Text by CLOT Magazine
Barcelona is getting ready to host three international events in the field of architecture. These are the World Capital of Architecture and the World Congress and General Assembly of the International Union of Architects (UIA) in 2026, the XV Spanish Biennial of Architecture and Urban Planning (BEAU), and the New European Bauhaus.
One of the main goals is to benefit from the resonance of such occasions to emphasise the impact that architecture and urbanism have in shaping contemporary cities, with particular attention to the challenges the current contexts pose to their development and structure. The gatherings also aim to highlight the institutions, professionals, organisations and citizens that contribute to making Barcelona a city greatly appreciated for its architectural configuration and urban potential.
In January 2020, Barcelona was identified as a suitable candidate to host the World Congress and General Assembly of the International Union of Architects (UIA) and the rival Beijing. The Government Commission has already revisioned and approved the terms and conditions of the election, and the final decision will be announced next July.
The New European Bauhaus is a multidisciplinary project fostered by the European Commission to ensure the realisation of spaces intended as innovation incubators. Such environments are meant as places where different disciplines – and specifically art, culture, science and technology – can merge to develop new visions. Barcelona is working towards an active engagement in this initiative culminating in the designation of five locations as new Bauhaus sites in 2022.
The XV Spanish Biennial of Architecture and Urban Planning (BEAU) is the most imminent event. The city has been selected to host the exhibition programme within The Mies van der Rohe Pavilion. The Biennial will focus on the definition of meeting points from an architectural point of view, highlighting the diverse social implications underlying the urban structures.
Through these appointments, Barcelona aspires to be a leading voice in supporting sustainability and the value of architecture and urban planning in casting the systems we inhabit.
