Florida International University (FIU) recently co-hosted the ACADIA Conference, a major international event focused on computational design. The conference brought together researchers, designers, and technologists from around the world for six days of workshops, presentations, and discussions centered on the use of algorithms, software, and data analysis in enhancing and automating design and fabrication.
The event was led by Professor Shahin Vassigh with support from faculty, students, and staff from FIU’s School of Architecture. It highlighted FIU’s growing role in computational design, digital fabrication, and resilience-focused innovation.
“FIU is honored to host the 2025 ACADIA Conference, an extraordinary achievement led by Dr. Shahin Vassigh and our School of Architecture faculty and students,” said Provost, Executive Vice President and CEO Elizabeth Béjar. “Through the pioneering work of CARTA’s Robotics and Digital Fabrication Lab and the Doctor of Design program, FIU is advancing research and innovation that connect technology, design and resilience. This conference exemplifies the spirit of FIU, where FIU innovation meets purpose, and FIU technology and design shape a more resilient and sustainable future.”
Keynote speaker David Benjamin from Columbia University discussed how computation can address global challenges such as climate change. “My particular interest is climate change and decarbonization, and there’s a huge potential for computation to address this problem,” he said.
FIU Professor Neil Leach participated in a panel about artificial intelligence in architecture. He stated: “The way AI is going to transform architecture is going to be very straightforward based on data, automation and optimization. It will radically transform the world of architecture. The area where we’ll feel the greatest disruption is education. How are we to educate the architects of tomorrow when we have no idea what the practice of tomorrow is going to be like?”
Professors Thomas Spiegelhalter and Eric Goldemberg offered their views on future architectural practices while other participants explored topics like material sustainability through computational methods. Doctoral candidate Teri Watson presented her research on using seaweed in construction materials for sustainability purposes.
Alumna Madeline Gannon led a discussion on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and interactive systems. Other contributors included Professor Bhavleen Kaur DDes ’24; Professor Marcelo Ertorteguy; doctoral candidate Misri Patel; alumna Sara Pezeshk Ph.D. ’22.
A notable feature at the conference was DUAL—a collaborative installation created by Pininfarina, Alpha Additive, Florida International University, and the University of Miami—consisting entirely of 3D-printed recycled car tires.
Samuele Sordi from Pininfarina delivered a keynote address outlining his organization’s design philosophy: “The role of architecture is to be the enabler of different experiences and lifestyles that can define a very strong identity.” The event concluded with reflections on opportunities emerging at the intersection of technology, design innovation.
By hosting this year’s ACADIA Conference, FIU CARTA further established itself as an international leader at the crossroads of design innovation.
