AI + Automation in Circular Architecture, Engineering and Construction (CAEC)

Circular approaches offer a way beyond the take–make–waste model, but delivering circularity at scale remains difficult. AI and automation are beginning to address bottlenecks in information, assessment, deconstruction, reuse and reassembly — while raising new questions of their own.

The built environment is one of the largest consumers of raw materials and one of the largest sources of waste and carbon emissions. Circular approaches aim to keep buildings, components and materials in use for as long as possible, design for disassembly, and treat existing buildings as material banks. Yet information about existing buildings and their materials is often incomplete; reclaimed components vary in condition, quality and geometry; and deconstruction and reuse remain labour-intensive and difficult to plan.

AI and automation are beginning to tackle these bottlenecks. Examples include computer vision that catalogues reusable materials before demolition, platforms that match reclaimed elements with new projects, and robots that disassemble, sort and reassemble components.

These technologies also raise questions that are far from settled. What data do these systems need, and who owns it? When does automation genuinely save materials and carbon, and when does it add energy demand and complexity of its own? How will these tools reshape the roles and skills of designers, engineers and builders?

This half-day event brings together researchers, students, practitioners and industry partners working where these fields meet. Through round-the-table discussions and an exhibition of posters, drawings, models and prototypes, it offers a space to test ideas, share evidence and find collaborators across disciplines.

We welcome contributions on topics including, but not limited to:

• Data for existing buildings: scan-to-BIM, digital twins, pre-demolition audits, material passports and component inventories.
• Evaluating reclaimed materials: AI and sensing for identifying, characterising and grading components and materials for reuse.
• Designing with what exists: inventory-constrained and generative design; design for disassembly and adaptability.
• Robotics and automation: deconstruction, sorting, remanufacturing and assembly.
• Digital fabrication: reclaimed, recycled and bio-based materials.
• Reuse ecosystems: platforms, marketplaces, logistics and urban mining.
• Measuring impact: life-cycle assessment and embodied carbon, including the footprint of AI itself.
• Policy and practice: standards, procurement, business models, labour and skills.
• Beyond the technical: critical, speculative and artistic perspectives on AI, automation and circularity.

The call is open to anyone working on these questions.

This includes researchers at all career stages, students (undergraduate, master's and PhD), architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, start-ups, public bodies, artists and makers. Individual and group submissions are welcome. Completed projects, work in progress and speculative proposals are all eligible. Attendance at the event as an audience member or visitor is free of charge.

You may apply for one or both strands.

Exhibition formats

• Poster: A1 portrait (594 × 841 mm).
• 2D work: drawings, diagrams, renderings, maps, photographs or data visualisations; up to two pieces, each no larger than A1.
• 3D work: physical models, prototypes, material samples, fabricated components or robotic devices; tabletop footprint up to 600 × 600 mm. Larger works may be considered by prior agreement.

Send a single PDF containing the following:

1. Title of the contribution.
2. Name(s), affiliation(s) and contact email.
3. Strand: round-the-table, exhibition (poster / 2D / 3D), or both.
4. Abstract: maximum 300 words describing the work and how it relates to AI, automation and circularity.
5. Exhibition proposals: up to 3 images. For 3D work, also give approximate dimensions, weight and display needs such as plinth, power or screen.
6. Short bio: maximum 100 words per contributor.

Submissions should be in English. If you have any access requirements, please let the organiser know and they will do their best to accommodate them.

The organising committee will review proposals for relevance to the theme, originality, clarity and potential to spark discussion. The aim is to bring together a mix of disciplines, backgrounds and career stages.