China Beyond Exception. Spatial Entanglements across Architecture and Urban Studies
To mark the 10 years of activities of the China Room research group, the conference China Beyond Exception. Spatial entanglements across Architecture and Urban Studies is conceived to mobilize and extend the debate initiated within the group outward, in an attempt to broaden the discussion with new perspectives and trajectories. The conference will take place at the Castello del Valentino (Turin) on January 20–22, 2027.
Over the past decade, China Room has developed interdisciplinary research at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and geography, exploring the spatial transformations associated with Global China and Chinese urbanisation processes through research, teaching, and international collaborations.
Building on the group’s research trajectory, the conference invites scholars to reflect on contemporary spatial transformations beyond the idea of China as an isolated exception, approaching it instead as a critical lens through which broader topics—such as architectural knowledge, planetary ruralism, and infrastructure-led urbanisation—can be explored and discussed.
The call welcomes theoretical, empirical, and design-oriented contributions from architecture and urban studies, and is open to PhD candidates, early-career researchers, and established scholars. Submissions may engage with China directly or address the conference themes from other contexts.
Key dates
Extended abstract submission deadline: 15 June 2026 NEW DEADLINE!
Notification of pre-selection: July 2026
Conference dates: 20–22 January 2027
Submission
Extended abstracts and required materials should be sent to: china.beyond@polito.it
Publication
Each conference session will form the basis for the submission of a dedicated special issue in an international academic journal. All manuscripts will undergo a standard peer-review process prior to publication, in accordance with the editorial guidelines of the respective journal. Papers not accepted through this process will be published in other international academic journals.
Conference
The conference programme will include three public lectures by internationally renowned scholars and practitioners, hosted at the Castello del Valentino and open to a broader audience, as well as two short trips: one to the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, and one exploring Turin’s urban history, architectural heritage, and spatial transformations.
More information and full call:
https://chinaroom.polito.it/open-call/
For additional inquiries, please contact: china.beyond@polito.it
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