CDRF 2027 Call for Papers

The DigitalFUTURES 2027 International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (DigitalFUTURES CDRF 2027)

CDRF papers have been downloaded over 2 million times!

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.

CDRF 2027 will take place on 8 and 9 July 2027 at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), in the UK. The conference will bring together researchers, designers, architects, engineers, practitioners and industry partners through research presentations, keynote talks, masterclasses, industry exchanges and international academic dialogue, promoting interdisciplinary knowledge sharing and strengthening connections between academic research and industry practice.

The conference invites research-based and practice-based contributions across computational design, robotic fabrication, matter systems and related fields. Together, these contributions will explore the theoretical foundations, technical approaches and applications of Matter Intelligence, bringing new perspectives to digitally enabled design and construction. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from around the world to the United Kingdom to exchange ideas, share innovative practices and collectively explore an architectural future driven by Matter Intelligence.

PUBLICATION

In addition to being indexed by EI, CumInCAD, DOAJ and SCOPUS index, accepted papers will be published by Springer in the Proceedings of 2027 International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (CDRF 2027).

ABOUT DIGITAL FUTURES

DigitalFUTURES was jointly launched in 2011 by the College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP) at Tongji University, the Shanghai Digital Architecture Fabrication Technology Center (SFAB), and the Digital Architecture Branch of the Architectural Society of Shanghai China (ASSC).

DigitalFUTURES (DF), the Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA), the Architectural Society of China (ASC), the Architectural Society of Shanghai China（ASSC）and the National Engineering Technology Research Center for Prefabrication Construction in Civil Engineering collaborate with globally renowned scholars, architects, designers, enterprises, institutions, and academic media to develop an integrated online and offline educational platform (www.digitalfutures.world). Its activities include lectures, conferences, workshops and exhibitions.

Today, as a global architectural knowledge exchange community, DigitalFUTURES encourages the preservation, development and exchange of architectural knowledge worldwide, alongside international cooperation. It emphasises scientific research into digital design theory, technology, artificial intelligence algorithms, robotic fabrication and other areas relating to the built environment.

PRE-CONFERENCE EVENT 

DigitalFUTURES CDRF 2027 Masterclass

Masterclass Time: 7 July , 2027

Masterclass Location: Bartlett School of Architecture (Here East Campus), UCL, London, UK

CONFERENCE TOPIC

CDRF 2027 provides a global platform for cutting-edge research and innovative practice in Matter Intelligence, exploring the evolving relationships between digital design, robotic fabrication, matter and the built environment. Paper topics include, but are not limited to, theories, tools, methods and workflows in the following areas:

1. Material Design

Digital representation and computational modelling of material properties, behaviour and performance; material-informed generative design and multi-objective optimisation; applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in material exploration, selection and design; design methods integrating material, structural and environmental performance; form exploration combining physical experimentation and digital simulation; relationships between material expression, sensory experience and architectural space.

2. Physical Fabrication

Robotic fabrication methods informed by material properties and physical behaviour; material transformation and process innovation in additive, subtractive and hybrid manufacturing; adaptive fabrication through sensing, machine vision and real-time feedback; digital processing and construction applications of bio-based, recycled and composite materials; human–robot collaboration and on-site robotic systems addressing material variability and construction uncertainty; experimental workflows and architectural prototypes connecting design, fabrication, assembly and performance validation.

3. Matter Systems

Cross-scale integration from the microstructure of matter through materials and components to buildings; interactions and coupling mechanisms between matter, energy and information; adaptive systems and building envelopes responding to environmental change; collaboration and integration between biological and non-biological systems in architecture; material flows, performance assessment and circular use across the life cycle; industry collaboration, interdisciplinary education and training connecting research into matter, digital technologies and architectural practice.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Submission Deadline for Abstract: 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 Dates: 8-9 July 2027

Conference Location: Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, London, UK

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/architecture/digitalfutures-cdrf-2027

Papers are peer reviewed in two stages: the abstract and the full paper. Submissions must be original and cannot be submitted simultaneously to another journal or conference. We strongly prohibit plagiarism (including self-plagiarism). During the review process and prior to publication, the originality of the paper will be checked several times. Upon submission, all submissions 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

Submission address:

https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=cdrf2027

PREVIOUS CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

CDRF 2025

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-92-0615-5

CDRF 2024

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-96-3433-0

CDRF 2023

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-99-8405-3

CDRF 2022

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-19-8637-6

CDRF 2021

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-16-5983-6

CDRF 2020

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-33-4400-6

CDRF 2019

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-13-8153-9

Architectural Intelligence Journal (ARI)

https://www.springer.com/journal/44223/

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

More members to be confirmed in due course...

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

More members to be confirmed in due course...

CONTACT

If you have any questions regarding submissions, please email:

digitalfutures@tongji.edu.cn