About Conference

Conference Overview

In a rapidly urbanizing world, climate change, and growing social disparities, have stranded the built environment at the crossroads of equity, resilience, and sustainability. Within this paradigm, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a universal framework for addressing these challenges holistically. Architecture and planning—as disciplines grounded in both creativity and responsibility—are vital to translating this global vision into tangible, human-centered solutions.

Within this premise, the Council of Architecture (COA) in collaboration with Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture, Chitkara University, Punjab through its international platform, launches SHAPE 2026: Sustainable Habitats and Architecture for People and the Earth—a thought provoking conference that convenes architects, planners, educators, researchers, policymakers, and students to explore how spatial design can advance the UN-SDG agenda. This platform seeks to critically engage the architectural fraternity in dialogues and knowledge exchange centered on the integration of the SDGs into architectural thinking, design, and pedagogy.

Conference Brief

The conference is designed on the belief that sustainable development is not an isolated concern—it is a framework for holistic, inclusive, and future-ready design. Architecture, when aligned with the SDG vision, becomes a vehicle for empowerment, social justice, environmental stewardship, cultural continuity, and technological innovation. SHAPE 2026 will explore how built environments can act as catalysts for positive change—shaping not only the spaces we inhabit but the values we uphold.

Through thought-provoking sessions, collaborative workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms, SHAPE 2026 aims to inspire visionary thinking and grounded action by delving into the various SDGs and attempting to target most of the SDGs through this international conference. It will connect ideas with implementation, and policy with practice, offering tangible pathways for aligning the built environment with the SDGs. In an era marked by urgency and uncertainty, SHAPE 2026 calls upon the architectural community to lead by design—not just with aesthetics, but with purpose, responsibility, and compassion.

Conference Aim

The conference aims to create a global platform that stimulates intellectual discourses on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explores how architecture and planning can shape sustainable, resilient, and inclusive habitats for people and the Earth.

Conference Objectives

Integrate SDGs into Architectural Discourse: To foster dialogues that embed sustainability, equity, and resilience at the core of architectural design, pedagogy, and practice.

Promote Knowledge Exchange: To provide a collaborative forum for sharing best practices, research insights, and innovations in sustainable habitats across local and global contexts.

Connect Policy with Practice: To align architectural education and professional practice with national and international policies aimed at achieving the SDGs.

Empower Future Generations: To inspire and equip students and young professionals with the vision, skills, and responsibility to design future-ready, sustainable environments.

Catalyze Action through Collaboration: To build cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral partnerships that translate ideas into tangible, impactful solutions for communities.

Eligibility

Academicians

Professionals

Graduates of Architecture

Graduates of Allied Fields

Students pursuing Postgraduate studies and above

Researchers

Important Dates

Event

Dates

Brief distribution and abstract call

17 December 2025

Abstract upload opens from

17 December 2025

Abstract submission deadline

12 January 2026