World Congress of Architects 2026
Location: CCIB, Plaça de Willy Brandt, Barcelona, Spain Date: 28 June – 2 July 2026 The World Congress of Architects returns to Europe in 2026, with Barcelona hosting the 28th edition from 28 June to 2 July. Organised by the International Union of Architects (UIA) and staged every three years, it is the largest gathering…
Location: CCIB, Plaça de Willy Brandt, Barcelona, Spain
Date: 28 June – 2 July 2026
The World Congress of Architects returns to Europe in 2026, with Barcelona hosting the 28th edition from 28 June to 2 July. Organised by the International Union of Architects (UIA) and staged every three years, it is the largest gathering of architects on the planet — drawing tens of thousands of practitioners, educators and students from over 100 countries for five days of plenary sessions, workshops, exhibitions and professional development programming. The host venue is the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB) on the city’s waterfront.
The 2026 congress theme is “Becoming. Architectures for a planet in transition” — a framing that positions architecture as a discipline in active transformation, responding to climate urgency, rapid urbanisation and shifting social contracts. The programme spans keynotes from globally recognised practitioners, parallel technical sessions covering sustainability, housing, digital fabrication and urban design, and a major international student competition. Barcelona’s own contemporary built environment — from the 22@ innovation district to the ongoing evolution of Poblenou — forms a live case study running alongside the formal programme.
Early registration is open now. Full programme details, pricing tiers and accommodation guidance are available at uia2026bcn.org. The congress takes place once every three years — the work presented and conversations it generates will shape the professional agenda through to 2029.
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