CALL FOR WORKSHOPS HUMANISM RECODED: Reframing Computation and Making through Embodiment and Culture

Humanism Recoded opens a conversation around design and research strategies that leverage digital technologies, robotics, computation, algorithms, material innovation, and advanced fabrication to humanize our visions for the future. The 2026 ACADIA conference at Lawrence Technological University. Lawrence Technological University, invites workshop proposals that place human presence, culture, and collective intelligence at the center of computational design—engaging digital technologies, robotics, algorithms, material innovation, and advanced fabrication as empathetic, inclusive agents in shaping futures. We welcome strategies that pair generative and robotic workflows with embodied, site-specific knowledge to address urgent socio-technical and environmental challenges through ethical, culturally situated, and participatory design practices. To enable broader access and a wider range of participants to the conference and workshops, proposals at all skill levels are encouraged to submit.

Workshops will be held in person, online and /or hybrid, leveraging facilities and equipment at LTU as well as hosted across the city of Detroit in collaboration with local firms located in landmark historic buildings downtown. We encourage proposals that engage with the conference theme and utilize the available resources to push the boundaries of digital design and fabrication.

Workshop Themes

We invite workshop proposals that explore the emerging intersections between technology and architecture, fostering innovation in design, fabrication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Workshops should provide hands-on, exploratory, and experimental learning experiences for participants. We welcome submissions in the following thematic areas:

1. Advanced Computational Workflows: Workshops in this category will focus on algorithmic design, simulation frameworks, AI-assisted design tools, and immersive digital environments.

2. Autonomous and Hybrid Fabrication: This set of workshops emphasizes making, with sessions exploring digital fabrication, human-machine collaboration, and hybrid craft practices.

3. Material Innovation and Ecological Practices: Workshops will explore sustainable material systems, ecological practices, and circular construction strategies through hands-on experiments.

4. Design, Storytelling, and Cultural Narratives: These workshops bridge computation with humanistic inquiry, exploring AI as a collaborator in digital storytelling, speculative design, and cultural preservation.

Submission Requirements

Workshop proposals should include the following:

1. Instructor Information: Names, affiliations, bios, CVs, and links to previous teaching examples.
2. Workshop Title and Type: Specify whether the workshop is technical, seminar-based, or another format.
3. Workshop Description: Provide an overview of topics covered, learning objectives, expected outcomes, required software, and any technical constraints.
4. Workshop Schedule: Indicate the duration (1–3 days), a daily breakdown, and recommended hours per day (3–8).
5. Participant Information: Define the optimal number of participants, target audience, and any prerequisites.
6. Equipment and Materials: List the required software, hardware, and other necessary materials.
7. Proposed Budget: Include an itemized budget detailing anticipated costs and potential funding sources.

Important Information

• Each workshop receives up to $2,000 for travel, accommodations, materials and supplies.
• One full conference ticket is covered for the workshop lead.
• Workshop payments are made after the workshop has been completed.
• Pending sponsorships, additional material funds may be available.
• Workshop leaders are required to present outcomes at the workshop closing event. Results will be published in the post-conference proceedings.

Submission Process

Please fill out and submit your submission form by April 19th. Proposals will undergo a juried review process, and successful applicants will receive funding to cover travel, materials, and an honorarium.

Submission form

Contact workshop chairs for additional information: 2026@acadia.org

Sponsor a Workshop

Companies and organizations are invited to sponsor an ACADIA 2026 workshop. Sponsoring a workshop offers direct engagement with participants, visibility for your tools and technologies, and the opportunity to shape the hands-on learning experience at the conference. To discuss workshop sponsorship opportunities, contact our Development Officers at development@acadia.org

We look forward to receiving proposals that push the boundaries of digital design and fabrication, leveraging Miami’s unique challenges and opportunities to create resilient and innovative solutions for the built environment.

Workshop outcomes will be published as part of the 2026 ACADIA proceedings.

Available Spaces

The LTU CoAD buildLab offers the following dedicated spaces:

• 2600 sq ft shop space focused on the processing and assembly of wood and plastics; it includes both traditional wood shop and digital fabrication tools;
• 250 sq ft Spray Room for the safe and proper application of paints, adhesives, and stains;
• 630 sq ft Casting Room for the use of plaster, concrete, and hydrocal.

Available Digital Fabrication Equipment

• (2) KUKA KR-16
• (2) KUKA KR-6
• (2) KUKA KR-3
• (3) ABB IRB 120
• Clay extruder w/ robotic build plate
• Hotwire cutter
• CONCR3DE 3D Bioprinter (Armadillo Green)
• 3-axis 4’ x 8’ CNC Router
• 60W CO2 laser for cutting and etching thin materials for model-making
• Wenzel DesignTec clay mill for processing soft foam, clay, and hard-board (PU-foam)
• PotterBot 10 Pro for clay printing
• (14) Prusa 3D printers: seven MK3s, six MK4s with various PLA filaments, and a Prusa XL with two tools.
• (2) HOLOLENS 2, and Quest 2&3

*All CoAD workshop facilities have full-time and part-time staff to help monitor and facilitate any workshop requirements, as well as student assistants that can be deployed as needed for support.

**For workshops specifically focused on digital design and computational workflows, sessions would be hosted across the city of Detroit in collaboration with local firms located in landmark historic buildings downtown.

LTU CoE Workshop Facilities Support

The fabrication lab in the College of Engineering provides support for metalworking, offering access to traditional equipment such as welders and plasma cutters.