This mini-symposium highlights recent progresses in advanced discretization techniques for applications in linear and nonlinear structural mechanics. The objective is to achieve computational optimality by enhancing accuracy, robustness, and efficiency in the simulation of complex structural responses. Contributions are invited on theoretical developments and practical applications, including but not limited to: • Polytopal mesh discretizations and generalized polygonal/polyhedral formulations; • Virtual element formulations, including stabilization techniques and stabilization-free variants; • Mixed finite element methods: assumed stress/strain formulations, Hybrid-Trefftz approaches, and variational principles such as Hellinger–Reissner and Hu–Washizu; • Accurate discrete strategies for addressing plasticity, fracture mechanics, and geometrical nonlinearities; • Methods for alleviating locking and improving convergence behavior; • Verification and validation approaches focusing on accuracy, computational efficiency, convergence, and stability; • Industrial applications demonstrating the real-world impact of advanced discretization techniques.