top of page
Background 1.jpg

xArch Symposium 2026: From Inspiration to Solutions

Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University, Suzhou, China

​

12-13 March 2026

The evolution of technology has always been driven by humanity’s desire to push boundaries, solve problems, and create a better world. From the automation of physical labor to the digitalization of processes, each breakthrough has redefined how we approach design and architecture. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool for inspiration or efficiency—it is becoming a transformative force capable of delivering real-world solutions to the complex challenges of our time. 

​

The xArch Symposium 2026 shifts its focus from exploring AI as a source of creative inspiration to examining its role as a practical, problem-solving partner in design and architecture. How can AI bridge the gap between visionary ideas and tangible outcomes? How can it help us address pressing global issues such as climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity? And how do we ensure that AI-driven solutions remain human-centric, ethical, and sustainable? 

​

This edition of xArch invites architects, designers, engineers, and thinkers to explore the practical applications of AI in shaping the built environment. We are particularly interested in contributions that demonstrate how AI can move beyond theoretical potential to deliver actionable, real-world solutions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: 

​

  • AI in Sustainable Design: Leveraging AI to optimize energy efficiency, reduce waste, and create climate-resilient structures. 

​

  • Generative Design for Real-World Challenges: Using AI to generate innovative solutions for affordable housing, infrastructure, and urban planning. 

​

  • AI-Driven Construction: Exploring how AI can streamline design-to-build processes, improve precision, and reduce costs. 

​

  • Human-AI Collaboration: Developing workflows that integrate human creativity with AI’s computational power to solve complex design problems. 

​

  • Ethics and Responsibility: Addressing the ethical implications of AI in architecture and ensuring that technology serves humanity’s best interests. 

​

  • Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Showcasing projects where AI has been successfully implemented to deliver measurable, impactful results. 

​

  • AI in Higher Education: Rethinking architectural and design education to prepare the next generation of professionals for an AI-augmented future. How can curricula evolve to incorporate AI tools and methodologies while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and ethical awareness?

​

The xArch Symposium 2026 aims to foster a forward-thinking dialogue about the role of AI in design and architecture. By moving beyond inspiration to focus on practical solutions, we can unlock the full potential of AI to create a more sustainable, equitable, and innovative built environment. 

​

Join us as we explore how AI can become a bridge between the digital and physical worlds, transforming the way we design, build, and live. Together, let’s shape a future where technology and creativity converge to deliver real solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

​

Let’s move from imagination to implementation—because the future of design and architecture is not just about what we can dream, but what we can build.

Background 2.jpg

MAIN TOPICS

The co- and inter-disciplinary conversation will ideally embrace multiple fields, including and not limited to:

Computational_Design.jpg

Computational design 

Digital_Fabrication.jpg

Digital Fabrication

Robotic_Fabrication.jpg

Robotic Fabrication

AI _ Machine Learning.jpg

AI / Machine Learning

AR _ VR.jpg

AR / VR

Blockchain in the AEC field.jpg

Blockchain in the AEC field

BIM.jpg

BIM

Digital Pedagogy.jpg

Digital Pedagogy

Workshops

FULL PAPER SUBMISSION

Only accepted abstracts are invited to submit full papers. The expected number of pages is 6, 7 or 8 pages; please format your anonymised (exclude name and affiliations) full paper in the given template. Failure to anonymise full paper submissions might result in dismissal of submission.

​

All abstracts and paper submissions are subject to double-blind peer-review. All accepted and presented full papers will be published by Springer.

​

The full paper template will be provided after abstract reviews are completed.

​​

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Prospective authors are invited to submit anonymised abstracts of no more than 500 words. The abstracts are subject to a blind review process by at least two reviewers. Contribution must be submitted in English and must include the title and the main body.

​

All submissions are made through EasyChair .

Agenda

KEY DATES

1

Call for

Abstracts

28 March

2025

2

Abstract submission

deadline

2 May

2025

3

Notice of abstract

acceptance

13 June

2025

4

Full paper submission

deadline

15 August

2025

5

Notice of full paper

acceptance

31 October

2025

6

Revised and formatted materials (camera-ready) due

28 November

2025

7

Symposium

12-13 March 2026

Agenda

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Mia Tedjosaputro (XJTLU), chair 

Davide Lombardi (XJTLU)

Giancarlo Di Marco (XJTLU)

Marc Aurel Schnabel (XJTLU)

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Mia Tedjosaputro (XJTLU), chair

Giancarlo Di Marco (XJTLU)

Davide Lombardi (XJTLU)

SPONSORSHIP

To be added

xArch 2023

xArch cover.webp

The first xArch symposium was held on 11-12 November 2023 and provided insights about using new technologies in architecture and design.

 

The discussions revolved around areas such as computational design, virtual experience, digital fabrication, artificial intelligence, and sustainability/environment. The proceedings were published by Springer,

Suzhou.jpg

About Suzhou

Suzhou downtown is approximately 100km away from Shanghai downtown, and the journey can be taken in less than 30 minutes on a high-speed train. 

CONTACT US

Please send inquiries to xarch@xjtlu.edu.cn

SYMPOSIUM VENUE

IA Building (International Academic Exchange and Collaboration Center) 

Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University

No 8 Chongwen Road, Suzhou Industrial Park

Suzhou

Jiangsu province

P.R. China

215123

© 2025 the Department of Architecture, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

bottom of page