Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union
showcasing, implementation…
TEACHING PRACTICES, PRACTICING ARCHITECTURE
International Conference on Architecture Pop-up Lab Exchange (APLE)
Sarajevo, 26 – 27 March 2026
TEACHING PRACTICES, PRACTICING ARCHITECTURE
International Conference on Architecture Pop-up Lab Exchange (APLE)
Sarajevo, 26 – 27 March 2026
Location: SARAJEVO
University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Architecture
Patriotske lige 30
71 000 Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina
ABOUT APLE PROJECT
Architecture Pop-up Lab Exchange (APLE) Project has been created in response to the assessment and critical feedback given by architecture professionals on the competences of young architects that are seeking employment for the first time. Thus, the project strives to mediate between all the challenges and issues that emerge at the threshold between architecture school and employment. This can be achieved by bringing together the students and academic staff with the professionals through studios, workshops, Pop-up labs, in a common pursuit of improving the transfer of knowledge and fostering practice-oriented teaching and learning. New generations of architects will gain benefits from this initiative in increased competitiveness in the labour market and industry. The positive effects will be reflected in the socio-economic environment through engagement with the public sector.
The mission of the APLE Conference is to contribute to multidisciplinary studies related to Architecture, Civil Engineering, City and Urban Design, Environmental Protection and Sustainability, Education, and related fields. The forum for discussion will provide and will be open for the exchange of knowledge and experience of the experts in the specific field and the students/newbies who are fresh and contribute with their view and ideas.
1. Innovating Pedagogy: Connecting Academia and Practice
- Proto-Practice Models: Studios and curricula that simulate professional experience
- Apprenticeship & Mentorship: Industry engagement in education
- Curricular Flexibility: Adapting programs for societal and professional change
- International Exchange in Architecture Education: Cross-border knowledge transfer
- Experimental Learning Models: Peer-to-peer, iterative, and failure-based learning
- Explorative Studios as Labs: Design studios as testbeds for adaptive thinking
- Pop-up Labs as Innovation Hubs: Temporary, mobile, or community-based educational formats
- Assessment Beyond Grades: Stakeholder feedback and real-world metrics
2. Digital Tools and Future Competencies
- Next-Gen Digital Practices: From BIM to XR and AI in education
- Virtual Studios and Dashboards: Distributed, tech-driven learning environments
- AI in Design Education: Reflections, ethics, and hybrid creativity
- Data-Driven Design Education: Using live urban datasets in the classroom
3. Architectural Management and Systemic Thinking
- Architect as Organizer: Leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Strategic Thinking in Curricula: Embedding systems thinking in design education
- Scalable Practice Models: Education for agile and adaptive practice structures
- From Pop-up to Startup: Labs as incubators for innovation
4. Inclusive Public Engagement and Collaborative Partnerships
- Community-led Design Studios: Participatory education for vulnerable groups
- Spatial Justice & Social Responsibility: Equity and access in spatial design
- Sustainability & Climate Action: Low-carbon materials, passive design education
- Ethics and Purpose in Architecture: What do we teach, and why?
- Public-Private Interfaces: Contracting, co-creation, and mutual benefit models
- Industry Metrics: Evaluating the impact of firm–student collaboration
- “Archipraxis” Platforms: Marketplaces for internships and real commissions
- Stakeholder Ecosystems in Education: Mapping networks of influence and collaboration
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
- Senka Ibrišimbegović, PhD. Arch.
Associate Professor
Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo - Francesca Giofrè, PhD. Arch.
Associate Professor
Faculty of Architecture, University of Rome ‘’La Sapienza’’ - Mia Roth Čerina, PhD. Arch.
Full Professor
Faculty of Architecture University of Zagreb - Markus Schwai, PhD. Arch.
Full Professor
Department of Architecture and Planning, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim - Igor Kuvač, PhD. Arch.
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, University of Banja Luka - Valerija Kopilaš, PhD. Arch.
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Mostar - Svetlana Perović, PhD. Arch.
Full Professor
Faculty of Architecture, University of Montenegro
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE:
Professor Erdin Salihović, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Associate Professor Senka Ibrišimbegović, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Professor Aida Idrizbegović-Zgonić, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Professor Mladen Burazor, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Associate Professor Nermina Zagora, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Associate Professor Amira Salihbegović, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Assistant Professor Isra Tatlić, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Assistant Professor Lejla Kahrović-Handžić, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Professor Francesca Giofre, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Rome ‘’La Sapienza’’
Professor Markus Schwai, PhD, Department of Architecture and Planning, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim
Professor Mia Roth-Čerina, PhD, Faculty of Architecture University of Zagreb
Associate Professor Valerija Kopilaš, PhD, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Mostar
Assistant Professor Igor Kuvač, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, University of Banja Luka
Professor Svetlana Perović, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Montenegro
Assistant Professor Ema Alihodžić, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Montenegro
Professor Siniša Justić, PhD, Faculty of Architecture University of Zagreb
ORGANISATION COMMITTEE:
Professor Erdin Salihović, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Associate Professor Senka Ibrišimbegović, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Professor Aida Idrizbegović-Zgonić, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Professor Mladen Burazor, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Associate Professor Nermina Zagora, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Associate Professor Luca Finnocchario, PhD, Department of Architecture and Planning, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim
Assistant Professor Lejla Kahrović-Handžić, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Assistant Professor Renata Androšević, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Senior lecturer Damir Mance, PhD candidate, Faculty of Architecture University of Zagreb
Assistant Professor Dženis Avdić, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Senior Assistent Katarina Bošnjak-Karadža, PhD, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Hassan Zaiter, PhD candidate, Faculty of Architecture, University of Rome ‘’La Sapienza’’
Senior Assistant Amina Mihmić, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
Assistant Ehlimana Šaranović, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Download Template for the paper and License to publish
IMPORTANT DATES
Abstract submission: 01. 09. 2025.
Abstract acceptance: 08. 09. 2025.
Full paper submission: 03. 10. 2025.
Full paper acceptance: 20. 10. 2025.
Final paper submission: 28. 11. 2025.
Submissions should be made through EasyChair platform: https://easychair.org/account2/signin?l=6677984825893857138
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING
Publication
All papers presented at the conference will be published in proceeding book of the conference (ISBN registered)
Selected papers will be published in the scientific journal Acta Architectonica et Urbanistica (ISSN registered)
Open Access and Digital Archive
All conference papers are archived permanently on our electronic library where they can be downloaded for free.
Peer review
To ensure the quality of our publications, abstracts and papers are blind peer-reviewed by members of the International Scientific Advisory Committee.
Networking
Participants from around the world will join a unique community to present their research, exchange knowledge, and engage with international experts.
Contact Us
e.mail: aple@af.unsa.ba
For inquiries: Follow us on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/aple_project
Let’s meet in Sarajevo, the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina! We are waiting for you. A friendly traditional style of conference in the heart of Balkan.
This call is free of charge and open to all interested individuals. No registration fees or participation costs are required. Free events: opening ceremony and cocktail, round table and many more gatherings.
