SPACE International Conference 2025 on City Planning and Urban Design

The 7th of the “SPACE International Conference 2025 on City Planning and Urban Design” will be held on 12-13 December 2025, online. The theme of the Conference is “The Smart City Paradox: Innovation, Privacy & Equity”, and the conference will critically examine the complexities and contradictions of smart cities. While technology-driven urban environments promise efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, they also raise critical questions about privacy, data governance, and social equity.

This conference will bring together architects, urban planners, policymakers, researchers, and technology ethicists to explore how cities can harness digital innovation without compromising public trust, fairness, and inclusivity. Through interdisciplinary discussions, case studies, and expert panels, we will explore whether smart cities are truly creating a better urban future—or reinforcing existing inequalities.

Our conferences at SPACE Studies are designed to provide an engaging and professional platform for academics, industry leaders, and practitioners to connect, collaborate, and share cutting-edge research in the fields of architecture, planning, and urban design as well as all interdisciplinary areas. With a proven track record of successful events, we uphold high standards, ensuring an enriching experience for all participants. Our International Advisory Board includes distinguished experts who help shape the quality and impact of our sessions.

Conference Themes

The conference welcomes contributions and discussions on (but not limited to) the following themes:

1: Data, AI, and Ethical Challenges in Smart Cities

• Data Governance and Urban Privacy
• Artificial Intelligence in Urban Planning
• Algorithmic Bias and Digital Inequality
• Ethical Challenges in Urban Technology
• The Role of Blockchain, IoT, and Emerging Technologies in Urban Governance

2: Smart Infrastructure, Equity, and Public Space

• Smart Infrastructure and Social Equity
• Public Space and Placemaking
• The Intersection of Urban Design, AI, and Public Spaces

3: Policy, Governance, and Citizen Participation

Citizen Participation in Smart City Development

Policy Frameworks for Equitable Urban Technology Deployment

Governance Models for Effective Urban Management

Participatory Urban Planning

4: Case Studies and Lessons from Global Smart Cities

Case Studies of Smart Cities – Success Stories and Cautionary Lessons from Global Urban Experiments

Although our focus is on this theme, we also welcome contributions related to broader city planning and urban design topics, such as (but not limited to):

5: Broader Urban Design and Planning Challenges

• Urban Resilience and Climate Adaptation
• Water Management & Urban Landscapes
• Resilient Infrastructure for Future Cities
• Transportation and Mobility Innovations
• Cultural Heritage and Urban Regeneration
• Gentrification and Displacement

Please note: Sessions will be shaped by the papers accepted, so not all topics listed above may be covered in the final programme.

Note for Contributors:

If you are interested in presenting your work at this conference, please check the official conference page on the SPACE Studies website for details of the Call for Papers and submission guidelines.

Member Discounts:

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