader architectural culture topics, such as (but not limited to):
5: Other Topics in Architectural Culture and Society
- Architectural education and public engagement
- Community-led design and alternative spatial practices
- Feminist, postcolonial, and decolonial perspectives
- Rural-urban cultural tensions and spatial identity
Call for Sessions
Are you interested in leading a session at the conference? We invite academics, professionals, and industry experts to propose sessions that align with our theme, Beyond Efficiency: Architecture, Culture, and the Human Experience in Smart Cities. Whether it is a panel discussion, thematic paper session, or interactive dialogue, this is an opportunity to engage with a targeted audience and contribute to the discourse.
Session Format:
• Each session lasts 1.5 hours.
• A distinguished speaker from the group will introduce the session with a 30-minute keynote-style presentation.
•Three additional presentations (20 minutes each) will follow, covering relevant research and discussions.
Group Registration & Discounted Rate:
• Sessions can accommodate 4 participants under a group registration package.
• Early Bird [Onsite]: £1,800 | Standard: £2,000 | Late Registration: £2,200
• Early Bird [Online]: £1,350 | Standard: £1500 | Late Registration: £1650
•If your group has more than 4 participants, additional members must register individually at standard rates.
Submission Process
To submit a session proposal, please follow these steps:
- At least one presenter must sign up and become a Basic Individual Member.
- Go to the Abstract Submission Dashboard and select “Session Submission” as the topic.
- Submit an abstract for the session in the designated abstract space (this will serve as the session description).
- Upload the following two files:
- File 1: A Word document containing all individual abstracts (title, abstract, and keywords) without author names.
- File 2: A separate document listing abstract titles along with author names, affiliations, and titles.
Call for Intensives
SPACE’s “Call for Intensives” is an opportunity to contribute to the conferences that incorporate a spectrum of possibilities, including but not limited to the presentation of a concept/notion, research in progress, or incomplete research demanding a start for potential future collaborations. The formats for the intensives are as follows.
- Format 1: Poster and PowerPoint presentation
- Format 2: PowerPoint presentation.
We aim to create opportunities for developing the research that has yet to be completed but needs external networking support for its full accomplishments. Intensives’ presentations are not separated from other presentations at the conferences. They perform as part of sessions to introduce and discuss these projects with the academics and professionals of various disciplines.
Requirements:
1. The initial submission should include an abstract of a maximum of 250 words. This short abstract would need to be fully presented in any of the two selected formats mentioned above. It is necessary to clearly state the main concern or question under investigation and the potential outcome(s) of the research. It is also recommended to include describing the research stage and your expectations, such as asking for advice, looking for potential collaborators or academic partners to develop the research, requiring suggestions on helpful references, etc.
2. Upon approval of the short abstract, the presenter should submit an extended abstract of up to 1000 words elaborating on further details. The extended abstract (and poster if you have one) will be published in the annual SPACE Conferences abstract book; thus, applying a minimum of 5 references is highly recommended.
Notes:
1- In the case of selecting the mode of “Poster and PowerPoint Presentation”, it is suggested to apply the presentation sizes “50x70cm” or “70x100cm” with the conference name and SPACE Logo on it and their place depending on your design. Other preferred sizes are unfortunately not acceptable as they will be placed on the conference webpage. Please remember that as our conferences are hybrid in terms of attendance (unless otherwise announced), we do not hang the posters at the conference venue, and you will need to prepare a PowerPoint presentation to present your work at the conference for a 15-20-minute time slot.
2- Intensive submissions for both on-site and virtual attendance should be registered from the Oral Presentation Category.
- Please note that the ‘Notes’ above have been published for our hybrid conferences, which still apply to this conference even though it will be held totally online.
Submission and Guidelines
The SPACE International Journal of Conference Proceedings will publish full papers. It is an interdisciplinary, international academic, refereed journal designed to publish conference papers mainly presented at SPACE International Journal of Conference Proceedings. It is an online journal published twice a year by SPACE Studies Publications. All articles submitted to the SPACE International Conferences have undergone rigorous double-blind peer review by two referees based on initial editor’s screening.
Guidelines for the papers that will be submitted to the SPACE International Conferences are explained in detail on the Instructions for Authors page as part of the Journal specifically designed to publish the conference papers presented at our Conferences. These guidelines form the layout of the paper and involve a title, abstract (maximum of 250 words), keywords, sections and headings, tables, figures, equations, acknowledgements, references, figures, tables, and references. Please read the instructions, which detail everything you need to submit your conference paper to this Journal, and please follow them closely in order to ensure your paper matches all the requirements of the Journal.
You will not submit your full paper if you consider attending the Conference from the Oral Presentation Category. All the abstracts from the SPACE International Conferences are published in the Annual Conference Abstracts book at the end of each year. Your abstract will be published in the abstract book. If you prefer to publish an extended abstract and/or your poster, please email your preference to space@spacestudies.co.uk and upload the related document simply to the submission system.
The abstracts will be submitted via the website. The process will be as follows:
- Click the “Submit your abstract” button below.
- If you haven’t signed up yet, you must sign up to submit your abstract to the conference. So, when you click the “Submit your paper” button, the system will enable you to sign up.
- Once you log in, please go to the conference page you want to submit your paper and click “Submit your paper”. This will lead you to the submission page.
- Click “+ New Paper” to submit your abstract.
- Enter your title.
- You can directly text your abstract into the space given by deleting the instructions written for authors, or you can copy and paste your abstract to this area.
- A maximum of 250 words abstract is required and the space is limited to the required word count.
- The abstract should include the purpose of the research, research method, principal results and major conclusions.
- You need to add your keywords in the “Abstract Information” section. There must be a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 keywords.
- Select the topic you submit your abstract to on right-hand side of the page.
- Accept “Terms and Conditions”.
- Click the submit button.
The conference evaluation process covers abstract evaluation, so please do not attach any additional documents unless you are resubmitting your abstract or extended abstract and poster. Please do not include your or your co-author’s names either.
Once you are accepted, you may or may not need to resubmit, depending on the reviewer’s comments.
- If you choose to register from an oral presentation category, your full paper will not be published (but your abstract will be published), so if you have any comments that suggest that improvements are needed, that means that you still need to re-submit your abstract.
- If you choose to make a poster+PowerPoint Presentation, your abstract and poster will be published, so you must upload your poster even if there are no improvement suggestions advised by the reviewers.
- If you choose to be an author or virtual presenter, you must upload your full paper. Please submit your paper to the SPACE Studies Journal of International Conference Proceedings at this stage. Please be sure that you have all you need, which is listed on the Checklist before Submission section on the Instructions for Author page before submitting your paper. Once you are ready to submit, please use the submit button on the Journal’s pages and upload your documents as described.
If you are an oral presenter, after receiving the acceptance letter, you will submit your revised abstract (if needed), or extended abstract (depending on your preference but subject to reviewing and editing) and/or poster by logging in to the website.
- Click “+ New Paper” to submit your revised abstract.
- Enter your title and add “-Revised” to your title.
- You can directly text your abstract into the space given by deleting the instructions written for authors, or you can copy and paste your abstract to this area.
- You need to add your keywords in the “Abstract Information” section. There must be a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 keywords.
- Select the topic from the right-hand side of the page.
- Accept “Terms and Conditions”.
- Click the submit button.
- If you prefer to publish an extended abstract, please upload it before you submit your revised abstract.
Call for Showcases: Industry, NGOs & Community Projects
We invite industry professionals, NGOs, researchers, startups, and community initiatives to participate in the Industry Showcase at our upcoming conference. This is an opportunity to present real-world projects, research, and innovative solutions that contribute to the theme ‘Beyond Efficiency: Architecture, Culture, and the Human Experience in Smart Cities’.
We are seeking submissions that offer insights, case studies, or practical applications—not promotional or purely commercial content.
Who can Apply?
We welcome submissions from:
✔ Cultural institutions & organisations working in public space, heritage, or community architecture
✔ NGOs & community projects promoting social and spatial inclusion
✔ Industry professionals exploring ethical, inclusive, and narrative-based design
✔ Startups and creative agencies addressing cultural identity through architecture
✔ Academic researchers and educators engaging with the cultural and ethical aspects of smart urbanism
What Can Be Showcased?
Cultural narratives and storytelling in design
Projects fostering memory, identity, and belonging in urban environments
Heritage preservation and adaptive reuse in the digital age
Community-led or participatory design processes
Innovative approaches to inclusive and accessible public spaces
Technology and culture: case studies of creative engagement
Design ethics and human-centred innovation in architecture
❗ Important Note:
This is not a marketing or product promotion opportunity. If your company wants to showcase commercial products or services, please register for an Exhibitor Booth instead.
Showcase Formats:
- On-Site Presentation – Present live at the conference venue
- Virtual Showcase – Contribute remotely and engage with a global audience
We encourage you to apply if your work contributes to the conference theme.
Submission Process
To submit a session proposal, please follow these steps:
- At least one presenter must sign up and become a Basic Industry Member.
- Go to the Abstract Submission Dashboard and select “Session Submission” as the topic.
Submit an abstract describing your showcase (project, research, or initiative) in the designated space.
- Upload Supporting Files:
- File 1: A Word document containing a detailed description of the showcase, including key insights, case studies, or practical applications.
- File 2: Supporting visuals (images, diagrams, or a PDF overview) that help illustrate the showcase.
Review & Approval
Submissions will be reviewed by the Advisory Board (not blind peer-reviewed).
The board will assess whether the submission aligns with the conference theme and is not purely promotional or marketing content.
Important:
• If your submission focuses on a product or commercial service, you should register for an Exhibitor Booth instead of a showcase.
• Please remember that this conference has been announced as an online conference; therefore, there will be no exhibitor booths during the event.
Important Dates
22 September 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline
25 October 2025
1 November 2025
Early-Bird Registration Deadline
5 November 2025
Standard Registration Deadline
20 November 2025
1 December 2025
Full-Paper Submission Deadline
6 December 2025
Late Registration Deadline (for all Presenter Categories)
6 December 2025
Late Registration Deadline (for listeners)
13 December 2025
Presentation Submission Deadline
10 December 2025
Conference Dates
12-13 December 2025
Programme
Preliminary Program Outline
Opening
Plenary Session
- A distinguished speaker sets the tone with insights into the future of circular urbanism.
Keynote Sessions
- Experts in urban planning, architecture, and digital governance will deliver keynote addresses on critical issues shaping the future of smart cities and urban equity.
Paper Sessions
- Academics present accepted papers, with discussions and attendee feedback.
Panel(s)
- Discussions on Smart Cities, featuring expert insights and case studies.
Industry-Academic Session
- Collaborative talks exploring sustainable development practices between professionals and academics.
Workshop(s)
- Interactive workshops will provide hands-on opportunities to engage with emerging urban planning methodologies, innovative digital tools, and participatory design practices.
Please note that the program may be subject to changes as we finalise speakers and sessions.
Keynote Speakers
Our keynote speakers will include leading voices in architectural theory, cultural studies, and urban design. Stay tuned for updates as we announce renowned scholars and practitioners who are shaping the conversation around architecture and society.
Venue & Accommodation
This is an online conference hosted via Microsoft Teams as a webinar. Once your payment is confirmed, you will receive a link to register for the webinar. After registering, you will get a personalised join link to attend the event.
There is no need for travel or accommodation. All sessions, presentations, and discussions will take place virtually, and we aim to provide an engaging and interactive experience for participants around the world.
If you are a speaker or presenter, we will ensure that you are promoted to the appropriate role during your session.
Registration
We offer different pricing tiers based on membership level. We provide three main registration rates for all attendees: an Early Bird Rate (discounted for those who register in advance), a Standard Rate, and a Late Registration Rate (for last-minute sign-ups). Your membership level determines the final price you pay, with discounts available for Standard, Premium, and Industry members.
Please check the registration deadlines for Early Bird, Standard, and Late Registration to ensure you secure the best rate.
STUDENT REGISTRATION FEES
Students who register as basic members automatically receive a 30% discount on conference fees, making participation more accessible while maintaining high-quality learning and networking opportunities. Additional discounts are available for student members who upgrade to a Standard or Premium membership.
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Author (Student) | £350 | £385 | £425 |
| Oral Presentation Only – On-site (Student) | £280 | £310 | £340 |
| Oral Presentation Only – Virtual (Student) | £210 | £230 | £255 |
| Virtual Presentation (Student) | £280 | £310 | £340 |
| Additional Paper (Student) | £180 | £180 | £180 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee (Student) | £105 | £115 | £125 |
| Virtual Attendee (Student) | £35 | £40 | £45 |
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Author (Student) | £315 | £350 | £380 |
| Oral Presentation Only – On-site (Student) | £250 | £280 | £305 |
| Oral Presentation Only – Virtual (Student) | £190 | £210 | £230 |
| Virtual Presentation (Students) | £250 | £280 | £305 |
| Additional Paper (Student) | £180 | £180 | £180 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee (Student) | £95 | £105 | £115 |
| Virtual Attendee (Student) | £30 | £35 | £40 |
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Author (Student) | £280 | £310 | £340 |
| Oral Presentation Only – On-site (Student) | £225 | £245 | £270 |
| Oral Presentation Only – Virtual (Student) | £170 | £185 | £205 |
| Virtual Presentation (Student) | £225 | £245 | £270 |
| Additional Paper (Student) | £180 | £180 | £180 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee (Student) | £85 | £90 | £100 |
| Attendee | £115 | £125 | £135 |
| Virtual Attendee (Student) | £25 | £30 | £35 |
| Virtual Attendee | £35 | £40 | £45 |
INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION FEES
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Author | £500 | £550 | £605 |
| Oral Presentation Only – On-site | £400 | £440 | £485 |
| Oral Presentation Only – Virtual | £300 | £330 | £365 |
| Virtual Presentation | £400 | £440 | £485 |
| Additional Paper | £200 | £200 | £200 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee | £150 | £165 | £180 |
| Virtual Attendee | £50 | £55 | £60 |
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Author | £400 | £440 | £485 |
| Oral Presentation Only – On-site | £320 | £350 | £390 |
| Oral Presentation Only – Virtual | £240 | £265 | £290 |
| Virtual Presentation | £320 | £350 | £390 |
| Additional Paper | £200 | £200 | £200 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee | £120 | £130 | £145 |
| Virtual Attendee | £40 | £45 | £50 |
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Author | £375 | £415 | £455 |
| Oral Presentation Only – On-site | £300 | £330 | £365 |
| Oral Presentation Only – Virtual | £225 | £250 | £270 |
| Virtual Presentation | £300 | £330 | £365 |
| Additional Paper | £200 | £200 | £200 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee | £115 | £125 | £135 |
| Virtual Attendee | £35 | £40 | £45 |
INDUSTRY REGISTRATION FEES
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Industry Showcase | £675 | £750 | £825 |
| Virtual Industry Showcase | £540 | £600 | £660 |
| One-day Exhibitor | £675 | £750 | £825 |
| Two-days Exhibitor | £1125 | £1250 | £1375 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee | £200 | £220 | £240 |
| Virtual Attendee | £70 | £75 | £85 |
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Industry Showcase | £610 | £675 | £745 |
| Virtual Industry Showcase | £485 | £540 | £595 |
| One-day Exhibitor | £610 | £675 | £745 |
| Two-days Exhibitor | £1015 | £1125 | £1240 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee | £180 | £200 | £220 |
| Virtual Attendee | £65 | £70 | £80 |
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Industry Showcase | £575 | £640 | £700 |
| Virtual Industry Showcase | £460 | £510 | £560 |
| One-day Exhibitor | £575 | £640 | £700 |
| Two-days Exhibitor | £960 | £1065 | £1170 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee | £170 | £190 | £205 |
| Virtual Attendee | £60 | £65 | £75 |
| Early-Bird Registration Rates | Standard Registration Rates | Late Registration Rates | |
| Presenter Categories | |||
| Industry Showcase | £540 | £600 | £660 |
| Virtual Industry Showcase | £430 | £480 | £530 |
| One-day Exhibitor | £540 | £600 | £660 |
| Two-days Exhibitor | £900 | £1000 | £110 |
| Non-Presenter Attendee Categories | |||
| Attendee | £160 | £175 | £195 |
| Virtual Attendee | £55 | £60 | £70 |
Important:
This is an online-only conference.
When you click the “Purchase Registration” button, you will be shown only the registration categories relevant to online participation.
No in-person options are available for this event.
NOTES FOR CATEGORIES
Author Category
Authors in this category must submit their full paper by the designated deadline and personally attend the conference on-site to present their work. This category includes:
- Access to all sessions and discussions
- Oral presentation of their paper
- Publication of their article in the SPACE Studies Journal of International Conference Proceedings
- Presentation certificate
- Coffee breaks, lunches, and networking event/s
- Conference bag and accessories
Oral Presentation Only – On-Site
This category is for authors who will present their work on-site at the conference but will not submit a full paper. Instead, only the abstract will be published in the SPACE International Conferences Annual Abstract Book. Authors may choose to submit either:
- Their abstract, or
- An extended abstract (max. 1000 words)
Poster presentations must also be presented as PowerPoint presentations during the designated presentation slot, as posters cannot be shown to online attendees. Posters will still be displayed at the venue and uploaded to the posters section on the conference webpage after the conference.
This category includes:
- Access to all sessions and discussions
- Oral and poster presentation opportunities
- Presentation certificate
- Coffee breaks, lunches, and networking event/s
- Conference bag and accessories
Oral Presentation Only – Virtual
This category is for authors who will present their work virtually via Microsoft Teams but will not submit a full paper. Only the abstract will be published in the SPACE International Conferences Annual Abstract Book. Authors may choose to submit either:
- Their abstract, or
- An extended abstract (max. 1000 words)
Poster presentations must also be prepared as PowerPoint presentations and presented during the designated slot to ensure accessibility for both on-site and online attendees. Posters will be uploaded to the posters section of the conference webpage.
This category includes:
- Virtual oral presentation
- Access to all sessions and discussions
- Virtual presentation certificate
Attendee – On-Site
This category is for participants who wish to attend the conference without presenting a paper. It is ideal for industry professionals, researchers, students, and anyone interested in gaining insights from the discussions and networking opportunities.
On-site attendees receive:
- Access to all sessions and discussions
- Attendee certificate
- Coffee breaks and lunch(es)
- Networking event/s
- Conference bag and accessories
Attendee – Virtual
This category is for participants who wish to attend the conference online without presenting a paper. Virtual attendees can engage in discussions and watch presentations via live streaming.
Virtual attendees receive:
- Access to all live-streamed sessions and discussions
- Virtual attendee certificate
CANCELLATION
| CANCELLATION TIME | REFUNDING PERCENTAGE |
|---|---|
| 60 days before the conference | 75% of the registration fee (additional pages and papers included) |
| Less than 60 but more than 30 days before the conference | 50% of the registration fee (additional pages and papers included) |
| less than 30 days before the conference | none |
Please, note that all the transaction costs are taken from the canceler’s refund balance, and the refund is done after the conference even if the conference has been postponed to a later date.
For full details regarding registration, membership requirements, and refund policies, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for SPACE Studies Conferences.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION
The review process for full papers submitted for publication begins after the conference has taken place. Only papers that are presented at the conference (either onsite or virtually) will be considered for publication in the SPACE Studies journal or proceedings.
We strongly encourage accepted presenters to register as soon as possible after receiving their acceptance, even if their paper is not yet ready. Uploading your full paper is a separate step and can be completed later, but registration is required to secure your place in the programme.
- If the paper has more than one author, all the authors attending the conference should register for the conference by paying the related category fee.
- All poster presentations should be registered in the Oral Presentation Category.
- Invitation letters will only be issued once the participant’s registration and payment have been completed.
- Invitation letters will be sent by e-mail.
- Conference presenter and non-presenter attendee certificates will be sent after the conference.
- Listeners can register and pay their registration fee at the conference registration desk during the conference although we recommend you to secure your spot as it is limitted.
- For any other questions, please write to space@spacestudies.co.uk
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