Over 650 scholars gathered in Mexico City for the Society of Architectural Historians’ 79th Annual International Conference, presenting research, honoring distinguished members, and exploring the city’s architectural heritage through tours and roundtables.
The Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) convened its 79th Annual International Conference from April 15‑19, 2026, in Mexico City, drawing more than 650 participants from across the globe. The five‑day program combined scholarly sessions, networking events, and site visits, offering a comprehensive snapshot of contemporary concerns and achievements in architectural history.
The conference opened with a formal introduction of the Society’s new officers and board members, followed by an address from outgoing President Mohammad Gharipour. The ceremony recognized long‑standing members, 25‑ and 50‑year contributors, and the 2026 fellows—Anthony Alofsin, Mark Jarzombek, and Alina Payne—whose careers exemplify sustained impact on the discipline. Awards presented included the SAH Publication Awards, the David B. Brownlee Dissertation Award, and the SAH Award for Film and Video, underscoring the breadth of scholarly output the Society supports.
Moderated by Charles L. Davis II, the inaugural presidential plenary gathered a panel of senior scholars—Tania Gutierrez‑Monroy, Andrew Leach, Kelema Lee Moses, Kishwar Rizvi, and John Senseney—to interrogate the evolving definition of architectural history. The discussion highlighted generational perspectives and the expanding role of sub‑disciplines, from digital methodologies to global and postcolonial approaches.
The program featured 53 thematic paper sessions, eight open sessions, and a series of Graduate Student Lightning Talks. Topics spanned from the historiography of modernism to the preservation of vernacular structures, reflecting the field’s methodological diversity. A dedicated Graduate Student Reception provided an informal venue for emerging scholars to exchange ideas and learn about the Graduate Student Advisory Committee’s initiatives.
Vera S. Candiani, Associate Professor of History at Princeton University, delivered the Eduard F. Sekler Plenary Talk, “Mexico City: Becoming a Giant with Feet of Mud.” Her presentation examined the city’s chronic flooding and subsidence issues, tracing their origins to the sixteenth century and linking historical urban development to contemporary environmental challenges.
Eleven roundtables addressed practical and theoretical concerns, including disability access in architectural history, the management of architectural archives, and strategies for journal publishing. These sessions fostered dialogue on best practices and emerging priorities within the profession.
Nineteen guided tours showcased Mexico City’s built environment, from private residences by Luis Barragán to Felix Candela’s iconic concrete shells. Participants also explored public landmarks such as the Monumento a la Revolución, gaining first‑hand insight into the city’s layered architectural narrative.
The opening night reception in the exhibit hall and the closing reception at the Hilton Reforma bookended the conference with opportunities for informal networking. Exhibitors displayed recent publications, while the Author’s Corner highlighted works authored by conference attendees, reinforcing the community’s collaborative spirit.
As the 79th conference concluded, organizers expressed optimism about the field’s trajectory and announced the next meeting will take place in Chicago in 2027. The Mexico City gathering demonstrated the Society’s capacity to convene a diverse, international cohort of scholars, fostering both rigorous research and collegial exchange.
