The conference will consist of two-day technical‑scientific sessions, including the presentation of a Policy brief with the main achievements and guidelines concerning the topics covered.
Session 1 and Session 3 will include two state-of-the-art lectures, delivered by national and international keynote speakers. These lectures will set the stage for a roundtable discussion involving key stakeholders, focusing on new research horizons and challenges of common interest, with potential for the development of public policies and stakeholder strategies.
Session 2 will present the non-conference format with a teaser guest panel, followed by the formation of heterogeneous discussion groups incorporating, in addition to the guest panel and conference participants, young people from high schools (the future generations), and finalized by a round table for sharing and debating with the guest panel.
The contents covered in each session are as follows:

SESSION 1 – Innovative Technologies for Construction
The construction industry is undergoing fast and deep transformations, driven by innovative technologies that are revolutionizing the way construction projects are designed, built and managed.
New advances in modular construction and prefabrication are simplifying processes, reducing errors, minimizing waste and speeding up project deadlines. At the same time, the adoption of more sustainable and resilient solutions is paving the way for greener and safer cities.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twins are enhancing project visualization and collaboration, while IoT and real-time data analytics are optimizing efficiency and cost reduction. Additionally, 3D printing and robotic automation, as well as AI-driven project management and smart materials, are promoting innovation in the construction sector.
These cutting-edge technologies are not just trends – they are shaping the future of construction, redefining standards and regulations, and unlocking new possibilities. As the sector embraces digital and processes transformation, keeping up with these innovations is essential for those looking to drive progress and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.
The future of construction is already here – are we ready to be a part of it?
The present topic aims to give answers to some challenging and highly relevant questions, namely:

• How can we reimagine the concept of "modularity" in construction, making it even more flexible and accessible?
• In what creative and unexpected ways can artificial intelligence be applied to transform construction processes?
• Could the digital transition in construction be an opportunity to reverse traditional practices and create a new mindset in the industry, leading to true innovation and collaboration?
• How can legislation be designed to anticipate technological innovations and drive more sustainable and resilient construction, without being an obstacle to creativity?

SESSION 2 – Living 4 Tomorrow
The vision of future smart cities evokes highly connected, sustainable spaces centered on citizen well-being. In this vision, the integration of sensor networks, artificial intelligence, and big data will enable optimized management of transportation, energy, and public services, reducing waste and improving quality of life. Green infrastructure and shared autonomous mobility solutions will reduce pollution and traffic congestion. Smart buildings will automatically adjust energy consumption. People may live longer, and urban ecologies will embrace diversity in both forms of life and social and cultural identities. Civic participation will be strengthened through digital platforms, while governance will become more transparent and adaptable to the population’s needs.
The living spaces of the future are envisioned to be more flexible, intelligent, and sustainable, dynamically adapting to the needs of their occupants. Modularity will allow spaces to be reconfigured according to the desired function, while automation and AI will optimize comfort, energy efficiency, and personalization. Sustainable materials and renewable energy solutions will be seamlessly integrated into architecture, reducing the ecological footprint. The interaction between physical and digital spaces will become increasingly fluid, creating hybrid environments that enhance both social interaction and remote work without compromising well-being.
But is this vision of the future realistic, or merely a utopia? How will we actually live in the cities of the future? While technological innovation undoubtedly has the potential to make built environments smarter, more sustainable, and better adapted to people's needs, it also raises challenges and concerns.
The present topic aims to give answers to some challenging and highly relevant questions, namely:

• What impact will smart cities have on employment and the way people live and interact?
• How can living spaces be designed to be accessible and inclusive for all?
• What are the environmental challenges in implementing sustainable technological solutions in large urban areas?
• How can emerging technologies ensure citizens privacy and security in smart cities?
• How can technological innovation be balanced with cultural identities in the cities of the future?
• How will future cities accommodate diversity? Will they resolve existing inequalities or create new asymmetries?

SESSION 3 – Sustainable Buildings and Circular Economy
Mitigating climate change, extreme events, air pollution, waste deposition, and the excessive consumption of natural resources is essential to preserving well-being and even life itself. Sustainability is, therefore, a key aspect of modern society, ensuring the planet´s balance.
Construction, use and demolition of buildings generate significant environmental impacts, from the extraction of natural resources to the burning of fossil fuels. Reducing these impacts is crucial to achieving a sustainable world.
Circular economy emerges as an indispensable tool to achieve sustainability, allowing for the reduction of natural resources consumption and preventing waste accumulation.
Moving towards sustainable buildings and implementing a circular economy in construction, while keeping (or even improving) levels of adequacy, comfort and health in buildings, requires considering multiple aspects involved. Beyond identifying these factors, it is essential to develop solutions that effectively address various challenges, which often conflict with each other. Achieving this goal demands a holistic approach from many sectors of society and still requires study, research and innovation.
The present topic aims to give answers to some challenging and highly relevant questions, namely:

• How to reduce energy consumption in buildings while improving comfort?
• How to achieve better performance in construction while decreasing the extraction of natural resources and waste production?
• How to preserve built heritage, while ensuring greater levels of durability and safety in these buildings?
• Will we have effective solutions for so many and such diverse challenges?
• Will we be able to identify, quantify and choose the best solutions?