York School of Architecture Hosts Inaugural ArchiFUTURES PhD Research Conference 2026

Posted on Tuesday 8 September 2026

The York School of Architecture hosted the first ArchiFUTURES PhD Research Conference on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 July 2026 at the Piazza Building, Campus East, University of York.

ArchiFUTURES is a student-led postgraduate research conference dedicated to showcasing and supporting doctoral research in architecture and the built environment. The event provided a supportive, inclusive platform for PhD researchers to present emerging work, exchange ideas, and build academic networks across architecture, urbanism, heritage, design, sustainability, and related fields. 

With 34 papers and speakers over two days, the inaugural ArchiFUTURES conference at York School of Architecture took place between 27 and 28 July 2026, and marked the beginning of a wider collaboration with postgraduate research communities across Yorkshire, including links with the University of Leeds and the University of Sheffield. It also welcomed contributions from researchers based at other UK and international institutions, reflecting the broad and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary architectural research.

Across the two-day programme, participants presented research under themes including architectural history and urban heritage; architectural pedagogy, theory and practice; participatory architecture and community engagement; environmental sustainability and spatial justice; and digital design, future architecture, and AI. Presentations explored a wide range of topics, from historic cities, heritage conservation, urban memory and architectural history to climate resilience, spatial justice, community participation, digital tools and future-facing design research.

The event was hosted by the Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Global Heritage (CAUGH), bringing together doctoral researchers, staff and invited participants for discussion, peer exchange and networking. As the first edition of ArchiFUTURES, the conference established a strong foundation for future annual postgraduate research events at the School of Architecture.

ArchiFUTURES 2026 was organised by the PhD student organising committee at the York School of Architecture, with mentoring and support from Professor Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem. 

For more updates, information and papers, you can visit the ArchiFUTURES website:

https://sites.google.com/york.ac.uk/archifutures/home?authuser=0