Catalytic Interfaces Planning at CAAD Futures 2025

CAAD Futures 2025 offers dedicated space and time for teams to collaborate on-site during the conference to develop and share their research. The CI programme is designed to foster open collaboration, real-time exchange, and meaningful engagement with the wider conference community.

General Setup

The CI programme is guided by the following principles:

  • Shared ‘Basecamp’ Collaboration Zones
    Dedicated workspaces within a common area, referred to as Basecamp (CPD – LG.07&10), will support hands-on development and facilitate open exchange with the wider conference community.

  • Daily Stand-Up Sessions
    Each day begins and ends with informal ‘Check-In’ and ‘Check-Out’ sessions. These are moments for teams to update each other, synchronise activities, and invite wider participation. The main conference schedule pauses during these times, allowing focus on CI activities at Basecamp, with organisers helping to direct attention to ongoing work.

  • Special Requests
    We will do our best to accommodate any special equipment needs or requests for tailored programming.
    Please email us here with any specific requirements.

Daily Programme

Day 1 — 2 July 2025

  • Introduction & Check-In (Required)
    11:00 – 11:20 | CPD – LG.08-09
    All CI teams will briefly introduce their projects with a compulsory 3-minute stage presentation. This is an opportunity to broadcast your work to the entire audience, spark interest, and attract participants or collaborators. Use this platform wisely if your project benefits from wider engagement.

  • Parallel Work Sessions
    12:20 – 17:00 | CPD – LG.07&10
    Throughout the day, teams are encouraged to work in the Basecamp alongside the main conference programme. The space remains open for public engagement, particularly during coffee breaks held in the same area, offering natural opportunities for visitors to connect with your work.
    Paper and writing materials will be provided. A blackboard can be arranged upon request (email us).

  • Check-Out & Evening Work Session
    18:00 – 19:00 | CPD – LG.07&10
    Following the keynote, we will guide attendees back to Basecamp to spotlight collaborative opportunities and ongoing work for the remainder of the evening.

Day 2 — 3 July 2025

  • Morning Check-In
    10:00 – 10:20 | CPD – LG.07-10
    Teams may opt to deliver a 3-minute update to conference attendees. Organisers will help gather interest and attention towards the Basecamp activities.

  • Parallel Developments
    10:20 – 17:00 | CPD – LG.07&10
    Continuation of team-based work in the Basecamp, open to interactions with the wider community throughout the day.

  • Check-Out & Evening Work Session
    17:45 – 19:00 | CPD – LG.07&10
    Another opportunity to draw the conference audience back to the Basecamp for evening engagement and collaboration.

Day 3 — 4 July 2025

  • Final Check-In
    10:10 – 10:30 | CPD – LG.07-10
    Teams are welcome to give a 3-minute update to invite final engagement ahead of the concluding sessions. Organisers will help gather interest and attention towards the Basecamp activities.

  • Final Work Session
    10:30 – 15:10 | CPD – LG.07&10
    Last opportunity for focused collaborative work, with continuing visibility to conference attendees.

  • Catalytic Interfaces Showcase Presentation
    15:10 – 17:10 | CPD – LG.07&10
    On the final afternoon, CI teams will publicly present their collaborative artefacts and refined positions. This marks the culmination of the CI programme.

⚠️ Presentation Format

  • Each team will be allocated 20 minutes:
    • Approximately 10 minutes for presentation
    • Remaining time for Q&A
  • Please find the presentation formatting requirements here.
  • Submit your slides by 4 July at 13:00!
  • See the presentation line-up.

About the CI Programme

The 2025 CI programme brings together diverse teams tackling topics ranging from rubble-based robotic assembly and biologically adaptive systems to cyber-physical infrastructures and participatory urban platforms. A unifying theme is the development of systems that respond dynamically to human input, environmental conditions, and AI-driven processes. Several teams are exploring how emerging technologies like AI and XR can reshape authorship, agency, and responsibility in design.

Special Programming

We are pleased to highlight the following additional sessions proposed by CI teams:

  • [CI#82] Collaborative Pathways to Sustainable Digital Innovation in AEC
    • Roundtable Discussion with Faculty
    • 2 July | 13:10 – 15:00
    • We are looking for academic researchers with experiences in advising doctoral students in Hong Kong. Please join us! You can learn more about it and sign up here!
  • [CI#82] Collaborative Pathways to Sustainable Digital Innovation in AEC
    • Roundtable Discussion with Students
    • 3 July | 12:45 – 14:30
    • We are looking for participants who are prusuing a doctoral degree in Hong Kong. Sign up here now!

If you wish to propose further special programming, please email us here.