2nd International Conference on Housing, Planning, Resilient Urban and Territorial Development

2^nd International Conference on Housing, Planning, Resilient Urban and Territorial Development
Towards Euro‑Mediterranean Perspectives

October 16–17 2025

Orientation issues

This conference returns for the second time in the Albanian academic context, aiming to build a tradition of collaboration focused on scientific research within its planned theme. Following the success of the first conference, held on 13–14 October 2023, whose papers were published in the proceedings book and selected works in the journal “Studia Albanica” and various international platforms.

POLIS University and the Academy of Sciences of Albania undertake this important activity again on a new basis. As titled, the conference will focus on key issues of housing, urban planning and resilient territorial development, creating a space for academic and professional exchange among researchers, policymakers and experts from the region and beyond.

In recent decades, Albania and the Western Balkans have faced profound transformations in urbanisation, territorial planning and sustainable environmental management. Demographic changes, economic challenges and environmental pressures have created an urgent need for new strategies in architecture, urban planning and territorial governance.

This international conference aims to provide an academic and professional forum to examine these issues, bringing together experts, researchers and decision‑makers to explore the main trends and challenges affecting territorial development.

One of the main pillars of the conference is Architecture and the City, which will explore the typological and morphological aspects of settlement form, including analyses of collective and single‑family housing typologies and the impact of urban heritage on the development of modern cities. Urban regeneration and the preservation of cultural identity are essential to harmonizing contemporary architecture with the historical fabric of settlements.

Another major challenge is the crisis of urban circulation and traffic, which demands innovative models for a sustainable and resilient city. The role of public transport, public‑space design, and the integration of new technologies such as GIS and AI for modeling and digitalization will be highlighted, emphasizing the importance of automation and intelligent infrastructure management.

Within this framework, new housing models will be examined in relation to demographic trends and technological challenges, with a focus on housing policies, energy efficiency, and the use of innovative construction materials. Ensuring affordable and social housing remains a priority in urban policymaking, closely linked to enhancing environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, the Demography and Economy track will investigate territorial development patterns in the context of macro‑regional pressures and systematic city governance. Promising areas for improving the quality of urban life include the role of new technologies such as AI, VR, and the Metaverse in city management, as well as the influence of social enterprises on urban development.

Finally, the urban and natural environment will be placed at the center of the discussions, addressing air, water, and soil pollution, and integrating nature‑based solutions to enhance urban resilience. Adaptive planning and circular‑economy practices will contribute to reshaping territories in a sustainable and climate‑resilient manner.

With this conference, POLIS University and the Academy of Sciences of Albania aim to foster a broad debate on these issues, combining research and practice to offer concrete recommendations for future urban and territorial development policies and projects.

Call of the organizers

We are pleased to announce that this international scientific conference will take place on 16–17 October 2025 in Tirana, Albania.

The conference is organised by POLIS University (U_POLIS) in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences of Albania and supported by other national and international partners.

Within the resilience framework, the conference theme addresses housing, planning and resilient urban‑territorial development from a Euro‑Mediterranean perspective, covering Albania, the Western Balkans and the Mediterranean basin. The event aims to bring together academics, policymakers, researchers, experts, practitioners and stakeholders from diverse scientific backgrounds to discuss critical challenges related to housing, urban planning and resilient territorial development.

Tracks

Section 1: Architecture and the City – Architectural, typological and morphological aspects of settlement form:

• From building to city form: aspects and tools for constructing urban form in relation to new developments and historic urban heritage.
• Collective and individual housing typologies / History of cities and architecture/ Architectural design: morphology and form.
• Urban regeneration and conservation / Cultural and historical heritage/ Regenerative approaches to designing and re‑using spaces.

Section 2: Traffic crises in cities and new models of sustainable and resilient cities

• Infrastructure and public transport in relation to city crises: The shape of the city that affects circulation and movement.
• Design of public space (squares, streets, sidewalks) in reducing architectural barriers for free circulation.
• New technologies in planning (GIS, AI, etc.) / Modeling, simulation and digitalization / Co-progress of regenerative urban development / Automation of design processes in planning, architecture and engineering.

Section 3: New housing models and innovative architectural-urban forms to adapt to demographic, technological and development trends/challenges

• Housing affordability / Housing and land markets / Social housing / Housing policies and challenges.
• Passive energies / Energy efficiency in buildings / Heating and cooling loads / Indoor and natural ventilation / Natural lighting / Building materials and technologies.
• Circular economy in the construction sector.

Section 4: Demography and Economy – Demographic challenges and models in Albania and beyond:

• Socio-economic resilience in the face of macro-regional pressures / Disaster risk reduction
• Territorial governance and systemic management / Cities as sustainable service systems / Smart city management / Social businesses as drivers for territorial development / City-verse and new cybernetics: AI, VR, AR and Metaverse.
• Circular and regenerative economy practices in the Western Balkans / Implementing the Green Agenda for the WB: challenges and opportunities for resilient communities

Section 5: Urban and natural environment: Environmental problems, climate issues and other environmental challenges that affect the quality of life in settlements:

• Sustainability and resilience in the natural environment / Adaptive planning / Complexity in territorial development.
• Air, water and land pollution / Ecosystem services for protected and urban areas / Strategic environmental assessments / Nature-based solutions / Urban biodiversity assessment

PROGRAM DETAILS

Important Deadlines

Guidance Material:

Click on the following link to download the abstract and full article guidance: (upload material in word)

Registration and other information:

Click on the following link to download the abstract guide and full paper: (upload material in word)
Abstract: (Click to download)
Full paper: (Click to download)

Submit abstracts and full articles via email: [email protected]

For registration, submission instructions and further details, visit our official websites or contact the organising committee at [email protected].

Publication Opportunities

1. Book of Proceedings with ISBN.
2. Albanian Journal of Natural and Technical Sciences – AJNTS (Academy of Sciences of Albania).
3. FORUM A+P Journal (POLIS University).
4. “Studia Albanica” Journal (Academy of Sciences of Albania).

Participation & Logistics

Researchers, practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders are invited to submit original research papers based on case studies via abstracts aligned with the conference themes. Individuals wishing to attend without submitting a paper are also welcome.

The conference will be held in Tirana (Albania) at the Academy of Sciences.

International visitors can easily reach Tirana via Tirana International Airport (TIA), with buses and fixed‑rate taxis available.
For more information visit https://www.tirana-airport.com

POLIS University is located near the highway connecting the city centre and the airport.
The Academy of Sciences is centrally located with a variety of accommodation options nearby. For any assistance, please contact the organising committee.

Join us to explore opportunities and challenges for scientific research excellence.
Don’t miss this chance to be at the forefront of shaping the future!