We seek proposals for conference papers as well as 
design research works to be shown in a curated exhibition.

The conference aims to explore the developing role of design research in both academia and practice, to encourage dialogue between academic researchers and practitioners, and to act as an experimental platform to test and evolve new modes of disseminating design research. The conference invites academics, researchers and design practitioners in architecture, interior, design, landscape architecture, urban design and other related fields to convene for a series of presentations, panel discussions and workshops with an accompanying exhibition showcasing exemplary design research outcomes.

The conference will be organised around three themes:

  • Real – reflections and case studies which relate to the role of design research to critique, understand and address real world challenges.
  • Material – research relating to or developed through the practice of construction, fabrication and making.
  • Ethereal – design research as methodology to present alternative futures, speculative design and digital realities which challenge the way we think about the world.

Within these themes we welcome contributions on a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to:

  • design research in urban/planning/housing policy
  • gender-sensitive design practices and theory
  • design research in regional & remote areas
  • design research and First Nations communities
  • digital and computational design research
  • future building strategies and innovation in construction
  • design research theory and education
  • critical design practice

  • drawing as design research methodology
  • inclusive and participatory design processes
  • urban materiality.

We invite contributions in a range of formats including peer-reviewed papers (4000 words), practice based research reports (2000 words and images), and works to be exhibited (2000 words and images). Initial proposals should take the form of a 300 word abstract with accompanying images of work to be exhibited where relevant. All conference contributions will be blind peer-reviewed. A final selection of exemplary texts and graphic materials from the conference will be invited for inclusion in an edited academic publication. Full submission details here.

Check the conference website for updates on keynote speakers, invited panel discussions and accompanying workshops, and to submit abstracts. www.monash.edu/design-research-conference

Submission timeline:

  • 22 March - Initial abstract deadline
  • 5 April - Initial abstract feedback / acceptance
  • 1 July - Full submissions due
  • 16 August - Peer-reviewed feedback returned
  • 30 August - Presenters' registration deadline
  • 16 September - Items for exhibition received
  • 29 September - Exhibition bump-in
  • 3—4 October - ADR Conference

The conference is convened by Dr Laura Harper. 
Questions or queries to Dr Gretchen Coombs [email protected]