We cannot forge paths toward the future unless we know where we come from; nor can we truly know our past unless we understand where we aspire to go.
Key concepts: (Re)discovering our roots in order to explore new routes; seeking identity in the notion of origins to shape a sustainable outlook for future design pathways; discovering who we are before telling others how to be.
Summary: The theme of the Cumulus Athens 2026 Conference explores the interplay between two fundamental directions that one can take in design research and practice: “Roots” implies a movement towards the origins; “Routes” stands for a path forward. Contrary to the assumption that these are opposing tendencies, the conference proposes that they coexist in a recto–verso relationship, forming together the foundation for a critical reflection on our present condition and its transformation into a desired future.
In this sense, “Roots | Routes” serves as a framework for rediscovering origins as a means of forging innovative pathways toward the future. The theme challenges the compartmentalization of history and tradition, philosophy and theory, technology and design methodologies, as isolated domains or research and/or practice. Instead, it invites participants to engage with the interconnections of identity, culture, and future-oriented design strategies through a holistic perspective.
At its core, the theme affirms that understanding who we are is essential to envisioning and articulating new design paradigms. This reflective stance emphasizes the role of origins, values, and history as tools for addressing contemporary challenges and shaping new creative practices. It also calls on participants to approach design as a continuous dialogue between concepts often framed in opposition — such as diachronic–synchronic, digital–analog, resilient–fragile. Ultimately, the goal is to show that only by embracing both sides of these tensions, rather than privileging one over the other, can we cultivate meaningful and sustainable design practices grounded in a true understanding of who we are and where we aspire to go.
Tracks
The conference is structured around three (3) main sections that create its contextual framework: Knowledge Systems, Resiliency and Design Practice.
“Knowledge Systems” examines how designers formulate design knowledge into systems of inquiry. For Cumulus Athens 2026, these inquiries unfold across four areas: AI-mediated design methodologies; the photographic archive as fragments of time; philosophical aesthetics; and knowledge ecologies.
“Resiliency” addresses the question of sustainable practices in times of crisis. Within the framework of the conference, this track develops across three themes: social design; sustainable and regenerative design; and sustainable pathways at the intersection of design, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability.
“Design Practice” explores the grounded experience of craft, cultural heritage, technology, and systems of exchange in design. This track encompasses a broad spectrum of approaches, ranging from contemporary questions on heritage conservation practices to the graphic arts as custodians of cultural memory, and to the flows of exchange that shape the Mediterranean archipelago as a shared territory of cultural affinity.
Across all three tracks, participants are invited to engage with their sub-themes through the critical juxtaposition of two overarching dimensions: global concepts and local practices.
A more detailed account of each track and its sub-themes is available on their dedicated pages.
Submission
We welcome abstracts from a wide range of scholars, researchers, practitioners, designers, artists, and cultural producers working within and across relevant areas, from different continents and at all stages of their careers. Selected papers will be considered for publication in the conference proceedings, which will be made available in digital format with ISBN. Both abstracts and full papers will undergo double-blind peer review. Submissions are accepted online (please refer to the individual sub-track pages for submission links).
Submission regulations:
- The abstract must be written in English.
- Please submit a 400-word abstract in PDF format, one page, without images.
- The abstract should clearly state the aim and scope of the paper, outline the research question(s) or design problem(s) addressed, and highlight the methodology and/or approach. It should also summarize the main findings, arguments, or expected contributions to the field.
- Do not include your name, only the title of your paper at the top of the abstract.
- Do not include your name in the filename. Please name the file as follows:
‘TrackCode_ShortTitle_Abstract.pdf’
(example: ‘R1_BerlinTopographies_Abstract.pdf’).
Track codes:
- KS1–KS4 = Knowledge Systems (AI-Design, Photographic Archive, Aesthetics, Knowledge Ecologies)
- R1–R3 = Resiliency (Social Design, Sustainable & Regenerative Design, Sustainable Pathways & Heritage)
- DP1–DP3 = Design Practice (Heritage Conservation, Graphic Arts & Digital Intelligence, Mediterranean Design)
Important dates:
- Deadline for submission of abstracts: 31 October 2025, 23:59 (UTC)
- Notification of abstract acceptance: 15 December 2025
- Full paper submission: 15 February 2026, 23:59 (UTC)
- Notification of full paper acceptance: no later than 1 April 2026
- Conference dates: 5–9 May 2026
Registration:
At least one author of each accepted paper must register and present at the conference. Registration details and fees will be announced.