UIA 2026 Barcelona Congress: Debating Construction Moratorium and Architecture's Future
The UIA 2026 World Congress of Architects wrapped up in Barcelona, Spain, attracting 10,000 experts from 130 nations. As part of the World Capital of Architecture 2026, the event featured a curatorial team that steered clear of a star-centric model. Significant discussions revolved around implementing a global halt on new constructions and prolonging the lifespan of current buildings. The construction industry's contribution of nearly 40% to worldwide CO₂ emissions was a focal point, with suggestions for using circular materials. Internal matters were also addressed, resulting in a protocol between CSCAE and Spain's Ministry of Housing regarding reference fees. The Barcelona Declaration highlighted the importance of existing materials, the right to housing, and global conflicts. The next congress will take place in Beijing in 2029.
Key facts
- UIA 2026 World Congress of Architects held in Barcelona, Spain, with 10,000 professionals from 130 countries.
- Curatorial team: Pau Bajet, Mariona Benedito, Maria Giramé, Tomeu Ramis, Pau Sarquella, Carmen Torres.
- Charlotte Malterre-Barthes presented her moratorium on new construction initiative.
- Construction sector responsible for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions.
- CSCAE and Ministry of Housing signed protocol on reference fees for public contracts.
- Barcelona Declaration: 'what already exists is the first material,' housing as a right, non-anthropocentric approach.
- Venues included CCIB, DHub, Sagrada Família, and Tres Xemeneies in Sant Adrià de Besòs.
- Next UIA congress in Beijing in 2029 with theme 'Returning to Balance: Architecture for a Better Life for All.'
Entities
Artists
- Pau Bajet
- Mariona Benedito
- Maria Giramé
- Tomeu Ramis
- Pau Sarquella
- Carmen Torres
- Charlotte Malterre-Barthes
- Lacaton & Vassal
- Mario Carpo
- Herzog & de Meuron
- Antoni Gaudí
- MBM Arquitectes
Institutions
- UIA
- CSCAE
- COAC
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda
- Generalitat de Catalunya
- Ayuntamiento de Barcelona
- Ayuntamiento de Sant Adrià de Besòs
- Sternberg Press
- Ordem dos Arquitetos de Portugal
- Forensic Architecture
- CCIB
- DHub
- Sagrada Família
- Tres Xemeneies
- MACBA
Locations
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Sant Adrià de Besòs
- Camp de la Bota
- La Mina
- Sant Roc
- Besòs River
- Poblenou
- Vila Olímpica
- Plaça de les Glòries
- Torre Agbar
- Mercat dels Encants
- Gaza
- Sudan
- Ukraine
- Myanmar
- Beijing
- China
Sources
- Veredes —