ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FIFTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON BUILT HERITAGE STUDIES (BHS 2026)

BUILT HERITAGE: CONSERVATION AND REGENERATION IN THE DIGITAL-INTELLIGENT ERA

（FIRST CIRCULAR）

1 Conference Theme and Subthemes

Over the past half century, the conservation of built heritage has undergone a profound transformation: from static preservation to dynamic transmission, and from the restoration of individual monuments to integrated and holistic conservation approaches. These developments have progressively shaped a conservation paradigm centred on the recognition and interpretation of heritage values. In recent years, digital and intelligent technologies—including artificial intelligence, big data, and digital-twin systems—have become increasingly integrated into heritage research and practice. Such technologies enable new forms of documentation, monitoring, risk assessment, and public engagement, while also expanding the ways in which heritage values are interpreted and communicated. The application of immersive media and data-driven analysis is reshaping both conservation methodologies and the social dissemination of heritage knowledge. The Fifth International Symposium on Built Heritage Studies aims to bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to examine emerging theoretical frameworks, technological innovations, and practical approaches to the conservation and regeneration of built heritage in the digital-intelligent era. The symposium will include keynote lectures, technical sessions, and roundtable discussions.

(I) Theme

Built Heritage: Conservation and Regeneration in the Digital-Intelligent Era

(II) Subthemes

1. Digital and intelligent technologies in heritage research and value assessment

2. Intelligent monitoring, risk evaluation, and preventive conservation

3. Digital twins and lifecycle management in heritage conservation

4. Public participation, digital communication, and innovation in heritage education

5. Heritage conservation and regeneration in Belt and Road countries (Brazil-themed session)

2 Organization

2.1 Sponsors

College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP), Tongji UniversityAcademic Committee of Urban and Rural Built Heritage, Architectural Society of China (ASC)

2.2 Organizing Team

Editorial Office of Heritage Architecture

Editorial Office of Built Heritage

World Heritage Institute of Training and Research-Asia and Pacific, Shangha (WHITRAP Shanghai)

3 Dates and Venue

October 29–November 1, 2026

College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP), Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, China.

4 Registration

Conference participants are requested to register through the official conference website (registration and submission system: icobhs.tongji.edu.cn) and complete the online Personal Information Form in order to create an account.

5 Abstract Submission

The official submission system will be launched on March 1, 2026.

Abstracts must be submitted by March 20, 2026.

Abstract submissions should include:

· Title in Chinese and English (Chinese title no more than 25 characters)

· Abstract (English abstract up to 250 words; Chinese abstract 250–300 characters)

· Keywords (3–8 terms)

Authors should also indicate the relevant subtheme and provide the following information: name, professional title, institutional affiliation, and email address.

For multi-authored papers, submission should be completed by the corresponding author.

Notification of abstract acceptance will be sent before April 1, 2026.

6 Full Paper Submission

Authors whose abstracts are accepted will be invited to submit full papers through the conference system.

Both PDF and Word versions must be submitted via the official website.

The deadline for full-paper submission is July 30, 2026.

Submitted papers must present original research and follow the formatting guidelines provided in the conference template, which will be available on the official website. Accepted papers will be considered for publication in the Conference proceedings.

Notification of review results will be sent before August 30, 2026.

7 Contact

Yiyuan ZHU  

+86 021-6598 2383

+86 18301916520

E-mail: zhuyy@icobhs.com

Dong YANG  

+86 021-6598 2193*812

+86 15800953918

E-mail: yangd@icobhs.com