The UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 is an international gathering for architectural dialogue, organized by the International Union of Architects (UIA) through the Higher Council of Professional Associations of Architects of Spain (CSCAE) and the Architects’ Association of Catalonia (COAC), with support from Spain's Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, the Government of Catalonia, and Barcelona City Council.
Scheduled for June 28 to July 2, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain—designated UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2026—the event marks the first time the city hosts it twice (previously in 1996). Under the theme "Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition," it will explore ecological, social, material, and cultural shifts through lectures, debates, workshops, exhibitions, and awards ceremonies.
Expect over 10,000 professionals, students, and researchers from architecture, urban planning, and related fields. More than 200 speakers are confirmed, including Tatiana Bilbao, Marina Tabassum, Forensic Architecture, Timothy Morton, and Yasmeen Lari, plus Critical Antagonists like Marina Otero and Keller Easterling. A curatorial team led by Pau Bajet, Mariona Benedito, and others, with honorary presidents Fuensanta Nieto and Joan Busquets, oversees the program.
Venues span the Barcelona International Convention Centre, Three Chimneys, Disseny Hub Barcelona, Sagrada Família, and Montjuïc Castle. Preceding events include a student workshop and the "Catalysts of Resilience" competition. Tickets are on sale via uia2026bcn.org.