Barcelona will host the World Congress of the International Union of Architects (UIA) from 28 June to 2 July, expecting 10,000 professionals from around the globe. The city also holds the title of World Capital of Architecture this year, marking a significant period for urban design and planning discussions.

Officials from the College of Architects of Catalonia (COAC) and local authorities presented the congress programme on Monday. The event, themed "Becoming. Architectures for a planet in transition," will feature 250 speakers from 130 countries. Participants will engage in over 100 debate sessions across three main venues: the Disseny Hub Museum, the Fòrum International Convention Centre, and the Tres Chimeneas in Sant Adrià del Besòs.

Barcelona's Architectural Focus

Barcelona previously hosted the World Congress in 1996, nearly three decades ago, following the Olympic Games. That event called for a more human, social, and political approach to architecture, focusing on the Global South. This year, the city's selection as World Capital of Architecture directly led to it hosting the UIA World Congress.

Teresa Táboas, Vice-President of the UIA and the Congress, encouraged attendees. She stated, "Once again, Barcelona will become a laboratory. Come on, Barcelona, it is your turn again." The event aims to address contemporary challenges like the climate crisis, new conflicts, and artificial intelligence.

Guim Costa, Dean of the College of Architects of Catalonia (COAC), highlighted Barcelona's successful bid against Beijing. He also noted the congress's new selection process for its six curators through an international competition. This process "has created new dynamics and a voice with significant intellectual weight," Costa explained.

Key Venues and Public Engagement

The Fòrum International Convention Centre (CCIB) will host conferences from 29 June to 1 July. These sessions will feature speakers balanced by region, generation, and gender. Plenary sessions will include "critical antagonists" to question dominant narratives in architecture.

The Tres Chimeneas (Three Chimneys) in Sant Adrià del Besòs, a former thermal power station, will become a central hub for collective debate and knowledge exchange in the afternoons. Temporary structures, including a grandstand for 1,500 people, will be built around the site. Additionally, the Sagrada Família will host the UIA's triennial awards ceremony.

Shaping Future Urban Environments

The congress programme will focus on six critical areas: ecosystems, reuse, materials, public policies, legislation, and culture. Attendees can also explore a 4,000 square metre central exhibition and participate in 70 itineraries around Barcelona and its surroundings. Some spaces will open to the public for the first time.

Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni praised the "architecture and city pairing" that defines the Catalan capital. He championed "the right to beauty" and commended the "bottom-up co-creation" of the capital and congress programmes. Marta Vall-llosada, President of the Spanish Council of Architects' Associations (CSCAE), expressed confidence in the gathering. She believes the meeting "will be a great opportunity to share and advance on the challenges of the future."

The full congress pass costs €240 for professionals and €50 for students. This major event offers a chance for Barcelona to lead global discussions on sustainable and inclusive urban futures.

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Originally published by El País Barcelona. Read original article.