The 2026 preliminary programme is launched

Under the theme 'Agile not fragile: Designing for resilience, renewal and regeneration', this year’s Congress will explore how health systems, infrastructure and services can respond to an era defined by rapid change, uncertainty and opportunity.

The 2026 programme brings together leading voices from across research, practice and policy to share insights on designing more adaptable, resilient and equitable health ecosystems.

The programme is organised across ten thematic streams over two days, reflecting the breadth of disciplines shaping the future of healthcare design. The streams explore how design, planning, technology and policy intersect to create more resilient and responsive health ecosystems.

Day 1

> Stream 1: Population health – Supported by Mott MacDonald

> Stream 2: Science, technology and digital transformation

> Stream 3: Climate-smart healthcare

> Stream 4: Design Showcase

> Stream 5: Workplace design, wellbeing and research

Day 2

> Stream 6: Planning, partnering and delivery

> Stream 7: Intersection of clinical medicine and design – Supported by BVN

> Stream 8 Health planning and investment – Supported by MJ Medical

> Stream 9: Tertiary care

> Stream 10: Art and architecture – Supported by Ryder

The Congress also features the Architects for Health networking programme, supported by Altro, and the Knowledge + Innovation Theatre, with curated talks, panels, and discussions designed to inform, connect, and inspire.

Further highlights include:

> The Welcome Drinks Reception, supported by MTS Health and hosted by Architects for Health

> The iconic Garden Party in the historic College Gardens at Westminster Abbey, supported by HLM and Llewelyn Davies

> Day 3 Study tours to benchmark healthcare facilities

> An exhibition featuring the latest healthcare design products and solutions

> More than 80 Video+Poster presentations showcasing new projects and research, supported by AECOM

> The prestigious European Healthcare Design Awards ceremony, supported by IHP.

Explore the online programme agenda

All abstracts, speaker biographies, and the full range of Congress activities are now available on the online Programme Agenda — including talks, panels, the Video+Poster gallery, the Architects for Health networking programme, and the Knowledge + Innovation Theatre.