From Adaptive Reuse to Adaptive Architecture

The International Symposium, From Adaptive Reuse to Adaptive Architecture (Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, May 21-22 2026) invites papers supporting the redefinition of the boundaries between architectural design and ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTURE to explore meaningful theories of alterations of new or existing buildings.

While the adaptive reuse of various building typologies is nowadays a widespread practice–a radical cultural shift (from) ADAPTIVE REUSE (to) ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTURE would facilitate the transition from a widespread culture of new construction to a culture of adaptability in the field of architecture regardless of whether the building under consideration is new, pre-existing or designated heritage. Every building project could be approached from the perspective of its present (and future) ADAPTABILITY.

Moving towards an understanding of the practices of ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTURE, this international call for papers invites contributions from architectural historians, theorists, conservation scholars, researchers, designers and practicing architects to draw out the connections between architecture, its imagination and the qualities of sustainable environments as places aspiring to be socially just, inclusive and equitable.

The deadline for the submission of abstracts is March 26, 2025. The full call for papers can be found here: https://www.fromadaptivereuset...