Barcelona Architects Plan the ambitious program will feature 170 official activities, from major exhibitions to city-wide architectural interventions.
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Local architects are preparing to showcase their work on a global platform. This collective effort is in anticipation of a landmark event for the city.
Barcelona Architecture Takes the Global Stage
Barcelona is gearing up to host the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture in 2026. This prestigious ten-month event will feature 170 official activities. The programme aims to place Barcelona at the forefront of global architectural discourse.
According to La Vanguardia, the event will spotlight a diverse range of firms. These include both long-established practices and emerging new studios. The work spans from sustainability-focused offices to those distinguished by social impact. Some specialise in housing, others in urbanism or major rehabilitations.
Gaia Pellegrini from L35 Architects, Miriam Giordano from Labóh, and John Hill from World-Architects are curating the key Architecture Studio Sessions. These sessions will combine architecture and music in open studios. Each participating firm will open its doors to the public. This initiative forms part of the official Capital of Architecture programme. Its spirit is to bring the discipline closer to all audiences.
Collaboration and a Lasting Legacy
The Architecture Studio Sessions involve a diverse range of firms. These include BIG, B720, EMBT, and GCA Architects, among others. The goal is to connect architecture with the public. It also seeks to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration with arts like music.
Maria Bohigas, chief architect of the Barcelona City Council, explained the event’s ambition. She stated it seeks to share the city’s reputation for excellent urban planning. The Barcelona City Council is organising it with the Fundació Mies van der Rohe. The Institut Municipal del Paisatge Urbà is also a key partner.
Firms see the World Capital status as a major opportunity. It allows for international repositioning and highlighting diverse skills. The vision is aligned with leaving a lasting legacy beyond temporary pavilions. The aim is to promote the discipline and impact the entire city positively.
This ethos sparked massive engagement from the profession. An international ideas competition to redesign ten party walls drew 350 submissions. The participants were young architects under 35 years old. It highlighted strong global-local alliances between foreign and local studios. The open call for event proposals also saw huge interest. Over 170 entities submitted ideas, leading to around 1,500 planned activities.
The Global Congress: Architectures for a Planet in Transition
The UIA Global Congress is central to Barcelona’s 2026 role. A team of six architects won the international competition to curate it. The congress theme is “Becoming. Architectures for a planet in transition”. It expects over 10,000 attendees from 130 countries.
Curator Tomeu Ramis notes the goal is to build knowledge collectively. It is not merely about being a showcase. The congress will present Barcelona’s achievements and its ongoing challenges. The context is vastly different from the last UIA congress held here in 1996.
The reality today is more plural and collaborative. The world’s complexity demands more nuanced responses. Reflecting this, the programme features few traditional lectures. Instead, it prioritises dialogues with two or three voices. This format aims to build more plural visions of the future.
The Congress will explore contemporary crises using time as a design tool. It will address modern contradictions, like responding to urgent climate events. The solutions proposed must also have long-term viability and resilience. Over 200 global speakers will confront and debate ideas.
Twelve dedicated investigations will cover critical topics. These range from water management to housing market legislation. This ensures the event’s discussions are grounded in rigorous research. The ambition is for this Barcelona architecture event to leave a permanent intellectual mark.
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