fib Conceptual Design, LAKE COMO - Italy
International fib Symposium on Conceptual Design of Structures
Conceptual design lies at the very core of structural thinking, where the most fundamental and influential decisions of a project take shape. It is in this phase that experience, intuition, tradition, site-specific constraints, and technical solutions converge—guided above all by the creativity, vision, and sensitivity of designers.
Since its inaugural edition in Spain (Madrid, 2019), the conference has grown into a truly international forum, continuing through Switzerland (Solothurn, 2021), Norway (Oslo, 2023) and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, 2025).
The journey now continues on Lake Como – Italy, opening a new chapter in the dialogue on conceptual structural design.
Day 1 –
6 September 2027
coming soon
Day 2 –
7 September 2027
coming soon
Day 3 –
8 September 2027
coming soon
The Symposium is coming in:
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About The Event
The conference aims to promote the exchange of ideas and experiences in the conceptual and structural design of reinforced concrete structures, with a strong emphasis on the active involvement of young designers and researchers.
Now in its fifth edition, the conference has established itself as a truly international forum, following successful events held in Madrid (Spain, 2019), Solothurn (Switzerland, 2021), Oslo (Norway, 2023) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil, 2025).
By bringing together engineers, researchers, academics, manufacturers, investors, and developers, the conference provides an open platform for dialogue on innovative and sustainable approaches to concrete design, highlighting their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Topics:
- Conceptual design for existing structures
- Infrastructures
- Buildings
- Architectural heritage
- Conceptual design with new materials and advanced production techniques
- Conceptual design addressing multi-purpose social needs
What Conceptual Design is?
fib Model Code 2020 provides the following definitions of Conceptual Design of Structrures:
- "All activities and developments leading from the design criteria to a suitable structural solution." (fib MC 2020, sec. 2)
- "The conceptual design stage is the period during which identified needs are examined (i.e. the design challenge), requirements for potential solutions are defined, plausible answers are evaluated and, finally, a suitable structural concept for further design is conceived. Conceptual design is the art of conceiving and developing solutions satisfying the design challenges, namely the performance-based requirements associated with the three pillars of sustainable development, the defined requirements and identified constraints." (fib MC 2020, sec. 26.1.1, right column).
Keynote speakers
Prof. Eduardo Julio
Prof. Giuseppe Mancini
Eng. Pedro Cabral
Eng. Mark Sarkisian
Keynote speaker coming soon
Keynote speaker coming soon
Keynote speaker coming soon
Keynote speaker coming soon
Programme (Tentative)
DAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2027
08:15
Registration opening
Collect your event badge, schedule, and a welcome packet. Grab a coffee, meet fellow attendees, and get ready for an exciting day!
08:45 - 09:00
Opening session
The opening session includes the institutional greetings, a welcome to participants, and marks the official start of the conference activities, setting the scene for the days of discussion and exchange to follow.
09:00 - 09:40
Keynote lecture
to be defined
Keynote speaker to be defined
09:40 - 10:20
Keynote lecture
to be defined
Keynote speaker to be defined
10:20 - 11:00
Break & poster session
Grab a coffee, meet fellow attendees, exchange opinions and create new opportunities. Do not forget to look at the posters and discuss with authors on conceptual design
11:00 - 12:40
Scientific session with oral presentations
Attend presentations by designers and researchers showcasing their ideas and projects.
12:40 - 14:00
Lunch Break
This is a great opportunity to network with other attendees, share experiences, and discuss what you've learned so far.
14:00 - 14:40
Keynote lecture
to be defined
Keynote speaker to be defined
14:40 - 15:20
Keynote lecture
to be defined
Keynote speaker to be defined
15:20 - 16:15
Break & poster session
Grab a coffee, meet fellow attendees, exchange opinions and create new opportunities. Do not forget to look at the posters and discuss with authors on conceptual design
16:15 - 18:15
Scientific session with oral presentations
Attend presentations by designers and researchers showcasing their ideas and projects.
18:15
End of the day activities
Now it’s time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake.
DAY 2 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2027
08:45 - 09:25
Keynote lecture
to be defined
Keynote speaker to be defined
09:25 - 10:05
Keynote lecture
to be defined
Keynote speaker to be defined
10:05 - 10:45
Break & poster session
Grab a coffee, meet fellow attendees, exchange opinions and create new opportunities. Do not forget to look at the posters and discuss with authors on conceptual design
10:45 - 12:25
Scientific session with oral presentations
Attend presentations by designers and researchers showcasing their ideas and projects.
12:25 - 13:45
Lunch Break
This is a great opportunity to network with other attendees, share experiences, and discuss what you've learned so far.
13:45 - 14:25
Keynote lecture
to be defined
Keynote speaker to be defined
14:25 - 15:05
Keynote lecture
to be defined
Keynote speaker to be defined
15:05 - 16:00
Break & poster session
Grab a coffee, meet fellow attendees, exchange opinions and create new opportunities. Do not forget to look at the posters and discuss with authors on conceptual design
16:00 - 18:00
Scientific session with oral presentations
Attend presentations by designers and researchers showcasing their ideas and projects.
20:00
Social dinner
Enjoy a pleasant evening with colleagues and friends in a relaxed atmosphere.
DAY 3 - SEPTEMBER 8, 2027
08:45 - 9:25
Keynote lecture
to be defined
Keynote speaker to be defined
09:25 - 11:05
Scientific session with oral presentations
Attend presentations by designers and researchers showcasing their ideas and projects.
11:05 - 11:25
Break & packet lunch collection
Grab a coffee, meet fellow attendees, exchange opinions and create new opportunities
Do not forget to pick up your packet lunch before departure
11:30
Technical visit
to be defined
Departure by bus for the technical visit to be defined
16:30 - 18:00
Closing cerimony
to be held in the site of the technical visit
An excellent opportunity to review the lessons learned and discuss future challenges.
18:00 - 22:00
Farwell cocktail
to be held in the site of the technical visit
A pleasant opportunity to say farewell, strengthen connections, and look ahead to the next edition of the Symposium. (A bus is scheduled to return to the conference Venue after the cocktail)
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