SPACE International Conference 2026 on City Planning and Urban Design
The SPACE International Conference 2026 on City Planning and Urban Design will be held on 19–20 November 2026, in a hybrid format combining in-person participation in London and online attendance.
The conference theme, “Reimagining Urban Futures: Planning, Governance, and Inclusive Cities,” invites a critical and interdisciplinary exploration of how cities are planned, governed, and transformed in response to complex social, environmental, and economic challenges.
Cities today are shaped by intersecting pressures—rapid urbanisation, climate change, infrastructural demands, housing challenges, and evolving governance systems. As these dynamics intensify, planning must move beyond conventional approaches to address questions of equity, resilience, accessibility, and long-term sustainability. This conference explores how planning practices can respond to these challenges while shaping more inclusive and adaptable urban futures.
The event will bring together planners, architects, urban designers, policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and discuss innovative approaches to city planning. Through presentations, case studies, and interdisciplinary dialogue, participants will examine how planning decisions influence urban systems, social outcomes, and environmental performance across different contexts.
This conference is organised alongside the SPACE International Conference on Housing, enabling complementary discussions between housing systems and broader urban planning frameworks.
Our conferences at SPACE Studies provide an engaging and professional platform for academics, practitioners, and industry experts to connect, collaborate, and share innovative research across architecture, planning, urban studies, and related interdisciplinary areas. With a strong tradition of successful international events, SPACE Studies upholds high academic and professional standards, ensuring an enriching experience for all participants.
Conference Strands
1. Urban Planning, Design, and Spatial Strategies
Urban design frameworks and planning methodologies
Strategic planning and masterplanning
Spatial analysis and modelling
Public space design and urban form
Integrated urban development approaches
2. Governance, Policy, and Urban Management
Planning systems and regulatory frameworks
Urban governance and decision-making processes
Public policy and institutional structures
Urban finance and investment strategies
Participation, transparency, and accountability
3. Infrastructure, Mobility, and Urban Systems
Transport systems and sustainable mobility
Infrastructure planning and service delivery
Smart cities and digital infrastructure
Energy, water, and urban systems integration
Resilient infrastructure strategies
4. Urban Inequality, Inclusion, and Social Justice
Access to services and spatial equity
Informality and marginalised communities
Gentrification, displacement, and regeneration
Inclusive planning practices
Social sustainability in urban development
5. Environmental Planning and Climate Adaptation
Urban resilience and climate adaptation strategies
Nature-based solutions and ecological planning
Urban climate governance
Green infrastructure and environmental systems
Planning for climate risk and disaster response
6. Urban Futures, Data, and Emerging Practices
Data-driven planning and urban analytics
Artificial intelligence and planning tools
Scenario building and future urban models
Innovation in planning practice
Post-pandemic and future city models
7. Other Topics on City Planning: Research, Pedagogy, and Practice
Planning education and teaching methods
Interdisciplinary approaches to urban studies
Practice-based research and case studies
Collaborative and community-led planning processes
Call for Contributions
SPACE Studies invites contributions from researchers, practitioners, policymakers, industry professionals, NGOs, educators, and community actors whose work engages with the conference theme.
We welcome a diversity of perspectives and formats. Contributions may take the form of scholarly research, applied case studies, policy insights, design work, community-led initiatives, or curated sessions that foster cross-sector dialogue.
The conference is structured around multiple pathways of contribution:
Research Papers
Double peer-reviewed academic work exploring theoretical, empirical, or methodological questions aligned with the conference theme.
Industry, NGO & Community Showcases
Applied projects, professional practice case studies, civic initiatives, technological innovations, or policy-driven interventions demonstrating real-world impact.
Curated Sessions & Thematic Dialogues
Thematic panels, roundtables, and workshops designed to bring together voices across research, practice, and governance.
Research Intensives
Work-in-progress research seeking collaborative dialogue, feedback, or interdisciplinary engagement.
Participation Guidelines
Participation in the conference follows different pathways depending on the type of contribution. Each pathway has specific submission requirements and review processes. Please select the appropriate category below to review the detailed guidelines.
All contribution types require payment of a Submission Processing Fee of £50. The review or editorial assessment process will commence upon payment of this fee. Abstracts uploaded to the submission portal must be followed by payment within five working days; submissions not accompanied by payment within this period will be automatically withdrawn from consideration.
The Submission Processing Fee forms part of the overall conference registration and will be deducted from the selected registration category upon full conference registration. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of acceptance outcome or withdrawal. It is waived for Standard and Premium SPACE Studies members whose membership has been active for at least six consecutive months at the time of submission.
Research Papers
Publication & Review Process
All research contributions begin with an abstract submission. Abstracts undergo initial editorial screening and double-blind peer review.
If the abstract is accepted and the presenter registers and presents at the conference, contributors in the Author / Virtual Presenter category may submit a full paper.
Full papers that are both accepted through peer review and presented at the conference are considered for publication in the SPACE International Journal of Conference Proceedings, an interdisciplinary, international, refereed journal published twice a year by SPACE Studies Publications. Publication is subject to successful completion of the peer review process and compliance with the Journal’s academic and formatting standards.
In selected cases, outstanding papers may be invited for further development and considered for publication in the SPACE International Journal of Space Studies in Architecture and Urban Design, subject to an additional peer review process.
All accepted abstracts are published in the Annual Conference Abstract Book.
Abstract Submission
All research contributions begin with an abstract submission (maximum 250 words).
To submit your abstract:
- Click the “Submit your abstract” button.
- Sign up or log in to your account.
- Click “+ New Paper.”
- Enter your title and abstract (maximum 250 words).
- Include 4–6 keywords.
- Select the appropriate Conference Strand.
- Do not include author names in the abstract (blind review).
- Accept the Terms and Conditions.
- Submit.
The abstract should clearly state the purpose of the research, methodology, principal findings (if applicable), and conclusions.
No additional documents should be attached at the abstract stage unless resubmitting a revised version.
After Acceptance
If your abstract is accepted, you will receive reviewer feedback where applicable. Depending on your chosen registration category, the next steps differ:
Oral Presentation Category
• Full paper submission is not required.
• Your abstract will be published in the Abstract Book.
• If revisions are requested, you must resubmit a revised abstract.
• You may optionally submit an extended abstract (up to 1000 words) and/or a poster for publication.
Author / Virtual Presenter Category
• Full paper submission is required.
• The paper must follow the Journal’s formatting guidelines.
• Submit your paper to the SPACE International Journal of Conference Proceedings after acceptance.
Revised Abstract Submission
If revisions are required:
• Click “+ New Paper.”
• Enter your title and add “– Revised” to the title.
• Paste the revised abstract.
• Add 4–6 keywords.
• Select the relevant Conference Strand.
• Accept Terms and Conditions.
• Submit.
If submitting an extended abstract or poster, upload these documents before submitting the revised abstract.
Formatting Requirements
Detailed formatting instructions for full papers are available on the Submissions page. Contributors intending to publish a full paper must ensure compliance with all formatting and submission requirements before final submission.
Industry, Policy & Community Showcases
The Showcase pathway is designed for practitioners, policymakers, organisations, and community initiatives working across the built environment.
We invite applied, practice-based, and community-driven contributions that engage with the conference theme through real-world projects, policy frameworks, research-informed practice, and collaborative initiatives.
This pathway is intended for substantive contributions. It is not a commercial marketing platform.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome submissions from:
- Architectural and urban design practices
- Planning, sustainability, and built environment consultancies
- NGOs, charities, and social enterprises
- Community-led initiatives and grassroots organisations
- Public sector representatives, local authorities, and policymakers
- Startups and technology developers engaged in spatial, environmental, or social innovation
- Researchers presenting applied, practice-based, or policy-oriented work
What Can Be Showcased?
We welcome contributions aligned with the conference theme, including (but not limited to):
- Built projects, prototypes, or pilot initiatives
- Policy frameworks, implementation strategies, and governance models
- Community-led spatial interventions
- Sustainable, ethical, or socially responsive design approaches
- Interdisciplinary collaborations with measurable social or environmental impact
- Practice-based research and applied innovation
Important
This pathway is not intended for product promotion or commercial marketing.
Organisations wishing to promote products or services should register for an Exhibitor Booth instead.
Showcase Formats:
On-Site Presentation
Virtual Showcase
Showcase contributions are integrated into the conference programme alongside research presentations to encourage cross-sector dialogue.
Submission Process
To submit a showcase proposal:
- At least one presenter must register as a Basic Industry Member.
- Log in to the Submission Dashboard.
- Select “Showcase Submission” as the topic.
- Provide a brief written description of your showcase in the submission text field (outline the project, its context, key insights, and relevance to the conference theme).
- Upload:
– A supporting document with further details (if applicable)
– Visual materials (images, diagrams, or a PDF overview)
Review Process
Showcase submissions are reviewed by the Advisory Board (not blind peer-reviewed).
The review assesses alignment with the conference theme, clarity of contribution, and relevance to cross-sector dialogue.
Submissions that are purely promotional or commercial in nature will not be accepted within this pathway.
Curated Sessions & Thematic Dialogues
Curated Sessions are structured thematic dialogues organised around a clearly defined focus aligned with the conference theme. Sessions may be research-led, policy-driven, practice-based, community-oriented, or interdisciplinary in format.
A session may be organised by:
• Academic researchers
• Public sector bodies or local authorities
• Professional practices and consultancies
• NGOs and community-led organisations
• Cross-sector coalitions working collaboratively
Each session must demonstrate conceptual coherence and include a designated session lead responsible for framing the discussion. A moderated dialogue component is required to ensure meaningful exchange among contributors and participants.
Sessions are not designed as grouped individual papers for registration purposes. Proposals must articulate a shared framework, question, implementation challenge, or thematic focus.
Contribution Pathways Within Sessions
Curated Sessions may include research-based, policy-oriented, or practice-led contributions.
Research-Based Sessions
Where sessions include academic research contributions, individual abstracts are subject to the standard double-blind peer review process, identical to individual submissions.
If accepted and presented at the conference, contributors may submit full papers for publication in the SPACE International Journal of Conference Proceedings, subject to successful completion of the peer-review process and compliance with journal standards.
Research sessions do not bypass peer review.
Policy & Practice-Based Sessions
Where sessions are led by public bodies, NGOs, professional practices, or community organisations, contributors submit structured project or policy summaries rather than academic research abstracts.
These contributions are reviewed by the Advisory Board to ensure thematic alignment, coherence, and substantive contribution to the conference dialogue.
Contributors within this pathway may submit a Policy & Practice text for publication in the Policy & Practice section of the SPACE Studies platform. These submissions are subject to editorial and Advisory Board review, but are not part of the academic peer-review journal process.
Both pathways are structured routes within the conference framework and are reviewed according to their respective standards.
Submission Process
To propose a curated session:
- Select “Session Submission” in the Submission Dashboard
- Provide a clear session concept and thematic framework
- Upload contributor summaries (research abstracts or structured project descriptions, as appropriate)
- Identify the session lead responsible for moderation
Session proposals are reviewed for coherence, thematic alignment, and contribution to cross-sector dialogue.
Registration
Once accepted, the session must be registered through one of the Session Package options.
The session package includes participation for up to four contributors. Additional contributors must register individually under the appropriate category.
Research Intensives
The Call for Intensives invites early-stage, exploratory, or developing work from across research, policy, design, and practice.
This pathway is intended for projects, investigations, pilot initiatives, and emerging ideas that are not yet fully completed but would benefit from structured feedback, interdisciplinary dialogue, and cross-sector exchange.
Intensives may include:
- Research in progress
- Early-stage policy frameworks or pilot programmes
- Design prototypes or applied practice under development
- Community-based initiatives seeking collaboration
- Conceptual or theoretical explorations in formative stages
Intensives are integrated into conference sessions and presented alongside other contributions, encouraging dialogue between academics, professionals, policymakers, and community actors.
Presentation Formats
Contributors may choose one of the following formats:
Format 1: Poster + PowerPoint Presentation
Format 2: PowerPoint Presentation only
Each intensive is allocated a 15–20 minute presentation slot within a session.
Submission Requirements
Stage 1: Abstract / Project Description (Maximum 250 words)
The initial submission should clearly outline:
- The central research question, proposal, or initiative
- The current stage of development
- Preliminary findings, insights, or intended direction
- The type of feedback, collaboration, or dialogue sought
For research-based contributions, this may take the form of a structured academic abstract.
For policy, practice, or community-led initiatives, contributors may submit a concise project description outlining the scope, objectives, and developmental context of the work.
Stage 2: Extended Contribution (Maximum 1000 words)
Upon acceptance, contributors must submit an extended abstract or project description elaborating on the work in greater depth.
For research-based intensives, the extended abstract should follow academic standards and include appropriate references. These submissions are subject to the standard double-blind peer review process applied to research contributions within the conference framework.
For policy, practice, or community-led initiatives, contributors may submit a structured project description, framework outline, case-based reflection, or supporting documentation appropriate to the nature of the work. These submissions are reviewed by the Advisory Board and Editorial Team to ensure relevance, clarity, and alignment with the conference’s intellectual and ethical standards.
Accepted extended contributions will be published in the Annual SPACE Conference Abstract Book. Policy and practice-based contributions may additionally be considered for publication within the Policy & Practice section of the SPACE Studies platform, subject to editorial review.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor participation is designed for organisations and companies wishing to present and promote commercial products or services within the conference environment. This pathway provides visibility, networking opportunities, and direct engagement with attendees during designated exhibition and networking periods. Exhibitor participation is separate from thematic sessions and does not include presentation within the academic or curated programme.
Due to limited exhibition capacity, all exhibitor participation is subject to availability and prior confirmation. Organisations interested in exhibiting are required to contact SPACE Studies in advance to confirm space allocation and participation options. Enquiries should be sent to space@spacestudies.co.uk. Once confirmed, exhibitors must complete their registration through the conference website.
Registered exhibitors will be featured on the conference webpage and in the official conference programme.
Important Dates
Call for Contributions
1 May 2026
Contribution Submission Deadline
31 July 2026
14 August 2026
28 August 2026
Standard Registration Deadline
25 September 2026
Abstract Submission Deadline for Oral Presentation
23 October 2026
Full-Paper Submission Deadline
23 October 2026
Late Registration Deadline (for contributors)
30 October 2026
Late Registration Deadline (for attendees)
20 November 2026
Presentation Submission Deadline
13 November 2026
19-20 November 2026
Programme
The conference programme is currently being developed in alignment with the thematic framework and confirmed contributors.
Sessions will be structured to foster interdisciplinary dialogue across research, policy, practice, and community perspectives.
A detailed programme schedule will be released progressively as confirmations are finalised.
Featured Contributors
Featured Contributors are invited leaders from research, policy, practice, and community sectors whose work engages directly with the conference theme.
Speaker announcements will be released as confirmations are finalised.
Venue & Accommodation
Details regarding the conference venue and accommodation options will be announced in due course. This section will be updated with information on location, access, and recommended places to stay once arrangements are confirmed.
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.
Note on Submission Processing Fee
If you are submitting a contribution, you must first pay the Submission Processing Fee. After payment, you will receive a code to be used during conference registration. This code must be entered at checkout to deduct the Submission Processing Fee from your registration.
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 |
Choosing the Right Registration Category
- Participants presenting research papers must select their category based on submission and attendance format:
– If submitting a full paper, registration must be completed under the Author Category (On-site) or the corresponding Virtual Presentation category.
– If not submitting a full paper, participants may register under Oral Presentation Only (On-site or Virtual). - Participants contributing to industry, policy, or community showcases must register under the Industry registration category, regardless of individual or academic affiliation.
- Academic contributors presenting within the showcase pathway are required to contact SPACE Studies in advance to arrange the appropriate registration.
- Participants attending without presenting should select the appropriate Attendee category (On-site or Virtual).
Detailed participation requirements are outlined in the Participation Guidelines.
Cancellation & General Information
Registration is subject to the Conference Terms and Conditions, including cancellation, refund policies, and participation requirements.
Participants are advised to review the full Terms and Conditions before completing registration.
Invitation Letters
Invitation letters are issued only after full registration has been completed and payment has been received. Requests submitted prior to completed registration will not be considered.
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