May 29-June 1, 2019  I  Toronto, Canada

Click Here to go Home

Hosted by Ryerson University
Conference Chair: Yew-Thong Leong, Department of Architectural Science

With sponsorship support from the AIA and Velux

Call is for Papers on research, scholarship and professional/creative work – in history, theory, criticism, science and technology, and management – with a particular interest in the following themes:

Design Thinking
Design Thinking in the conception and realization of buildings and infrastructure. The late architectural theorist Dr. Marco Frascari argued that an architectural detail underpins techniques and bridges the concept and the realized. When an architectural theorist argues for architectural production, there must be something cogent in the argument. Could it be that architecture design is primarily celebrated – and understood – in its built form?

Applied History
Applied History, a term first used by political scientist and historian Benjamin Shambaugh in 1909, saw a re-emergence in 1974 when Harvard University historian Ernest May used history to improve policy making by studying precedents to understand and examine the challenges of the present. Architecture, rooted in history, can benefit from such an applied approach and can answer to the criticism that questions the practical applications of architectural history and theory.

Cultural Production
The role of the built environment in the Production of Culture – as our buildings project the ideals of the individuals and groups whom inhabit them, the study of such reveals much about ourselves that might not at first be apparent. Cultural and humanities-orientated research in architecture might leverage history, social interaction, formal artifacts and the effects of built form on human relationship structures. Can it be that understanding the role of buildings in the construction of multiple scales of cultural identity can help us understand who we are?

Autonomous + Smart
Autonomous and Smart buildings, and Infrastructure. The late Dr. Stephen Hawking (and the billionaire Elon Musk) cautioned us against AI and even predicted an apocalyptic end of the human race. Could AI be the salvation for future buildings and infrastructure, in an industry that still builds very much by hand, or does it represent a curse?

Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Stewardship of buildings and infrastructure. The Iroquois believe that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable future seven generations away. Can we, as designers, affect such a future without resorting to certifications and checklists? Is there something very meaningful and measurable in this First Peoples’ refrain and their approach to the world around us?

Resource + Process Management
Fabrication as centered on Resource and Process Management. Future makers, fabricators and constructors continue to be engaged in the application of management, design, and technical skills for the design and integration of systems, the execution of architectural designs, the improvement of manufacturing and assembly processes, and the management and direction of physical and/or technical functions of a project, firm or organization. What are the ways of managing the project, firm or organization in the future age where ideas and making are becoming much more digitized?

Pedagogy
Practicum-focused Pedagogy, which bridges theory and practice, and is the hallmark of professional education. Clinical skills education is the keystone in medical schools, as are moot courts in law schools and laboratories in STEM education. In architecture, the Studio is meant to be this juncture, but increasingly the Studio has move from a medium of applied learning to that theoretical explorations and speculations. Can applied research re-inform the Studio, and return it to its keystone relevance?

Health + Well Being
Architecture for Health and Well-Being, exploring the impact of the built environment on human health, satisfaction, and well-being. In particular, this theme seeks holistic approaches to promote healthier lifestyles, facilitate health-supporting human behaviors in buildings, as well as link design with health-outcomes. Projects exploring the relationship between architecture, urban design, and public health are also sought.

Open Category
Open Category, including papers and projects with origins not specifically related to the categories above that offer interesting perspectives on the larger conference theme.

Contact
Direct Inquires to:
Adil Sharag-Eldin
asharage@kent.edu