The ultimate guide to the World Congress of Architects 2026 Barcelona
In summer 2026, Barcelona will once again become the global capital of architecture as it hosts the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026, one of the most important international gatherings in the world of design, urbanism and architecture.
From 28 June to 2 July 2026, more than 10,000 architects, designers, academics, students and cultural leaders from over 130 countries are expected to descend on the city for five days of talks, exhibitions, workshops, installations and city-wide events.
Whether you are attending the congress, visiting Barcelona during the event, or simply curious about the city’s architectural energy in 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is the UIA World Congress of Architects?
The International Union of Architects World Congress is considered one of the most prestigious events in global architecture. Held every three years in a different host city, the congress brings together leading architects, urban thinkers and institutions to discuss the future of the built environment.
Barcelona was selected as the host city for 2026, becoming the first city in history to host the congress twice, after previously organising it in 1996.
The 2026 edition is built around the theme:
“Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition”
The programme explores how architecture must evolve in response to climate change, housing crises, social inequality, urban transformation and new ways of living.
The World Congress of Architects 2026 will include expected discussions around:
- Sustainable urbanism
- Circular architecture
- Adaptive reuse
- Public space
- Material innovation
- Climate resilience
- AI and future cities
- Social housing
- Mediterranean urban culture
A brief history of the UIA World Congress of Architects
The UIA World Congress of Architects is one of the longest-running and most influential gatherings in global architecture.
Organised by the International Union of Architects (UIA), the congress has been held every three years since 1948, bringing together architects, urban planners, academics and institutions from around the world to discuss the future of cities and the built environment.
Over the decades, the congress has been hosted in major international cities including Paris, Tokyo, Istanbul, Seoul, Chicago, Copenhagen, Rio de Janeiro, and Durban.
Each edition reflects the architectural and social concerns of its era, from post-war reconstruction and modernism to sustainability, climate resilience and urban equity.
Barcelona first hosted the congress in 1996, shortly after the city’s dramatic Olympic-era transformation. That edition became legendary within the architectural world for its open, public-facing format and its focus on architecture as a social and political tool.
Thirty years later, Barcelona will become the first city in history to host the congress twice. The 2026 edition also coincides with Barcelona being named UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2026, turning the entire city into a year-long platform for exhibitions, debates, installations and public events dedicated to architecture and urban culture.
When is UIA Barcelona 2026?
The congress officially runs from:
28 June – 2 July 2026
However, associated exhibitions, workshops and itineraries begin earlier and continue after the main congress dates.
Key dates
- 19–27 June: Pre-congress workshops and exhibitions
- 28 June: Opening ceremony
- 29 June – 1 July: Main congress sessions
- 2 July: Closing ceremony and awards
- 3–19 July: Post-congress exhibitions and architectural itineraries
Where will the World Congress of Architects 2026 take place?
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2026 edition is that the congress will unfold across Barcelona rather than inside a single conference venue.
Major locations include:
CCIB
The Barcelona International Convention Centre will host many of the main plenary sessions and conferences. Located beside the Mediterranean in the Diagonal Mar neighbourhood, the venue is well connected and surrounded by hotels, beaches and restaurants.
Les Tres Xemeneies
The iconic “Three Chimneys” industrial complex will become one of the symbolic centres of the congress. This massive former power station reflects Barcelona’s industrial history and urban transformation, perfectly aligned with the congress theme of transition and reinvention.
Disseny Hub Barcelona
Known locally as DHUB, this design museum and innovation centre will host exhibitions, installations and cultural programming.
Montjuïc Castle
Several special events and itineraries are expected to take place around Montjuïc and its surrounding cultural venues.
Why Barcelona is the perfect host city
Few cities are as deeply associated with architecture as Barcelona. From Gothic streets to modernist landmarks and contemporary urban regeneration, the city itself functions as an open-air architecture museum.
Visitors attending the congress will be surrounded by architectural icons including:
- Sagrada Família
- Casa Batlló
- La Pedrera
- Pavelló Mies van der Rohe
- Torre Glòries
- 22@ District
Barcelona also continues to be a global reference point for urban planning, public space and Mediterranean lifestyle design.
Keynote speakers
One of the highlights of the World Congress of Architects is the exceptional line-up of speakers. Keynote speakers for the 2026 event include:
- Anne Lacaton & Jean-Philippe Vassal — Pritzker Prize–winning architects celebrated for radically economical, socially generous housing and adaptive reuse.
- Shigeru Ban — Pritzker Prize winner known globally for humanitarian architecture and innovative timber and paper construction.
- Marina Tabassum — One of the leading voices in climate-responsive architecture and dignified low-cost housing.
- Yasmeen Lari — Pakistan’s first female architect and a pioneering advocate of zero-carbon humanitarian design.
- Junya Ishigami — Acclaimed for ethereal, experimental buildings that blur architecture, landscape, and atmosphere.
- Tatiana Bilbao — Internationally recognized for socially engaged housing and human-centered urbanism.
- Jan Gehl — The influential urban thinker who transformed global conversations around walkable, people-first cities.
- Mariana Mazzucato — A leading economist arguing for mission-driven public investment in sustainable urban futures.
- Kate Orff — Founder of SCAPE and a major voice on ecological urbanism, coastal resilience, and landscape infrastructure.
- Forensic Architecture — The groundbreaking research collective using spatial analysis and architecture as tools for human rights investigations.
What to expect at the World Congress of Architects 2026
The 2026 programme is expected to include:
Talks and keynote lectures
More than 250 speakers will participate in over 100 sessions across eight stages.
Expect contributions from:
- International architecture studios
- Urban planners
- Environmental researchers
- Cultural theorists
- Designers
- Policymakers
- Academic institutions
Architectural itineraries
One of the most unique elements of UIA Barcelona 2026 is the extensive programme of guided itineraries across Barcelona and the metropolitan region.
More than 70 curated routes are planned.
These may include:
- Modernist tours
- Industrial heritage visits
- Social housing projects
- Coastal urbanism
- Public space interventions
- Contemporary Catalan architecture
Exhibitions and installations
A 4,000-square-metre central exhibition space will host research projects, installations and experimental architecture showcases.
Open forums and public events
Unlike traditional industry conferences, many activities are designed to connect directly with the city and the public realm. The congress aims to blur the line between professional events and urban cultural festivals.
Who should attend?
The congress is ideal for:
- Architects
- Interior designers
- Urban planners
- Architecture students
- Academics
- Creative professionals
- Sustainability specialists
- Property developers
- Cultural institutions
- Real estate brokers and developers
But even non-professionals with an interest in design and cities will find plenty to enjoy across the public programme.
Tickets and registration
Tickets are on sale for the World Congress of Architects 2026 through the official congress website.
Different pass types include:
- Full congress passes
- Student passes
- Exhibition access
- Public programme tickets
- Workshop registrations
Where to stay during UIA Barcelona 2026
Demand for accommodation is expected to be extremely high during the congress period, particularly around:
- Poblenou
- Diagonal Mar
- El Born
- Eixample
- Barceloneta
Choosing accommodation near the seafront offers several advantages during the congress week. Many of the principal venues are located along Barcelona’s eastern waterfront, allowing attendees to move easily between talks, exhibitions and evening events while remaining close to the city’s beaches, restaurants and cultural hotspots.
For visitors seeking a more elevated experience, Diagonal Mar is likely to become one of the most desirable areas during UIA 2026. The district combines contemporary architecture, quieter residential surroundings and direct access to the congress zone, all while remaining well connected to the historic centre.
Antares Barcelona: An architectural masterpiece in Barcelona
For those wishing to invest in a modern architectural icon, Antares Barcelona is the city’s most exciting offering. Designed by the award-winning architect, Odile Decq, it combines ingenious geometric designs with signature swaths of deep red. Soaring almost 100-metres into the Barcelona skyline, it is the tallest residential building in the city and the last building that will be built to this height.
Developments like Antares Barcelona reflect the growing demand for architecturally significant residences that combine design, wellness, privacy and Mediterranean living in one of Europe’s most dynamic cultural cities.
Antares Barcelona boasts a superb selection of luxury apartments for sale, including voluminous penthouses, duplexes, and sky villas, alongside world-class amenities, including dedicated parking, an indoor and rooftop swimming pool, concierge services, spa and fitness facilities, lush gardens, and an on-site restaurant.
For many international attendees, events such as the UIA World Congress of Architects provide an opportunity to experience Barcelona not simply as a tourist destination, but as a place to live, work and invest long term.
Getting to the congress
One of the advantages of UIA Barcelona 2026 is that the main venues are spread across some of the city’s best-connected areas.
Arriving in Barcelona
Most international visitors will arrive via Barcelona-El Prat Airport, located approximately 25–35 minutes from the city centre.
The easiest transport options include:
- Aerobús airport shuttle
- Metro Line L9 Sud
- Taxi or ride-sharing apps
- RENFE commuter rail
If you are staying near the congress venues around Diagonal Mar, Poblenou or the seafront, a taxi from the airport is usually the most convenient option after a long flight.
Public transport during the congress
Barcelona’s metro and tram systems make it relatively easy to move between venues.
Key transport connections include:
- CCIB: Metro L4 (El Maresme-Fòrum)
- Disseny Hub Barcelona: Metro L1 (Glòries)
- Les Tres Xemeneies: Tram and regional rail connections via Sant Adrià de Besòs
- Montjuïc venues: Funicular, buses and taxis
The city is also highly walkable, particularly along the seafront districts where many congress events will take place.
Getting around like a local
During summer, many attendees will move around using:
- Bicing-style bike rentals
- Electric scooters
- Walking routes between venues
- Seafront promenades
Barcelona’s architecture is best experienced slowly, and many of the congress itineraries are specifically designed to encourage exploration of neighbourhoods and public spaces.
What to wear and how to prepare for the World Congress of Architects 2026
Unlike traditional corporate conferences, the UIA Congress has a much more creative, international and design-oriented atmosphere. Think somewhere between an academic symposium, a cultural festival and a city-wide exhibition programme.
What to wear
Barcelona in late June and early July is hot and sunny. Average daytime temperatures range between 27–32°C, especially near the coast.
Recommended clothing includes lightweight linen or breathable fabrics, comfortable walking shoes, smart-casual summer attire, light layers for air-conditioned interiors, and sunglasses and sun protection.
Architectural conferences also tend to involve a surprising amount of walking, especially in Barcelona, where itineraries and site visits are a major part of the experience.
Formal business attire is usually unnecessary except for official receptions, awards ceremonies or institutional networking events.
What to bring
To make the most of the congress, it is worth preparing for long days moving across the city.
Useful essentials include:
- Portable phone charger
- Refillable water bottle
- Tote bag or lightweight backpack
- Notebook or sketchbook
- Comfortable footwear
- Digital tickets and venue maps
- Business cards or portfolio links
Prepare for networking
UIA Congresses are known for attracting a highly international audience.
You may find yourself speaking with:
- Leading architects
- Researchers
- Students
- Curators
- Journalists
- Urban policymakers
- Designers from around the world
Many of the best conversations happen outside the official programme, at cafés, exhibitions, beach bars and evening events across the city. Barcelona’s social culture naturally encourages this kind of spontaneous networking.
Gourmet dining just moments from the congress
During large-scale events in Barcelona, securing high-quality restaurant reservations can quickly become difficult, particularly in coastal districts close to major venues.
One exciting new venue is Le Grand Café Rouge, located within Antares Barcelona and led by Michelin-starred chef Romain Fornell. This gastronomic destination offers both Antares Barcelona residents and guests an elegant dining option throughout the congress period.
The restaurant’s French-Mediterranean approach and relaxed atmosphere make it equally suited to business lunches, informal networking dinners or quieter evenings away from the crowds.
If you are attending the World Congress of Architects 2026 and would like to learn more about Antares Barcelona, including luxury apartments for sale in Barcelona, contact our team today.
World Congress Architects: Frequently asked questions
What is the UIA World Congress of Architects Barcelona 2026?
The UIA World Congress of Architects Barcelona 2026 is one of the world’s largest international gatherings dedicated to architecture and the built environment. Organised by the International Union of Architects (UIA), it brings together architects, researchers, students, urban professionals and cultural thinkers to debate how architecture can respond to global challenges.
When is the World Congress of Architects Barcelona 2026?
The Congress will take place from 28 June to 2 July 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. The programme will extend across several venues and locations throughout the city and metropolitan area.
Where will the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 be held?
The Congress will take place across multiple venues in Barcelona, including the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), Disseny Hub Barcelona (DHUB), and Les Tres Xemeneies (Three Chimneys). The event is designed as a city-wide experience rather than a conventional conference held in one building.
What is the theme of UIA Barcelona 2026?
The theme is “Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition.” It explores how architecture can evolve in response to environmental, social, technological and cultural changes affecting the planet.
What does “Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition” mean?
The theme reflects the idea that architecture is constantly evolving. Instead of viewing buildings as static objects, the Congress explores how design can support adaptation, resilience, ecological responsibility and new relationships between people, materials, technology and the natural world.
What are the six themes of the Barcelona 2026 Congress?
The Congress is organised around six research areas:
- Becoming More-than-Human
- Becoming Attuned
- Becoming Embodied
- Becoming Interdependent
- Becoming Hyper-Conscious
- Becoming Circular
Together, these themes examine topics such as ecological responsibility, materials, social relationships, awareness of place and circular approaches to architecture.
Who organises the World Congress of Architects Barcelona 2026?
The Congress is organised by the International Union of Architects (UIA), with the Higher Council of the Orders of Architects of Spain (CSCAE) and the Architects’ Association of Catalonia (COAC) responsible for delivering the Barcelona edition.
Why is Barcelona hosting the World Congress of Architects in 2026?
Barcelona was selected because of its global architectural reputation, history of urban innovation and continuing role as a place for architectural experimentation. It will be the first city to host the UIA World Congress of Architects twice, having previously hosted the event in 1996.
Is Barcelona the World Capital of Architecture in 2026?
Yes. Barcelona has been designated the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture for 2026, creating a year-long focus on architecture, urban culture and public engagement alongside the Congress.
How many people will attend the World Congress of Architects Barcelona 2026?
The Congress is expected to welcome around 10,000 participants, with more than 250 speakers, over 100 sessions, a central exhibition and architectural itineraries throughout Barcelona and its surroundings.
Who can attend the UIA World Congress of Architects?
The Congress is open to architects, architecture students, academics, researchers, designers, urban planners and professionals from related disciplines. It also includes activities intended for a wider public interested in architecture and cities.
Can architecture students attend the Barcelona 2026 Congress?
Yes. Students are encouraged to participate through dedicated activities, workshops and competitions designed to involve emerging architects in international discussions about the future of architecture.
Is the Congress only for architects?
No. Although architects are at the centre of the event, the Congress welcomes professionals and members of the public interested in architecture, sustainability, cities, design, culture and social change.
What topics will be discussed at the Congress?
Major topics include climate adaptation, sustainable construction, circular economies, housing, public space, social responsibility, new materials, technology and the changing role of architects in society.
What makes UIA Barcelona 2026 different from previous architecture conferences?
The Congress aims to move beyond a traditional lecture-based format by using Barcelona itself as a living architectural laboratory. Alongside talks and debates, it includes exhibitions, workshops, research presentations and more than 70 curated architectural itineraries.
What are the architectural itineraries at UIA Barcelona 2026?
The itineraries are curated routes allowing participants to explore buildings, neighbourhoods and urban projects across Barcelona and its metropolitan area. They include historic landmarks, contemporary architecture and projects addressing current urban challenges.
Will there be exhibitions at the World Congress of Architects Barcelona 2026?
Yes. The Congress includes a central exhibition showcasing architectural research, projects and ideas linked to the theme of architecture in transition.
What are the main venues for UIA Barcelona 2026?
The main Congress locations include:
- CCIB (Barcelona International Convention Centre)
- Les Tres Xemeneies
- Disseny Hub Barcelona
- Other cultural and architectural locations throughout Barcelona
How do I register for UIA Barcelona 2026?
Registration and ticket information are available through the official UIA World Congress of Architects Barcelona 2026 website. Different passes are available for professionals, students and other participants.
How much do tickets for the World Congress of Architects cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on participant category and registration period. Early registration options have been made available through the official Congress channels.
What famous architects will speak at UIA Barcelona 2026?
The programme includes internationally recognised architects and practices, including Pritzker Prize-winning figures such as Lacaton & Vassal and Shigeru Ban, alongside many other international voices.
Will the Congress include awards or competitions?
Yes. The programme includes competitions and award-related events, including the UIA Gold Medal and Triennial Prizes ceremony.
What is the UIA Gold Medal ceremony at Barcelona 2026?
The UIA Gold Medal ceremony is a major architectural recognition event celebrating outstanding contributions to the profession and the built environment. It will form part of the Congress programme.
How can visitors experience Barcelona’s architecture during the Congress?
Visitors can explore Barcelona through official itineraries, exhibitions, public events and self-guided visits to important architectural sites, ranging from modernist landmarks to contemporary urban projects.
Which famous buildings should architects visit in Barcelona during the Congress?
Visitors may wish to explore landmarks such as Gaudí’s works, including the Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, as well as modern and contemporary projects throughout the city, such as Antares Barcelona. The official Congress itineraries will highlight many significant sites.
Why is Barcelona an important city for architecture?
Barcelona is internationally recognised for combining historic urban planning traditions, modernist architecture, public-space design and contemporary approaches to regeneration and sustainability.
What impact could UIA Barcelona 2026 have on the future of architecture?
The Congress aims to influence global architectural debate by encouraging new approaches to climate resilience, social responsibility and sustainable transformation of the built environment.
What should visitors know before travelling to Barcelona for the Congress?
Visitors should plan accommodation and transport early, as the event is expected to attract thousands of international participants. Exploring venues across the city and allowing time for architectural visits will be an important part of the experience.
What happens after UIA Barcelona 2026?
The Congress will conclude with the official handover to the next host city, continuing the UIA tradition of bringing together the global architectural community every three years.