Scope
OPTARCH2026 advances optimization-based methods for conceptual and detailed design of architectural and civil engineering structures.
It fosters synergy among researchers, designers and engineers, emphasizing shape and topology optimization within computer-aided and parametric design environments.
The conference promotes multi-criteria workflows integrating structural efficiency, sustainability, bioclimatic strategies, comfort and acoustics into responsible computational design.
ICONS2026 Conference Cluster
This conference is one of the six interlocking ICONS2026 events (DiGiCES, OPTARCH, INTELIA, APEX, MEDISCOPE, AGORA), designed to foster cross-pollination of methods, standards and real-world impact.
Other ICONS2026 conferences:
- DiGiCES2026 (2nd International Conference on Digital Tools in Construction for Efficiency and Sustainability)
- INTELIA2026 (1st IΝΤΕrnational conference on Leadership Ιn AI)
- APEX2026 (1st International conference on Advanced comPutational mEthods for data-Informed analysis & multiphysiX design)
- MEDISCOPE2026 (1st International Conference on Modeling, Engineering & Data In Simulation and COmputation for PErsonalized medicine)
- AGORA2026 (1st InternAtional Conference & Global Gathering on Organizational Research & Administration)
Multidisciplinary Purpose & Vision
ICONS2026 brings together a global community of researchers, practitioners and innovators to accelerate digitally driven discovery and deployment across engineering, health, AI governance and organizational practice.
Scientific & Societal Objectives
- Advance rigorous computational & optimization methods and their deployment in real systems.
- Promote trustworthy platforms, data interoperability and reproducible workflows.
- Support responsible decision-making in technology, health and management.
- Deliver sustainability, resilience and measurable outcomes.
Organising Institutions
- National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece
- Politecnivo di Torino (PoliTo), Italy
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UOA), Greece
- Cyprus University (CU), Cyprus
- Al-Ain University (AAU), UAE
Topics
Indicative (not exhaustive) themes for OPTARCH2026:
Core themes
- Shape/topology/sizing optimization for buildings and shells
- Generative and parametric design workflows (CAD/CAE integration)
- Multi-criteria design: structure–energy–comfort–cost–carbon
- Bioclimatic and passive design optimization
- Acoustics, vibration and comfort in optimisation
- Constructability-aware and fabrication-constrained optimization
- Form-finding and computational morphogenesis
- Responsible and reproducible computational workflows
Applications
- Timber, steel, concrete and hybrid systems
- Climate-responsive envelopes and adaptive facades
- Large-span, lightweight and deployable structures
- Retrofit and circular design for buildings
Organisation
Chairpersons
- Nikos D. Lagaros, NTUA, Greece
- Rajai Z. Alrousan, JUST, Jordan
- Stelios K. Georgantzinos, UOA, Greece
- Denis Istrati, AU, Denmark
Steering Committee
- Nikos D. Lagaros, NTUA, Greece
- Rajai Z. Al-Rousan, JUST, Jordan
- Stelios K. Georgantzinos, UOA, Greece
- Denis Istrati, AU, Denmark
- Khairedin M. Abdalla, JUST, Jordan
- Osama K. Nusier, AABU, Jordan
- Evangelos Plevris, QU, Qatar
- Christos Thomas Georgakis, Aarhus University (AU), Denmark
- Mohammad A. Alhassan, JUST, Jordan / AAU, UAE
- Giuseppe Carlo Marano, PoliTo, Italy / FZU, China
- Marios C. Phocas, UCY, Cyprus
- Charis Gantes, NTUA, Greece
- Ted Stathopoulos, Concordia University (CU), Canada
- Georgios Stavroulakis, Technical University of Crete (TUC), Greece
- Mohsen Issa, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), USA
International Scientific Committee
The International Scientific Committee supports the quality assurance of the conference programme (review, session design and strategic scientific guidance).
- Ali Kaveh (Iran)
- Jun Zheng (China)
- Thomas Bäck (Netherlands)
- Panos M. Pardalos (USA)
- Ali Kaveh (Iran)
- Izuru Takewaki (Japan)
- Petros Koumoutsakos (Switzerland)
- Demetris Koutsoyiannis (Greece)
- Andreas Lampropoulos (Greece)
- Lambis Baniotopoulos (UK)
- Vassili V. Toropov (UK)
- Konstantinos Tsavdaridis (UK)
- Charis Gantes (Greece)
- Georgios Stavroulakis (Greece)
- Georgios I. Giannopoulos (Greece)
- Panayiotis Kakavas-Papaniaros (Greece)
- Odysseas Kontovourkis (Cyprus)
- Dimos Charmpis (Cyprus)
- Giuseppe Carlo Marano (Italy)
- Marina Marinelli (Greece)
- Konstantinos P. Stamoulis (Greece)
- Maria Matheou (Germany)
- Bashar Tarawneh (Jordan)
- Wasim Barham (Jordan)
Organiser Logos
NTUA
PoliTo
UOA
CU
AAUProceedings
All presentations will be published by Springer in the TBA series. The conferences are indexed in scopus.
Supporting Organisations & Endorsements
Endorsing Organisations
- European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE)
- Scientific Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK)
- Association of Civil Engineers of Greece (ACEG)
- Cyprus Architects Association (CAA)
Supported by MSCA SE Projects
Supported by the MSCA SE projects ADAPT4CE (No: 101182768) and 3DCARE (No: 101236099), respectively.
Important Dates
- Abstract submission deadline (NEW): 13 June 2026
- Early payment deadline (Online Presentations): 20 March 2026
- Late payment deadline (Online Presentations): 3 July 2026
- Full-length paper deadline (post-conference, Springer book): 7 September 2026
- Conference dates: 16–18 July 2026
Full-length papers are submitted after the conference (deadline 7 September 2026) to be included in the Springer book.
Registration & Fees
Registration Process
- Create an account in the Online Submission System. Register here.
- Complete the payment via PayPal/credit card or via bank transfer.
- Upload proof of payment (for bank transfers) to the submission system.
Registration is confirmed once both the form and the payment are received.
Registration Fees
Fees are in Euro (€). Bank charges are not included and must be paid by the participant.
| Type of Participant | Early Registration (before 20/03/2026) |
Late Registration (21/03–03/07/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Delegate (on site) | 350 € | 400 € |
| Online presentation | 170 € | 230 € |
Each accepted paper must be covered by at least one paid registration to be included in the proceedings.
Payment Options
1) PayPal / Credit Card
2) Bank Transfer
Beneficiary: INNOVASPHERE LTD
Address: Aleksandar Stamboliyski No. 55, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Bank: DSK Bank
Account No.: 31186385
IBAN: BG69 STSA 9300 0031 1863 85
SWIFT/BIC: STSABGSF
Currency: EUR
Please include the participant name and “OPTARCH2026 / ICONS2026” in the transfer reference and ensure all bank charges are covered by the sender.
Submission
How to Submit
- Stage 1 – Abstract submission: submit your abstract by 13 June 2026.
- Stage 2 – Presentation: accepted abstracts are scheduled for Hybrid presentation during 16–18 July 2026.
- Stage 3 – Full paper (optional): submit the full-length manuscript by 7 September 2026 for Springer.
Use the portal to create an account, submit/update abstracts, track decisions, and report payments (with receipt upload when applicable). Please enter names/affiliations using Latin (ASCII) characters only.
Submission System Notes (for Authors)
- Create an account (Register) and then Login to access your dashboard.
- Submit and update your abstract, authors, affiliations, and presenter details through a guided form.
- Track the decision status of each submission from your dashboard.
- Report registration/payment details and upload a receipt when applicable (e.g., bank transfer).
- Use the built-in messaging/communication area for requests or clarifications to the organizers.
- Please ensure payment is completed by 20 March 2026 to benefit from the early rate (Online Presentations).
- Use Latin (ASCII) characters for names/affiliations/addresses to avoid corrupted symbols in the database.
Template Files
- Abstract template (Word) – provided through the submission system form
- Springer full-paper template – provided through the submission system
- LaTeX template – coming soon
Venue & Accommodation
Conference Venue
National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) – Zografou Campus
Athens, Greece
All technical sessions, keynote lectures, and coffee breaks for OPTARCH2026 (part of the ICONS2026 cluster) will take place on the National Technical University of Athens campus in Athens.
A detailed campus map, building names, and room numbers will be provided closer to the conference dates, together with information on access control and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Getting to NTUA (Zografou Campus)
- From the airport: International arrivals are typically via Athens International Airport. Participants can reach NTUA Zografou campus by taxi/ride-hailing, private transfer, or city bus.
- From Athens: Regular city transport options are available to Zografou. From Athens city center, taxis are a convenient way to reach the campus.
- By car: On-campus and nearby parking availability will be communicated with the final venue information.
Practical travel notes (recommended routes, shuttle options if arranged, and local guidance) will be published on this page as the conference approaches.
Recommended Accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Staying in Ilisia or Zografou is recommended for easiest access to the NTUA campus. Alternatively, participants may stay in Athens city center and commute if preferred.
Where to stay
- Ilisia & Zografou (recommended): Hotels and serviced apartments in the Ilisia or Zografou city center offer convenient access to restaurants and local services.
- Near NTUA Zografou campus: Limited nearby options may be available; early booking is advised.
- Athens city center (optional): Wider range of hotels; longer daily commute to Zografou campus.
A shortlist of suggested hotels and practical booking guidance (including any negotiated rates, if applicable) will be announced on this page. Participants should also verify visa requirements and plan travel accordingly.
Contact
Scientific Programme
Please submit your request through the Online Submission System.
Submission & Templates
Please submit your request through the Online Submission System.
Registration & Payments
Please submit your request through the Online Submission System.
Media / Sponsorship
Email: isdtde@mail.ntua.gr