ICBE 2026-BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS “1st International Conference on Built Environment”

ICBE 2026-BOOK OF PROCEEDINGS "1st International Conference on Built Environment"

"1st International Conference on Built Environment"

08 to 09 May 2026  | POLIS University

Scientific Committee
Prof. Dr. José Turmo / Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC), Spain
Prof. Dr. José Antonio Lozano-Galant / University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Spain
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Castilla Pascual / University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Spain
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Pantoleon Skayannis / University of Thessaly, Greece - POLIS University
Acad. Prof. Dr. Gëzim Hoxha / Academy of Sciences of Albania
Acad. Prof. Dr. Stefan Çapaliku / Center for Arts Studies, Academy of Sciences of Albania
Prof. Dr. Roberto Di Giulio / Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara, Italy
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Theo Zaffagnini / Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara, Italy
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Sherif Lushaj / POLIS University
Prof. Thoma Thomai / POLIS University
Prof. Dr. Besnik Aliaj / POLIS University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mario Ferrari / POLIS University
Dr. Elona Karafili / POLIS University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Merita Toska / POLIS University
Dr. Manjola Hoxha / POLIS University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Skënder Luarasi / POLIS University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Llazar Kumaraku / POLIS University
Adjunct Prof. Dr. Svetlana Brzev / University of British Columbia, Canada
Andrew Charleson, Adjunct Research Fellow / Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Dr. Seyyed Behrad Emadi / Imperial College London
Dr. habil. Eng. Jarosław Górecki / Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Poland
Prof. Giuseppe Mincolleli / Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara, Italy
Prof. Dr. Panagiotis Kyriatsis / University of Western Macedonia, Greece
Dr. Ledian Bregasi / POLIS University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Merita Guri / POLIS University
Dr. Sonia Jojiç / POLIS University
Dr. Ilda Rusi / POLIS University
Dr. Klodjan Xhexhi / POLIS University
Dr. Keti Hoxha / POLIS University
Dr. Kristiana Meço / POLIS University
Dr. Endri Duro / POLIS University
Dr. Malvina Istrefaj / POLIS University
Dr. Ornela Sen / POLIS University
Dr. Nikolla Vesho / POLIS University
Dr. Blerim Nika / POLIS University
Dr. Genti Avdija / POLIS University
Dr. Marsela Plyku Demaj / POLIS University

Organizer Committee
Chairs:
Dr. Ilda Rusi / POLIS University
Dr. Klodjan Xhexhi / POLIS University
Dr. Sonia Jojiç / POLIS University

Co-Chairs:
Dr. Endri Duro / POLIS University
Dr. Kristiana Meço / POLIS University

Members:
Acad. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rrapo Ormeni / Academy of Sciences of Albania
Acad. Prof. Dr. Gëzim Hoxha / Academy of Sciences of Albania
Acad. Prof. Dr. Stefan Çapaliku / Center for Arts Studies, Academy of Sciences of Albania
Mirela Muça, MA / General Director, National Agency of Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI), Albania
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sotir Dhamo / POLIS University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Merita Guri / POLIS University
Dr. Ledian Bregasi / POLIS University

Keynote Speakers
Adjunct Prof. Dr. Svetlana Brzev / University of British Columbia, Canada
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Markel Baballëku / Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania
Eng. Daniel Naterop / DNGeo Consulting - SISGEO, Switzerland
Eng. Skënder Allkja / ALTEA & GEOSTUDIO 2000, Albania
Dr. Stefano Romano / Center for Arts Studies, Academy of Sciences of Albania
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alessandro Massarente / Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara, Italy

Industry & Construction Partners
Lindner Albania / Interior Fit-Out, Building Envelope & Construction Solutions
Saint-Gobain Albania / Sustainable Construction Materials & Building Solutions
ALUMIL Albania SHPK / Architectural Aluminum Systems & Building Envelope Solutions

Scientific Secretariat
Dr. Kristiana Meço / POLIS University
Msc. Eng. Erjon Çobani / POLIS University
Msc. Tekla Tasho / POLIS University
Msc. Vjola Ziu / POLIS University

Web Designer
Msc. Altin Sula / POLIS University
MSc. Nikol Doda / POLIS University

SESSION I

Urban Planning and Societal Impact
Chair: Dr. Gent Avdija
This session examines the relationship between urban transformation, spatial development, and their social implications within contemporary cities. Contributions address rapid urbanization, urban fragmentation, the transformation and loss of public space, informal and spontaneous development, and the challenges associated with balancing growth and modernization with human-scale urban environments. Particular attention is given to the evolving conditions of Albanian cities and to planning approaches capable of supporting more inclusive, sustainable, socially responsive, and livable urban environments.

 SESSION II

Sustainable Materials, Resilient Construction & Smart Design
Chair: Dr. Endri Duro
This session explores innovative approaches to sustainable construction, resilient structural systems, and environmentally responsive design. Particular attention is given to sustainable materials, energy-efficient and climate-responsive strategies, prefabricated and lightweight construction technologies, and human-centered approaches to structural and architectural design. The session investigates how material innovation, technological development, and responsible design practices can contribute to safer, more efficient, adaptable, and environmentally sustainable built environments.

SESSION III

Technological Advancements and Seismic Design for Resilient Places
Chairs: Dr. Seyyed Behrad Emadi & Dr. Ornela Şen
This session examines the role of technological innovation and advanced engineering methodologies in developing safer, more resilient, and adaptable built environments. Contributions address seismic hazard and risk assessment, digital fabrication, parametric and computational approaches, transformations of building envelopes and prefabricated housing systems, and emerging concepts for future urban mobility. The session highlights how the integration of engineering knowledge, digital technologies, and resilience-oriented design can strengthen the capacity of buildings, infrastructure, and urban environments to respond to contemporary and future challenges.

SESSION IV

Cultural Heritage
Chairs: Dr. Nikolla Vesho & Dr. Marsela Demaj
This session addresses the preservation, interpretation, and transformation of cultural heritage within contemporary architectural and urban contexts. Contributions explore conservation strategies for historic buildings and sacred architecture, seismic assessment and strengthening of heritage structures, adaptive reuse, and the social implications of urban regeneration and heritage loss. Particular emphasis is placed on achieving a responsible balance between conservation ethics, cultural identity, structural safety, and the evolving functional requirements of historic buildings and urban environments.

SESSION V

Spaces of Connection: Art and Design for an Interspecies and Interdisciplinary Environment
Chair: Dr. Francesco Scasciamacchia
This session explores the intersections of art, architecture, design, technology, and the built environment through interdisciplinary and experimental perspectives. It investigates changing relationships between human and non-human systems, spatial perception, adaptive reuse, post-industrial landscapes, urban representation, digital heritage, and environmentally and socially engaged design practices. Through critical, speculative, participatory, and research-based approaches, the session examines how art and design can generate new forms of connection, reinterpret existing environments, and contribute to emerging cultural and spatial narratives within contemporary cities.

SESSION VI

Next-Generation Pioneers of the Built Environment
Chair: Dr. Flogerta Krosi
This session provides a dedicated platform for emerging researchers and students to present innovative, experimental, and forward-looking approaches to the built environment. Contributions span architecture, engineering, urban planning, environmental resilience, design, and related creative disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary character of a new generation of researchers and practitioners. Through projects addressing topics such as bioclimatic design, flood-risk management, structural technologies, architecture-inspired design, and critical interpretations of objects and social space, the session encourages critical inquiry, experimentation, and new perspectives on the future of the built environment.