MIT-LUMA Lab releases 2026 call for proposals

The MIT-LUMA LAB, a partnership between the MIT School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) and LUMA, invites MIT faculty to submit proposals for continuing and scaling existing collaborative projects with LUMA and for new seed funding. This initiative aims to foster collaborative research at the nexus of DESIGN, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, CONSERVATION, URBAN PLANNING, and ART, with the goal of advancing ecological preservation and biodiversity.

In particular, the lab is looking for proposals exploring:

→ Natural fabrication and manufacturing processes

→ Architectural and design applications for natural and bio-based materials

→ Mitigation of and adaptation to environmental hazards

→ Designing secondary life cycles for environmentally distressed resources

The MIT-LUMA Lab will award up to $40,000 in Phase 1 seed funding to up to four selected projects and $100,000 in Phase 2 continuation and scaling funding to one project. The project lead must hold a primary appointment in SA+P with PI status. Cross-disciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration is strongly encouraged. The Phase 1 seed funding is designed to jumpstart collaborations, allowing teams to develop a strong foundation for Phase 2 continuation and scaling research projects. In addition to funding, successful project teams will be paired with researchers at Atelier LUMA, the research lab, part of LUMA Arles, who will dedicate time to the project.

Project teams are expected to start in January 2027, with an anticipated timeline running through August 2027. At least one representative from each team should attend the kickoff workshop at LUMA Arles between January 13 and January 15 2027. Travel costs shall be covered by the research budget.