Poblenou Embraces the UIA World Congress of Architects Barcelona 2026

Barcelona, as the World Capital of Architecture 2026, is gearing up for one of the most important architectural events of the year. The events of the UIA World Congress of Architects Barcelona 2026 will take place across iconic venues such as the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), the Three Chimneys, Montjuïc Castle, and the Disseny Hub Barcelona (DHub), turning the city into the epicenter of international urban debate. Under the theme “Becoming. Architectures for a planet in transition”, the congress will address contemporary challenges such as sustainability, housing, and architectural innovation.

On one hand, from June 29 to July 2, 2026, the DHub will host the exhibition of the member sections of the International Union of Architects (UIA). The exhibition, which is free of charge with prior reservation, will bring together contributions from professional sections worldwide, offering a journey through the diversity of current practices and projects. Each country will present its own selection in a space open to the general public, providing insight into different ways of understanding architecture in the face of today’s social, urban, and environmental challenges.

Within the framework of this fair, the DHub will also host a lecture program featuring representatives from various UIA member sections. The sessions will take place in the Auditorium (4th floor) and the Open Room CSCAE Stand (ground floor), addressing topics related to housing, heritage, cities, cultural sovereignty, and architectural practices in different geographical contexts.

On the other hand, the neighborhood’s residential fabric will also join the initiative. The student residences aparto Cristóbal de Moura and aparto Pallars are collaborating with the event as official accommodation partners. These spaces will host congress participants and students selected for their academic merits. Through this initiative, the aparto residences will become meeting points for an international community, fostering young talent’s access to a space for reflection and highlighting the role of these centers as environments for coexistence and learning connected to the city’s activity.