The global construction industry stands at a critical crossroads. As we transition from the "Circular Universe" explored in SECON’25, the focus now shifts toward the intelligence that governs our structures and the impact they leave on our planet. SECON’26 introduces the paradigm of Cognitive Engineering-a fusion of advanced computational intelligence, human-centric design, and autonomous systems that redefine how we conceive, build, and maintain infrastructure.

The Cognitive Leap

Cognitive Engineering goes beyond automation. It envisions a built environment that "thinks"-where structures are integrated with Agentic AI and Digital Twins to monitor their own health, optimize energy consumption in real-time, and adapt to the needs of their inhabitants. By embedding "cognition" into our engineering workflows, we bridge the gap between complex data and actionable structural decisions, ensuring precision in every lifecycle stage.

The Net-Positive Mission

Sustainability is no longer enough. To combat the escalating climate crisis, SECON’26 champions the Net-Positive movement. We challenge researchers and practitioners to look beyond "Net-Zero" and toward systems that actively restore the environment. This involves:

• Carbon-Negative Materials: Engineering concrete and steel that sequester more carbon than they emit.

• Energy Prosuming: Turning buildings into micro-power plants that feed the grid.

• Regenerative Design: Creating infrastructure that enriches local ecosystems rather than merely minimizing damage.

Resilience as a Foundation

In an era of climate extremes, structural integrity must be synonymous with adaptability. SECON’26 focuses on Climate Resilience, exploring nature-based solutions and disaster-adaptive designs that can withstand the unpredictable. Whether through seismic-shielding technologies or flood-resilient urban planning, our goal is to build a future that is as durable as it is intelligent. 

Our discussions are structured around the following subthemes: