From Adaptive Reuse to Adaptive Architecture

by Aymen Aiblu  | May 23, 2026 | Ottawa, ON - Canada

Technical Operations and Discourse at the "[from] ADAPTIVE REUSE [to] ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTURE" Conference

The recent international symposium focused on the transition from adaptive reuse to adaptive architecture, bridging the gap between historical heritage and future methodologies. The conference took place from May 20 to May 22, 2026, at Carleton University within the Nicol Building. The spatial organization of the event utilized Rooms 4020 and 4010 for presentations and Room 6011 for workshops.

My participation in the conference involved managing the technical execution of the academic schedule. I functioned as the Tech Assistant for the main space, Room 4010.

Technical Responsibilities and Symposium Operations

The operational requirements of the symposium necessitated strict adherence to the schedule and proactive problem-solving. My duties throughout the event included:

• Looking after Venue #4010. 

• Setting up the presentations and the projection screen. 

• Troubleshooting any problems on the spot. 

• Following up with each presenter before and after their presentation. 

• Providing assistance with Zoom and YouTube streams during the international symposium.  

• Managing technical work, specifically timekeeping and photography.

Monitored Presentations in Room 4010

Operating the main room required managing a continuous flow of international scholars, architectural theorists, and keynote speakers. The presentations I controlled in Room 4010 encompassed a variety of architectural themes:

May 20, 2026

The day began with a session moderated by Federica Goffi titled "From the Pedagogy of the New to a Pedagogy of Adaptability".  This was followed by the session "From a Use Culture (Functionalism) to a Culture of Conversion," moderated by Mario Santana Quintero. The day concluded with a keynote presentation by Wanda Dalla Costa, introduced by Betina Appel Kuzmarov.  

May 21, 2026

The morning commenced with a keynote by Sybil McKenna.  Subsequent sessions included discussions moderated by Susan Ross and Maria João Soares.  Afternoon panels explored multi-authorship design, moderated by Peter Hodgins, and plural storytelling, moderated by Dillon Pranger. The day ended with a session moderated by Maria Patricia Farfan Sopó, followed by a keynote from Rumiko Handa.  

May 22, 2026

Morning panels addressed historical materialism, moderated by Sheryl Boyle, and the culture of multiple beginnings, moderated by Isabel Potworowski. The afternoon featured a keynote substitute presentation by Federica Goffi.  The final sessions involved discussions moderated by Linda Heinrich and Mariana Esponda.  Then Joseph Murray's presentation, and the conference concluded with a keynote by Liliane Wong.