We cannot forge paths toward the future unless we know where we come from; nor can we truly know our past unless we understand where we aspire to go.
Key concepts: (Re)discovering our roots in order to explore new routes; seeking identity in the notion of origins to shape a sustainable outlook for future design pathways; discovering who we are before telling others how to be.
Summary: The theme of the Cumulus Athens 2026 Conference explores the interplay between two fundamental directions that one can take in design research and practice: “Roots” implies a movement towards the origins; “Routes” stands for a path forward. Contrary to the assumption that these are opposing tendencies, the conference proposes that they coexist in a recto–verso relationship, forming together the foundation for a critical reflection on our present condition and its transformation into a desired future.
In this sense, “Roots | Routes” serves as a framework for rediscovering origins as a means of forging innovative pathways toward the future. The theme challenges the compartmentalization of history and tradition, philosophy and theory, technology and design methodologies, as isolated domains of research and/or practice. Instead, it invites participants to engage with the interconnections of identity, culture, and future-oriented design strategies through a holistic perspective.
At its core, the theme affirms that understanding who we are is essential to envisioning and articulating new design paradigms. This reflective stance emphasizes the role of origins, values, and history as tools for addressing contemporary challenges and shaping new creative practices. It also calls on participants to approach design as a continuous dialogue between concepts often framed in opposition — such as diachronic–synchronic, digital–analog, resilient–fragile. Ultimately, the goal is to show that only by embracing both sides of these tensions, rather than privileging one over the other, can we cultivate meaningful and sustainable design practices grounded in a true understanding of who we are and where we aspire to go.
The conference is structured around three (3) main sections that create its contextual framework: Knowledge Systems, Resiliency and Design Practice.
Read the whole call at https://cumulusathens2026.uniwa.gr/.
Contact: cumulusathens2026@uniwa.gr
Extended deadline for submission of abstracts: 10 November 2025, 23:59 (UTC).
Roots/ Routes in Design
Cumulus Athens 2026 conference
Hosted by the University of West Attica
on May 5-9, 2026 in Athens, Greece.
