
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.

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

Computational design

Digital Fabrication

Robotic Fabrication

AI / Machine Learning

AR / VR

Blockchain in the AEC field

BIM

Digital Pedagogy
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 .
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
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

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,

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