Barcelona to Host UIA World Congress of Architects for Second Time in 2026
In 2026, Barcelona is set to make a significant mark by being the first city to host the UIA World Congress of Architects for a second time, focusing on 'Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition.' The first congress took place in 1996, themed 'Present and Futures: Architecture in Cities,' as the city revamped its urban landscape after the Olympics. This new event aims to reshape architecture with respect to ecological, material, and political considerations. The curatorial team, which includes Pau Bajet and others, sees architecture as a vital connection to its surroundings. The program will explore six themes, including Becoming More-than-human and Becoming Circular, with activities at venues like Les Tres Xemeneies del Besòs and Disseny Hub at Glòries.
Key facts
- Barcelona is the first city to host the UIA World Congress of Architects twice.
- The 1996 edition was titled 'Present and Futures: Architecture in Cities.'
- The 2026 congress theme is 'Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition.'
- The curatorial team includes Pau Bajet, Maria Giramé, Mariona Benedito, Tomeu Ramis, Pau Sarquella, and Carmen Torres.
- The program has six thematic lines: Becoming More-than-human, Becoming Circular, Becoming Embodied, Becoming Interdependent, Becoming Hyper-Conscious, and Becoming Attuned.
- Venues include Les Tres Xemeneies del Besòs, Disseny Hub at Glòries, and CCIB.
- The 2026 congress reopens urban concerns from a planetary scale.
- The curatorial team works across practice, research, and teaching.
Entities
Artists
- Pau Bajet
- Maria Giramé
- Mariona Benedito
- Tomeu Ramis
- Pau Sarquella
- Carmen Torres
Institutions
- UIA World Congress of Architects
- Disseny Hub
- CCIB
- International Union of Architects (UIA)
- ArchDaily
- UIA (International Union of Architects)
Locations
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Les Tres Xemeneies del Besòs
- Glòries
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Turin
- Italy
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Durban
- South Africa
Sources
- ArchDaily —
- ArchDaily en Espanol —
- ArchDaily —
- ArchDaily —
- ArchDaily —