CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - QUESTIONS 11 can be found here.

Questions 11 — Radical Pedagogies in Architectural Education

Since 2012, Questions has been the scientific conference of the Faculty of Architecture in Cluj, addressing timely themes at the intersection of architecture, education, and society. The 11th edition revisits the topic of architectural education, exploring its transformations in the face of climate crises, technological advances, and social change. In 2026, Questions invites reflection on radical pedagogies—critical, experimental, and inclusive approaches that question the foundations of how architecture is taught and learned. What does “being radical” mean today? How can education foster critical thinking, social responsibility, and adaptability in an uncertain world? Architectural education stands at a crossroads: How do we prepare architects for an unpredictable future? What does radical pedagogy mean today? How can schools of architecture cultivate critical thinking, responsibility, and creativity while balancing theory and practice, digital and physical, tradition and experimentation?

Considering global debates on radical pedagogies, Questions 11 invites contributions that reflect on new forms of teaching, learning, and collaboration in architecture. Being “radical” means returning to the roots—questioning how knowledge is produced and transmitted, and how architectural education can become more just, open, and relevant to contemporary challenges.

The conference is structured around four main themes:

  • Experimentation – radical pedagogies and critical methodologies in design studios
  • Integration – bridging theory and practice through real projects and reflective action
  • Augmentation – digital tools, AI, and emerging technologies reshaping learning
  • Intersection – interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches in architectural education

Questions 11 aims to create a forum for educators, researchers, and students to exchange ideas, share experimental pedagogies, and discuss future directions for architectural training. The conference encourages cross-institutional dialogue, applied research, and initiatives connecting education with social, technological, and environmental realities.

Submission guidelines:
Abstracts are welcome at the following address questions@arch.utcluj.ro. To apply, please send one PDF file containing the following information:

• Title (maximum 100 characters)

• Subtitle (maximum 150 characters)

• Author information: Name and surname, institutional affiliation, and email address

• Short biography (maximum 300 characters)

• Keywords (up to 3)

• Abstract text (maximum 2000 characters, including spaces)

• One image representative of the proposal (preferably an original image by the author)

Important dates:

  • Call launched: October 20, 2025
  • Abstract submission deadline: January 15, 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: from January 31, 2026
  • Conference dates: May 7–8, 2026