CLOSE

International Conference
on Natural & Human Disasters

Banda Aceh, Indonesia · 17–19 April 2026

DR3: Rethinking Architecture Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience & Recovery

...

03

Days

27

Hours

23

Minutes

56

Seconds

Welcome to the International Conference on Natural & Human Disasters 2026, held in Banda Aceh, Indonesia from 17-19 April 2026, organised by the International Union of Architects (UIA) Natural and Human Disasters Work Programme.

Under the theme DR3: Rethinking Architecture (Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience, Recovery), this 3-day global event will feature the conference, tsunami site visit, engagement with disaster survivors & exhibition.

It brings together architects, built environment professionals, researchers & the community at large to share knowledge, strengthen professional capacity in addressing both natural & human disasters, while exploring how architectural expertise can meaningfully contribute before, during & in the aftermath of crises.

Venue image

Banda Aceh has been chosen as the venue to commemorate the 20-year milestone of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, in honour of the lives lost and in recognition of the province’s remarkable resilience and commitment to building back better.

The conference will take place at the Hermes Palace Hotel, Banda Aceh, with a concurrent exhibition at Balai Meuseuraya Aceh.

An optional post-conference tour will be held on Sabang Island, offering an opportunity to explore its rich geological diversity and the site marking Kilometer Zero of Indonesia.

Call for Papers

We invite architects, built environment professionals, researchers, postgraduate students worldwide to submit a 250-word abstract relevant to the theme DR3:
Rethinking Architecture (Disaster Risk Reduction - Resilience - Recovery).

Abstracts must be submitted by 20 January 2026. Successful contributors will be Invited to present their work In Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings, available in both hardcopy & softcopy. Selected papers will be published in an indexed publication


Submission Timeline

  • Call for papers announcement: 22 December 2025
  • Abstract submission closes: 20 January 2026
  • Abstract acceptance: 30 January 2026
  • Full paper submission: 21 February 2026
  • Full paper acceptance: 1 March 2026
  • Conference date: 17-19 April 2026

(Full guidelines and categories will be available on the Submission Page.)

...
...

UIA International Conference on Natural & Human Disasters will take place in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, 17–19 April 2026, with an optional Sabang Island Excursion from 20–22 April 2026.
Organised by the UIA Natural & Human Disaster Work Programme (Region IV), in collaboration with ARCASIA Emergency Architects (AEA) and the Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia (IAI), this event brings together architects, researchers, academics, students, and professionals from around the world. Banda Aceh, once devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, now stands as a living classroom of resilience and recovery.
Hosting this workshop and conference 20 years later provides a unique opportunity to reflect on lessons learned, explore new strategies for disaster risk reduction, and strengthen the role of architecture in building safer, stronger, and more sustainable communities.

...

DR3: Rethinking Architecture (Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience & Recovery) The theme DR3: Rethinking Architecture reflects the urgent need for architects and planners to re-examine the role of the built environment in the face of natural and human-made disasters.
This framework highlights three interconnected dimensions:

  • Disaster Risk Reduction: How architecture can anticipate risks, mitigate vulnerabilities, and design safer environments.
  • Resilience: Strengthening communities, infrastructure, and cultural heritage to withstand and adapt to shocks and stresses.
  • Recovery: Rebuilding lives, spaces, and cities after disaster, not just restoring, but creating opportunities for transformation and sustainability.

  • Through keynotes, workshops, exhibitions, site visits, and cultural dialogue, UIA 2026 Aceh will encourage participants to rethink how architecture can safeguard lives, empower communities, and contribute to global strategies for a more resilient future.

    ...

  • UIA Natural & Human Disaster Work Programme (Region IV)
  • ARCASIA Emergency Architect (AEA)
  • Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia (IAI)

  • With support from local government bodies, ministries, and academic institutions.

    ...

    Over the course of the event, participants will engage in a rich programme combining professional, academic, and cultural experiences:

  • Opening Ceremony & Cultural Performances at Hermes Palace Hotel.
  • International Conference featuring keynote lectures, paper presentations, design talks, and campus talks.
  • Exhibition at Balai Meuseuraya Aceh showcasing projects, innovations, and resilience-focused designs.
  • Guided Tsunami Site Visits including the Aceh Tsunami Museum, PLTD Apung, Floating Boat, and Escape Buildings, direct encounters with resilience architecture.
  • Dialogue with Tsunami Survivors to understand lived experiences and community recovery.
  • Cultural Dinner & Performances highlighting Acehnese traditions.
  • Optional Sabang Excursion (20–22 April) discover Weh Island with snorkeling, dolphin watching, Kilometer Zero Monument, and coastal tours.
  • ...

    17 Apr 2026 (Fri) - 19 Apr 2026 (Sun), Optional Sabang Island Excursion (20–22 April 2026)

    --}}