Last Call for Contributions: SPACE Studies Autumn Conferences 2026

SPACE Studies is pleased to announce the Last Call for Contributions for its Autumn Conferences 2026, taking place fully online on 19–20 November 2026. The deadline for submissions is 2 November 2026.

This November, the SPACE Studies Autumn Conference Series will bring together researchers, academics, practitioners, professionals and postgraduate students to explore questions concerning architecture, cities, society and the environments in which we live.

The programme brings together four international conferences:

SPACE International Conference 2026 on Sustainable Architecture, Planning and Urban Design
SPACE International Conference 2026 on Architectural Culture and Society
SPACE International Conference 2026 on City Planning and Urban Design
SPACE International Conference 2026 on Housing

While each conference has its own disciplinary focus, the four events share an important objective: to create a space in which contemporary challenges can be examined from different perspectives.

Why different perspectives matter

The issues facing architecture, cities and communities today rarely belong to a single discipline.

Questions of housing, for example, cannot be understood only through architectural design. They are also connected to affordability, planning policy, social inequality, changing household structures, environmental performance, cultural expectations and people’s everyday experiences of home.

Similarly, discussions around sustainable architecture and urban development extend beyond technologies, materials and environmental targets. They raise wider questions about how resources are distributed, how cities respond to climate and demographic change, and how environmental ambitions intersect with economic and social realities.

Architecture itself is never simply the production of buildings. It both reflects and participates in wider cultural, political, economic and social conditions. The ways in which we design, plan, inhabit, represent and transform spaces tell us something about the societies that produce them.

For this reason, SPACE Studies encourages conversations that cross conventional disciplinary boundaries.

Bringing together different perspectives does not necessarily mean reaching the same conclusions. On the contrary, meaningful academic and professional exchange often emerges through questioning established assumptions, comparing experiences from different places and contexts, and examining a problem through more than one lens.

Creating space for international exchange

The fully online format of the Autumn Conferences enables participants to contribute from different geographical locations and academic and professional contexts.

This international exchange is particularly important when discussing cities and the built environment. Challenges may be shared globally, but their causes, consequences and possible responses can vary considerably between countries, regions and communities.

A solution developed for one city cannot simply be assumed to work everywhere else. By bringing different experiences into conversation, conferences can help us understand both the common ground between places and the importance of their particular social, cultural, environmental and economic circumstances.

SPACE Studies therefore welcomes established and emerging researchers, academics, architects, planners, designers, professionals and postgraduate students whose work can contribute to these conversations.

We particularly encourage contributions that introduce new questions, interdisciplinary approaches, comparative perspectives, case studies, critical reflections and research that connects theory with practice.

Join the conversation this November

The SPACE Studies Autumn Conferences 2026 will take place online on 19–20 November 2026.

The final deadline for contributions is 2 November 2026.

Whether your work addresses sustainable architecture, urban planning and design, architectural culture, society, housing, or the relationships between these fields, we invite you to contribute to this year’s discussions.

Last Call for Contributions
Submission Deadline: 2 November 2026
Conference Dates: 19–20 November 2026
Format: Fully Online

Explore the conferences and submit your contribution.

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Deniz Bol

Administrative Assistant

Deniz Bol is the Administrative Assistant at SPACE Studies, where she supports the day-to-day operations and contributes to the smooth functioning of the organization. Alongside her administrative role, Deniz is an artist with a passion for creative expression. She is currently pursuing her studies at the University of the Arts London (UAL), where she continues to develop her artistic practice. Her organizational skills, paired with her artistic background, make her a valuable asset to the SPACE Studies team, helping bridge the worlds of administration and creativity.

Murat Oktay

Digital Marketing Consultant

Murat Oktay is the Digital Marketing Consultant at SPACE Studies, where he provides strategic guidance to enhance our digital presence and community engagement. With a keen eye for digital marketing trends and best practices, Murat plays a key role in refining our content strategy, expanding our online reach, and connecting with a wider audience. His expertise in digital tools and innovative marketing techniques aligns with SPACE Studies’ mission as a social enterprise, ensuring that our campaigns are impactful and resonate with our commitment to social responsibility in architecture and design. Outside his work with SPACE Studies, Murat stays at the forefront of digital marketing advancements, continually exploring new tools and sharing his insights with peers.

Santa Noella Matabaro

Marketing Manager

Santa Noella Matabaro is the Marketing Manager of SPACE Studies, bringing her expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, and relationship-building to the organization’s mission as a social enterprise. With a background in Politics & Law from the University of Kent, Santa combines analytical insights with a creative approach to advancing SPACE Studies’ vision of fostering interdisciplinary dialogue in architecture, design, and urban planning. In her role, she develops targeted campaigns and strategic partnerships, building brand presence and fostering meaningful connections with the community. Santa’s collaborative and people-centered approach enhances SPACE Studies’ impact, aligning with its commitment to social responsibility and innovation in the built environment.

Erica Martins

Content Creator & Researcher

Betul Uckan

Academic Content Coordinator

Betul Uckan is an architect and dedicated academic with a background in both architectural practice and research. She holds a Master of Science in Architectural Design and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Istanbul Technical University, where she cultivated her interests in architectural theory and design. Betul has gained experience as a research assistant in various universities, contributing to design studios and foundational courses. She has also worked in the field as an architect with projects focused on design, modeling, and construction, and has been involved in notable projects, including Maltepe Piazza and Emaar Square in Istanbul. With her expertise spanning both digital and material architecture, Betul brings a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to her role as the Academic Programme Coordinator.

Arghavan Pournaderi

Senior Researcher & Managing Editor

Arghavan Pournaderi is a senior researcher in the field of architectural conservation and restoration, with an academic foundation in architecture and specialized expertise in historic sites and buildings. Completing her PhD at the Art University of Isfahan, Iran, in 2019, her research has contributed to the understanding of Iran’s architectural heritage, with a focus on Isfahan’s urban and architectural evolution during the Safavid period. In addition to her extensive research, Dr. Pournaderi has held academic positions at various institutions in Isfahan, teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her work extends beyond academia as she contributes to SPACE Studies as Senior Researcher & Managing Editor, where she oversees scholarly initiatives that foster deeper interdisciplinary dialogue in architecture and heritage conservation.

Gregory Cowan

Senior Researcher & Educational Consultant

Gregory Cowan is a Senior Researcher and Educational Consultant at SPACE Studies, where he leads initiatives that bridge academic research and practical application in architecture and urban design. He contributes his extensive experience to mentoring postgraduate students, designing educational workshops, and guiding community-focused projects. Gregory is also a freelance academic at the University of Wales Trinity St David and the University of Westminster, and founder of The Architects Coach. His expertise spans architectural workspace analysis, professional development, and positive intelligence coaching.

Alison Hand

Senior Researcher

Alison Hand is a Senior Researcher at SPACE Studies. She is a painter and writer with an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art. Alison’s work focuses on creating absurd, unstable heterotopic spaces and dialogues with painting history. She is currently the Artist in Residence for King’s College London Philosophy Department on the Dreams and Wakeful Consciousness Research Project, exploring themes of time and simultaneity in new work. Alison has received numerous awards for her painting and is currently working with Bloomsbury Publishers on a major essay on Drawing in Contemporary Art. She is also the BA Fine Art Programme Leader at Art Academy London and co-director of Cement Arts. Her role at SPACE Studies involves leading research projects, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing to our artistic and academic initiatives.

Julian Wild

Senior Researcher

Julian Wild is a Senior Researcher at SPACE Studies and the Sculpture Program Leader at The Art Academy London. With over 30 years of experience in creating and exhibiting sculptures, Julian has worked with high-profile clients such as Cate Blanchett and the University of Oxford. A fellow and former vice president (2015-2019) of the Royal Society of Sculptors, his work has been featured at venues like Modern Art Oxford and Chatsworth House. At SPACE Studies, Julian leads research projects, mentors junior team members, and conducts workshops that blend art and urban studies. In his free time, he enjoys attending academic conferences and crafting new sculptures.

Elif Suyuk Makakli

Director of Publications & Senior Researcher

Elif Suyuk Makakli (Associative Professor) earned her PhD in Architecture from the Vienna University of Technology, where she studied the impact of technology on architecture under Prof. William Alsop. With extensive experience in architectural practice in Istanbul and Vienna, she is now an Associate Professor at FMV Isik University, focusing on design education and technology. At SPACE Studies, Elif serves as both the Head of Publications and Senior Researcher, guiding scholarly content and contributing to research initiatives. She is dedicated to mentoring and fostering design innovation.

Sanaz Shobeiri

Director of Research

Sanaz Shobeiri is an architect, urban designer, and landscape urbanist, currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Planning at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research focuses on age-gender inclusiveness and the interplay of architectural, historical, political, and sociocultural dimensions in urban spaces, exemplified by her project on city centres in Belfast and Tehran. Sanaz holds a PhD in Urban Planning from the University of Tehran and has a robust portfolio in sustainability and urban theory. As Head of Research at SPACE Studies, she leads innovative research initiatives, fostering collaboration and academic excellence. In her free time, Sanaz enjoys exploring urban landscapes and supporting community development.

Selin Gulce Sozmen

Creative Director

Selin Gulce Sozmen is the Creative Director at SPACE Studies, where she leads the artistic vision and design strategy for the organisation. With a background in graphic design and visual arts, Selin has been instrumental in creating visually captivating books, journals, and event posters. Her role extends to developing and coordinating workshops and creative projects, ensuring that all visual materials meet the highest standards of quality and innovation. Selin’s dedication to creativity and excellence drives the visual and creative direction of SPACE Studies, making her an essential part of the team.

Pinar Engincan

Founder & Executive Director

Pinar Engincan is the Founder and Executive Director of SPACE Studies, an innovative social enterprise focused on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and education in architecture and urban design. With extensive experience as a lecturer and researcher, Pınar holds a PhD in Architecture and has led numerous academic initiatives. Her career includes curriculum development, international collaborations, and research on housing and urban policies. Passionate about bridging academia and community, she champions accessible education and consultancy services, empowering individuals to shape the built environment.