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Beijing Named 2029 UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture

architecture-design · 2026-08-07

Beijing has been named the World Capital of Architecture for 2029 by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects on August 5, 2026. This prestigious title is conferred every three years to cities that host a comprehensive architecture program alongside the UIA World Congress. The decision, made by a Joint Committee led by Dominique Perrault, comes after the UIA 2026 Congress in Barcelona. UNESCO commended Beijing for its architectural legacy and commitment to sustainable urban growth. In preparation for 2029, the city plans to hold exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events themed 'Back to Balance.' Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO's Director-General, expressed optimism about Beijing's ability to foster global discussions on architecture's influence on daily life. Recent projects include the Shenzhen Museum of Natural History and the Great Green Wall initiative in China.

Key facts

  • Beijing named World Capital of Architecture for 2029 by UNESCO and UIA on August 5, 2026.
  • The title is awarded every three years and coincides with the UIA World Congress of Architects.
  • The selection was recommended by the Joint Committee chaired by architect Dominique Perrault.
  • The previous capital is Barcelona, which hosted the UIA 2026 World Congress.
  • Beijing's motto for 2029 is 'Back to Balance'.
  • UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany commented on the selection.
  • The article mentions recent architectural projects in China, including the Shenzhen Museum of Natural History, Shenzhen Bay Culture Plaza, and Bihailou Art Village.
  • China's Great Green Wall reforestation program is highlighted as an initiative to combat desertification in the Gobi Desert.

Entities

Artists

  • Dominique Perrault
  • Khaled El-Enany

Institutions

  • UNESCO
  • International Union of Architects (UIA)
  • 3XN
  • B+H Architects
  • Zhubo Design
  • MAD
  • MVRDV
  • UIA World Congress of Architects
  • Joint Committee for the World Capital of Architecture
  • Shenzhen Natural History Museum

Locations

  • Beijing
  • China
  • Barcelona
  • Spain
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Brazil
  • Copenhagen
  • Denmark
  • Shenzhen
  • Gobi Desert

Sources