Conference Theme

Advances in computational design and robotic fabrication are prompting the architectural field to reconsider the relationships between matter, technology and the built environment. The physical properties, processing methods and environmental responsiveness of matter offer opportunities for design innovation, while placing new demands on the integration of digital methods and construction practices. Integrating material knowledge into computational processes—and enabling reciprocal feedback between design, fabrication and material performance—has become a key consideration in connecting digital innovation with architectural practice.

The DigitalFUTURES 2027 International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (CDRF 2027), themed “Matter Intelligence,” explores how computational design and fabrication engage with the properties, behaviours and agency of matter to shape architectural form and performance. Taking the inherent properties and potential of matter as a starting point, the conference examines how computational methods can support the understanding, design and application of material, and how robotics and advanced manufacturing can expand the possibilities for material expression and construction. In doing so, it seeks to advance innovation through the integration of matter, computation and fabrication processes.

Research Topics

CDRF 2027 provides a global platform for research and innovative practice in Matter Intelligence. Paper topics include, but are not limited to, theories, tools, methods and workflows in the following areas:

Material Design: Computational modelling of material properties, behaviour and performance; material-informed generative design and multi-objective optimisation; artificial intelligence and machine learning in material exploration; integration of material, structural and environmental performance; physical experimentation and digital simulation; material expression and architectural space.

Physical Fabrication: Material-informed robotic fabrication; additive, subtractive and hybrid manufacturing; adaptive fabrication through sensing, machine vision and real-time feedback; bio-based, recycled and composite materials; human–robot collaboration and on-site robotics; architectural prototypes connecting design, fabrication, assembly and performance validation.

Matter Systems: Cross-scale integration from material microstructures to buildings; interactions between matter, energy and information; adaptive systems and building envelopes; biological and non-biological systems; life-cycle performance and circular use; industry collaboration, interdisciplinary education and training.

Call for Papers

Deadline for Abstract Submission:
15 December 2026

Notification of Abstract Acceptance:
15 January 2027

Submission Deadline for Full Paper:
15 March 2027

Notification of Full Paper Acceptance:
15 April 2027

Submission Deadline for Revised Full Paper:
17 May 2027

Conference:
8–9 July 2027

Submission Guidelines

Papers are peer reviewed in two stages: the abstract stage and the full-paper stage. Submissions must be original and must not be under consideration by another journal or conference. Plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, is strictly prohibited. Each paper’s originality will be checked during the review process and prior to publication. All papers will be reviewed by the Committee for quality, originality and relevance.

Abstract: Approximately 600 words, including the title, 3–5 keywords, 1–3 figures and key references.

Full paper: A maximum of 10 pages fitting the CDRF paper template, including the title, abstract, keywords, figures, tables, charts and references. The paper template will be released during the full-paper submission stage.

Format: PDF.

Language: English.

Pre-Conference Masterclass

DigitalFUTURES CDRF 2027 Masterclass
7 July 2027
The Bartlett School of Architecture, Here East Campus, UCL, London, UK

Committee

Conference Chair
Prof. Kostas Grigoriadis, Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, UK

Honorary Chair
Prof. Mette Ramsgaard Thomsen, Royal Danish Academy, Denmark

Conference Co-Chairs
Yaoyao Meng, Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, UK
Pradeep Devadass, Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, UK
Elly Selby, Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, UK
Assoc. Prof. Dingwen 'Nic' Bao, School of Architecture and Urban Design, RMIT University, Australia

Editorial Committee
Prof. Kostas Grigoriadis, Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, UK
Assoc. Prof. Dingwen 'Nic' Bao, School of Architecture and Urban Design, RMIT University, Australia
Prof. Philip Yuan, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, China

Publication

The total number of downloads of CDRF conference papers will exceed 2 million by 2026.

Accepted papers will be published by Springer in the Proceedings of the 2027 International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (CDRF 2027).

Previous Conference Proceedings

CDRF 2025 CDRF 2024 CDRF 2023 CDRF 2022 CDRF 2021 CDRF 2020 CDRF 2019

Architectural Intelligence Journal (ARI)

Contact

For questions regarding submissions, please email:
digitalfutures@tongji.edu.cn