TOMORROW.BUILDING

In what ways is technology driving innovation in urban design practices? How are digital tools shaping the design process for buildings, infrastructures, and cities?

Technology is revolutionizing urban design, blending AI, virtual reality, and immersive tools to redefine how buildings, infrastructure, and cities are created. Explore how digital innovation is transforming design processes, enabling smarter, more efficient, and visionary urban spaces. What new possibilities are emerging at the intersection of design and technology?

Barcelona will be the World Capital of Architecture in 2026. Over the course of ten months, and through activities held across the city’s ten districts, a diverse, open, and participatory program will bring architecture, urban planning, and landscape design closer to all citizens. This session aims to show how these disciplines improve everyday life and can help address global challenges through first-hand insights from leading experts.

How can cities integrate climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and smart infrastructure for long-term resilience? What role do technology and community engagement play in sustainable urban growth?

The world is changing fast. Generational shifts, AI and new tech are redefining life and work - with cities as living labs of innovation. In her light-hearted yet insightful style, futurist Nikki Greenberg reveals what 2050 could look like, sharing global examples of tech transforming cities. Expect energy, vision and strategies to build future-ready, human-centered and inspiring places.

Next-generation technologies are reshaping how we design, build, and live in our cities. From digital tools and AI to virtual reality and advanced construction methods, emerging innovations are revolutionizing urban planning and development. How do these technologies offer new pathways to create more efficient, building-adaptive, and future-ready urban environments?

Integrating climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and smart infrastructure is essential for building resilient cities. Combining technology with community engagement drives sustainable urban growth and adaptive architecture. How can these strategies come together to create cities that not only survive but thrive amid future challenges?

How do we advance urban regeneration to create green and thriving neighbourhoods? This session will explore practical strategies for uniting finance, public action, and community voices to shape vibrant, sustainable places for all. Hear insights from industry leaders on innovative financing and partnership models, and learn from city officials about successful land revitalisation projects and how they engaged students in the design process.

How can cities reinvent the way they are designed, built, and lived in? From rethinking infrastructures and housing to driving sustainable building practices and resilient planning, innovation is reshaping the fabric of urban life. This session will spotlight new and innovative approaches that are transforming construction and development, unlocking smarter, greener and more adaptable cities for the future.

This dynamic panel explores how governance and financial levers can accelerate the shift to a circular built environment. Drawing on insights from across the construction value chain, it will highlight strategies like waste prevention and secondary material markets, and examine how EU policies such as Construction Products Regulation and Green Public Procurement along with skills and capacity-building, can drive systemic change.

Cities face a growing gap in housing needs, aging infrastructure, and persistent social inequalities. As affordability declines, innovative approaches to building and urban development are essential. This session will focus on centering equity in urban development by reimagining construction methods, housing policies, and design strategies to create sustainable, resilient, equitable, and accessible homes for all.

How have digital tools improved construction accuracy and reduced costs? What challenges and best practices shape successful digital transformation in the industry?

Urban design profoundly affects wellbeing and social connection. However, standardized metrics often overlook local cultural and contextual nuances, such as climate or inequality, which shape urban experiences. The Norman Foster Institute (NFI) develops participatory methodologies to create wellbeing indicators tailored to each city, guiding practical urban design strategies that respond to communities’ real needs and priorities.

How are digital tools revolutionizing construction in the cities of tomorrow? By integrating AI, BIM, and digital twins, the industry is transforming building design and execution. Exploring challenges and best practices reveals how digital innovation is reshaping construction into a smarter, more precise, and sustainable process.

How can policymakers, urban planners, and tech innovators collaborate to create scalable, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions for growing cities? What technologies and strategies show the most promise in tackling the housing crisis?

Washington Fajardo will discuss how Latin American cities — in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) — are pioneering solutions to the housing crisis through innovation, technology, and cross-sector partnerships. The session highlights scalable, inclusive, and sustainable housing models, showing how regulatory innovation and public-private collaboration drive resilience, social inclusion, and equitable, human-centered urban transformation.

As urban populations grow, the need for affordable, scalable, and sustainable housing is more urgent than ever. From modular construction to smart housing and regulatory innovation, new approaches are reshaping how cities house their residents. How can cross-sector collaboration turn these innovations into lasting, inclusive solutions?

How is the building sector aligning its practices with the sustainability initiatives of cities? In what ways can the built environment play a role in mitigating climate change?

How can the building sector drive climate action and align with city sustainability goals? By embracing energy efficiency and zero-emission designs, the built environment becomes a powerful tool for mitigating climate change. This session explores how green buildings are not just structures but vital contributors to healthier, more sustainable urban futures.

How can innovation in large-scale infrastructures ensure adaptability to evolving urban needs? What cutting-edge technologies and design strategies can enhance the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of major city infrastructures?

Innovation in large-scale infrastructures is key to creating safer, more sustainable, and efficient urban facilities—from hospitals to community centers. By leveraging advanced technologies and smart design, cities can build resilience and better serve evolving needs. How can these innovations ensure infrastructures adapt to the future of urban living?

What are the key strategies for retrofitting existing buildings and infrastructure for energy efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancement? How can cities preserve cultural heritage within this framework?

How can cities retrofit aging buildings and infrastructure to boost energy efficiency and sustainability while preserving cultural heritage? By integrating renewable technologies and careful refurbishing, urban areas can evolve sustainably without losing their identity. Discover how this balance transforms legacy structures into leading-edge, future-ready assets.