YA PHD Conference 2026

Urban Interactions Revisited

Bridging disciplines for an accessible and inclusive environment. Urban and rural spaces facing challenges of the 21st century.

The ways in which people interact with their environments—whether in cities, rural areas, or transitional spaces—are shaped by a complex interplay of physical structures, social dynamics, governance frameworks, and global or local challenges and trends. Accessibility, in its many meanings, remains a crucial concern across disciplines, influencing mobility, economic opportunities, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

In the 21st century, climate change, demographic shifts, economic transformation, and increasing inequalities are reshaping traditional spatial planning concepts, which continue evolving into new forms of mobility, flows or community engagement. The nature of accessibility and inclusion is expanding beyond physical proximity to encompass broader social, economic, and institutional dimensions.

This conference aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among planners focusing on urbanism, design, regional planning, social sciences, territorial governance and decision-making processes, economic drivers, as well as specific transport or technological concepts and applications.

The conference aims to foster critical reflection, knowledge exchange, and collaboration by exploring interactions from multiple perspectives. Participants are encouraged to reassess established approaches, seek innovative solutions, deepen theoretical insights, and strengthen interdisciplinary connections. The conference is intended to be part of a dynamic discussion that addresses both systemic and practical aspects of accessibility in contemporary urban and rural environments.

Track 1 Proximity and Permeability Revisited

This track will explore how the physical structuring of urban and non-urban environments influences accessibility and functionality. Focusing on proximity and permeability, it examines how spatial relationships, distances, and connectivity shape mobility, land use and infrastructure. Contributions are invited that consider both positive and negative consequences of spatial organization, including how the arrangement of spaces facilitates or restricts movement for people, goods, or services. The track will also investigate how these spatial qualities influence social interaction and structure, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability, and how spatial forms can either support or hinder broader urban and rural development trends.

Track 2 Flows and Connections Revisited

This track will examine the various tangible and intangible flows that shape urban and rural environments. Physical flows such as transportation systems, the movement of people, goods, and resources, will be considered alongside intangible flows, including the exchange of information, ideas, data, and migration. Contributions are invited that explore the interaction between these flows and their influence on spatial organization, infrastructure, and social dynamics. How do these flows contribute to or hinder connectivity, resilience, and adaptability in cities and landscapes? The track will also investigate how these flows impact economic networks, social integration, and innovation, considering both the positive roles they can play and the challenges they introduce.

Track 3 Governance and Tools Revisited

This track will explore the intersection of governance and urban planning in shaping inclusive and adaptive environments. It will address how new, innovative tools, data-driven solutions, and emerging trends are transforming the management of space, mobility, and services, while also confronting the broader governance challenges such as policymaking, community participation, and institutional frameworks. Contributions are invited that reflect on both the opportunities and challenges posed by the application of governance practices, and how these innovations influence social and economic accessibility. This track will also invite discussions on the governance strategies necessary to address complex, dynamic challenges, exploring the potential benefits and risks of data-driven decision-making, and how technology can either support or disrupt public engagement and the democratic processes that are central to inclusive governance.

Track 4 Inclusion and Dynamics Revisited

This track will focus on how urban and rural spaces can remain inclusive and adaptable in the face of ongoing social, economic, and environmental changes. It will delve into the ways that access to housing, public services, and employment can be maintained or improved, even as technological, policy, and climate transformations take place. Contributions are encouraged that examine the changing dynamics of spatial, infrastructural, and social systems, and how they influence both the inclusivity of spaces and the risks of exclusion, particularly for marginalized or vulnerable groups. The track will encourage dialogue on how cities and settlements can balance stability and innovation, and how these transformations can lead to either equitable outcomes or, conversely, exacerbate existing inequalities.

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