Built in Layers.
Designed for Trust.
Join the conversation shaping the future of architecture and urban trust.
Watch Intro
The next edition of architects connect
We are delighted to personally invite you to architects connect 26 — Chicago — a two-day summit presented by dormakaba, global leader in access solutions, in partnership with RIBA, bringing together architects, designers, and industry leaders to explore the future of trusted urban environments.
Hosted in Chicago, a city shaped by architectural reinvention, this year’s summit is centered around the theme: Built in Layers. Designed for Trust.
Set against the backdrop of the Viceroy Chicago, the program will explore how architecture, security, technology, and human-centered design converge to shape the cities of tomorrow.
- Fireside Chat: Explore the architectural vision behind landmark projects, delving into context, scale, and design thinking.
- Innovative Keynotes & Case Studies: Gain insights from Bilal Zafar on AI, society, and urban spaces, and discover dormakaba’s customized solutions that bring iconic projects to life.
- Interactive Breakout Sessions & Panel Discussions: Join hands-on workshops and roundtables on future urban design, emerging technologies, and the next generation of architecture, fostering meaningful dialogue and exchange.
The Future City is Layered — Chicago Leads the Way
Chicago: Built on Reinvention
Chicago is more than a city.
It is one of the world’s most advanced real-world prototypes of layered urban design—where legacy, infrastructure, security, and human experience converge as a continuous system of trust.
Shaped by reinvention and post-fire reconstruction, Chicago demonstrates how cities evolve not by erasing the past, but by building upon it. From historic façades to elevated systems of connectivity and intelligent building infrastructure, the city operates as a living framework of layered architecture—where every layer carries meaning, function, and memory.
In this context, architecture becomes more than form. It becomes a system of trust—integrating access, movement, safety, and experience into one seamless urban logic.
architects connect 26 — Chicago brings together a curated group of international architects to explore how layered thinking reshapes the way we design, secure, and experience cities—within one of the most architecturally expressive urban environments in the world.
Where Visionaries Meet Amid Iconic Architecture
A Unique Summit for Architects and Visionaries in Chicago
A gathering of the world’s leading architects, designers, and innovators, the summit offers a platform for bold ideas, meaningful dialogue, and forward-thinking collaboration. Over the course of the event, participants will explore the future of architecture, design, and urban innovation—connecting vision with practice in a dynamic, international setting.
Inside the Summit
Fireside Chat: Explore the architectural vision behind landmark projects, delving into context, scale, and design thinking.
Secret Sessions in Hidden Rooms: Intimate, off-agenda discussions designed to foster candid exchange, experimental thinking, and unfiltered dialogue among a select group of international architects.
Private Dinner at The Clubhouse: A curated culinary experience fostering reflection and exchange among a select group of international architects.
Overnight Stay at Viceroy Chicago: Experience one of Chicago’s most distinctive architectural landmarks firsthand.
Networking & Keynotes: Engage with leading architects, designers, and innovators shaping the future of the built environment.
Inside architects connect Chicago 2026
The future of the built environment.
Two days of conversations, encounters and perspectives — brought together in one programme.
Take a closer look at what awaits at architects connect Chicago 2026. Our event brochure provides the complete agenda, including keynote conversations, fireside talks, guided tours, breakout sessions and roundtable discussions.
It also introduces the architects, speakers and experts joining us in Chicago, giving you an overview of the people and perspectives shaping this year’s edition.
Discover the full programme and meet the participants in our event brochure.
architects connect 26 — Chicago
Why You Can’t Miss architects connect 26 — Chicago
This is more than a summit—it is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most architecturally expressive cities, exchange ideas with visionary architects, and experience architectural excellence firsthand. Set within Chicago’s layered urban fabric, the program brings together intimate conversations, curated gatherings, and exclusive access experiences at the Viceroy Chicago—each designed to explore the city as a living system of trust, memory, and innovation. Every moment is designed to inspire, challenge, and expand your creative perspective—shaping the future of architecture and the evolving language of the layered city.
Agenda
architects connect 26 — Chicago
By Invitation Only: Be Our Guest
October 15–16, 2026, Viceroy Chicago
1118 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
See you in Chicago – let’s shape the future together!
“As global designs start to look alike, the architects connect community helps us share local perspectives and learn from each other to create and develop together.”
"architects connect provides a platform for architects to share insights, build relationships and shape the future together.”
“We will experience a compressed 21st century because AI is accelerating developments that previously took decades or were unthinkable.”
"The most meaningful ideas emerge when curious minds come together. architects connect creates the space to exchange perspectives, challenge thinking and shape what comes next - together.”
“Architects Connect reflects RIBA’s commitment to supporting architects globally and fostering meaningful international collaboration and exchange.”
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