Many argue that advanced digital technologies improve human living condition as in the case of architectural design through the use of computer-generation can predict an outcome of better built environments. In cases of health, digital imaging tools improve the ability to diagnose and treat illness while in cases of entertainment, creates more visually stimulating effects. Yet, it provokes us to rethink aspects of culture and sense of belonging as well as to question the way we perceive, conceive, and represent the world we are living in.

CAADRIA 2008 aims to challenge all participants to explore such parallel territories. Not only looking at one side of the products of those computer-aided technologies, but rather questioning them and examining their processes: how the digital has already altered our design capabilities, significant, and desirable. Our goal is to stimulate discussion, search for alternative process, and discover knowledge in the current realm of digital technologies. What happens when we look beyond such a realm of computer-aided technology itself and into those outside processes it effects?

CAADRIA 2008 will provide a forum to focus on and review current research on the development of computer-aided design. Research papers on all topics related to computer-aided design are invited for submission. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

1. Culture - The spread of CAAD technology has shaped culture, but it has also allowed easier communication of cultural ideas. Its widespread acceptance into mainstream society means cultures can now easily make use of this technology, both as a way of expressing their own culture as well as exploring other cultures.
2. Environment - As environmental issues become paramount to our global society, what role does CAAD technology play? With better design tools and interface, designers can create projects which are more environmentally friendly while reducing the environmental impact of the design process itself.
3. Simulation - As CAAD technology allows for higher levels of simulation, the real and the simulated environments merge together. Traditional practices and imagery can easily be simulated and often the line between old and new becomes difficult to define.
4. Intelligence - As CAAD technology becomes more intelligent, architecture will also become more intelligent. The integration of CAAD developing technology into building design and building operation enhance building capability. Building can be better responding to its users, environment, and provide best efficient functions.
5. Visualization & Animation- Much of what makes advances in other areas possible is the ability to see and do more with CAAD technology. Here, the tools of design itself are the focus.
6. Education - With greater access to visual tools and a reliance on digital media, the process of education has been greatly influenced by CAAD technology. Information is easier to find and more detailed and the process of education itself has been affected.
7. Design & Theory - With the tools of CAAD technology, new ideas for design theories are emerging. Better control of the design and construction process makes revolutionary advances in design possible.

Important dates

1. Abstract submission deadline 15-Sep-07
• Notification of abstract acceptance6-Oct-07
• Paper submission deadline 24-Nov-07
• Notification of paper acceptance 5-Jan-08
• Final (revised) paper submission 19-Jan-08 
2. Young CAADRIA Awards
• Application deadline 5-Jan-08
• Notification of acceptance 19-Jan-08 
3. Roundtable Proposals 
• Proposal deadline 5-Jan-08
• Notification of acceptance 19-Jan-08
4. Postgraduate Student Consortium
• Submission deadline 5-Jan-08
• Notification of acceptance 19-Jan-08
5. Tee Sasada Award
• Submission deadline 30-Nov-07
• Notification of acceptance 19-Jan-08

CAADRIA PAPER SELECTION COMMITTEE 2008

• Taysheng JENG, National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan
• Ji-Hyun LEE, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
• Ekkachai MAHAEK, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
• Marc Aurel SCHNABEL, University of Sydney, Australia