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CEPT Research Symposium 2026 Explores Emerging Built Environment Research

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The CEPT Research Symposium 2026 was held from 29 – 31 Jan 2026 at CEPT University, bringing together over 150 scholars, doctoral researchers, faculty members, students, and practitioners. The three-day academic symposium focused on emerging research trajectories across architecture, planning, and technology disciplines. Through keynote lectures, thematic sessions, and panel discussions, the symposium provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange within the built environment research community.

The symposium began with opening remarks by Prof. Rutul Joshi, Head of the Doctoral Office, who reflected on the evolution of the symposium and its role within CEPT University’s doctoral research ecosystem. Prof. Aanal Shah, Dean of the Faculty of Technology, highlighted the growing intersections between technology, construction, and research-led practice while introducing the keynote speaker. The keynote address by Rafael Sacks, titled ​“Research Trends in Construction Management: How AI and BIM Technology and Lean Construction Theory Converge in Digital Twin Construction,” examined emerging developments in construction management research.

The first day featured sessions on Energy Performance and Construction Technology and Engineering, with presentations by Prof. Minu Agarwal, Prashanthini Rajagopal, Satyajit Ghosh, Prof. Ganesh Devkar, Koshy Varghese, and Purva Gupta. Moderated discussions addressed topics including infrastructure performance, productivity in mega-projects, and methodological approaches in lean construction research.

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The second day focused on architecture and interdisciplinary research. The day opened with remarks by Prof. Meghal Arya, Doctoral Program Chair at the Faculty of Architecture, followed by a panel discussion featuring Rama Ratnam, Suchitra Balasubrahmanyan, and Vinod Aranha exploring research methods and evolving directions in architectural practice and pedagogy.

Sessions on Collaborations with History, Education, and Cognitive Science explored archival practices, curriculum design, spatial perception, acoustics, and immersive experiences in architecture. Presentations by scholars including Ashna Patel, Disha Singh, Bhavin Shukla, Haaris Khan, Lakshmi Krishnaswamy, Mangesh Belsare, and Pooja M. Vajjha highlighted the expanding interdisciplinary nature of architectural research.

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The final day focused on urban planning, participation, and climate resilience. Keynote speaker S. Aparna delivered a lecture titled ​“Inter Sectoral Approach to Sustainable Urban Planning.” The sessions examined participatory planning, public realm and walkability, and urban water systems, with presentations by researchers including Amruta Patel, Himadri Das, Nimisha Samadhiya, Pooja Raval, Ishaq Faheem, Maulik Chauhan, Sanika Sahasrabudhe, Shashi Kumar Mandal, Gargi Mishra, Priyanka Kanhare, Rachita Lal, Siddh Doshi, and Tarun Sharma.

The symposium concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Mona Iyer, marking the end of three days of academic exchange and reaffirming CEPT University’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research in the built environment.

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