Future Environments : GDI -Industry Day : Green + Digital + Intelligent Built Environments (GDI 2026)
Description
Registration is now open for the GDI2026 Industry Day,
Friday, 11 September 2026 at Auckland University of Technology.
This one-day event brings together leaders from industry, academia and government to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of the built environment. Through keynote presentations, industry panels, case studies and networking, we'll be discussing the technologies, partnerships and ideas driving greener, smarter and more intelligent built environments.
Held alongside the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Exhibition, the Industry Day provides an excellent opportunity to connect with practitioners, researchers, students and emerging professionals while contributing to conversations that will shape the future of our sector.
Date: Friday, 11 September 2026
Venue: Auckland University of Technology, Auckland
MORE INFO GDI2026 Registration
Places are limited, so we encourage you to register early. We look forward to welcoming you to AUT for a day of thought leadership, collaboration and meaningful industry connections.Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues and others in your network who may be interested.
Agenda
Agenda
8:30–9:30am | Refreshments & Networking 9:30–10:00am | WELCOME TO GDI2026 Karakia, welcome and introduction by the GDI Chairs, official opening and address by the DCT Dean, and GDI-DigiBUILT update. Prof. Ali Ghaffarianhoseini — AUT Prof. Amir Ghaffarianhoseini — AUT Prof. Suzanne Wilkinson — AUT Dr Mahesh Babu — AUT SESSION A | PLENARY TALKS 10:00–10:20am | Future Skills & Technology Tim Warren — Construction Clients’ Group (CCG) 10:20–10:40am | The Economic Horse: Natural Capital, Mātauranga Māori & Intergenerational Development Dr Haydn Read — AUT 10:40–11:00am | Technology, Electrification & the Future Built Environment Frederik Cornu — Schneider Electric 11:00–11:15am | Q&A — All Plenary Speakers 11:15–11:45am | Refreshments & Networking SESSION B | PANEL: AI & INNOVATION 11:45am–1:00pm | Innovation in the Architecture and Construction Industry Through the Lens of Digital Technology and AI Panel Chair: Mahidar Ghaffarian — AUT Karl Fitzpatrick — Auckland Airport Farzam Farzadi — Beca Jack O’Neill — Strata Architects Matthew Le Grice — Warren and Mahoney Professor Dermot McMeel — AUT 1:00–2:00pm | Lunch & Networking SESSION C | PANEL: WOMEN IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2:00–3:15pm | Intergenerational Perspectives on Women in GDI: Passing the Baton or Building Together? Panel Chair: Dr Funmi Rotimi — AUT Dr Olga Lozova — Fisher & Paykel Dr Nimesha Vilasini — Quanton Pvt Ltd Dr Eziaku Rasheed — Massey University Sue Ira — Koru Environmental Consultants Associate Professor Mahsa Mohaghegh — AUT Amir McLean — Kāinga Ora Neha John — Beca SESSION D | INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS 3:15–4:00pm | Workshop 01: The Hard Part of AI: Turning Intelligence into Action Associate Professor Mani Poshdar — AUT Dr Bruce Baird — Auckland Council 4:00–4:45pm | Workshop 02: FOSS Thinking for AI in AEC — Offline AI for Design Practice Dr Suren Jayachandran — ICL Graduate Business School 4:45–5:00pm | Closing — GDI Chairs Prof. Ali Ghaffarianhoseini — AUT Prof. Amir Ghaffarianhoseini — AUT 5:00–5:30pm | Refreshments & Networking FROM 5:30PM | FUTURE ENVIRONMENTS: GLOBAL ARCHITECTURE, LOCAL FUTURES Aga Khan Award for Architecture — Exhibition & Public Conversation at AUT Separate registration applies.
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