From May 27–30, 2026, the UMass Amherst Department of Architecture hosted the 57th annual conference of the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA57), welcoming nearly 500 registrants from across the United States and around the world. Centered on the theme “Embracing Regional Sustainability: Networks for People and Places,” the conference brought together architects, designers, planners, educators, and students to explore how environmental design can address pressing social, ecological, and community challenges.
Conference highlights included keynote presentations by Sara C. Bronin, a nationally recognized scholar of land use, zoning, and historic preservation, and founder of the National Zoning Atlas; and Katie Swenson, Senior Principal at MASS Design Group and a leading advocate for community-centered and socially engaged design. Attendees participated in graduate student workshops, paper sessions, workshops, mobile tours, exhibitions, and networking events throughout the week, showcasing emerging research and innovative practices in environmental design.
Hosted by the Department of Architecture, EDRA57 highlighted the department’s and university's commitment to advancing research and design that improves the relationship between people and places. Professors Carey Clouse, Erika Zekos, and Steve Schreiber were co-chairs of the host committee.