For African architects, designers, and students, the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 (UIA2026BCN) in Barcelona is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase your work on a global stage. Themed Becoming: Architectures for a Planet in Transition, this prestigious event invites you to contribute innovative ideas that address ecological, social, and urban challenges. Africans Column is thrilled to collaborate with UIA2026BCN to guide African creatives through this historic moment. From the selection process to the iconic venues, here’s everything you need to know to participate and make your mark by applying before 2 June 2025.

About UIA2026BCN: A Global Stage for Innovation

The UIA World Congress of Architects 2026, organized by the International Union of Architects (UIA), is the world’s leading architectural gathering, uniting over one million professionals from more than 100 countries. Held every three years, UIA2026BCN will take place in Barcelona—UNESCO’s World Capital of Architecture 2026—from June to July 2026.

This Congress will feature over 200 speakers, exhibitions, workshops, and networking events, all centered on the theme Becoming: Architectures for a Planet in Transition. Selected through an international competition, this theme invites transformative ideas to address climate resilience, urban equity, and cultural identity—issues where African perspectives, like those of Francis Kéré or Mariam Kamara, are vital. Africans Column is here to help you navigate this opportunity and amplify your voice.

The Organizing Body: Who’s Behind UIA2026BCN?

UIA2026BCN is convened by the International Union of Architects (UIA), a global federation founded in 1948 to unify architects and advance architecture for societal benefit. Headquartered in Paris, the UIA is recognized by UNESCO and UN-Habitat, with Region V (Africa) represented by 83,483 architects across 33 Member Sections, including Chrisna Duplessis as the regional delegate.

Locally, the Congress is organized by the Higher Council of Professional Associations of Architects of Spain (CSCAE) and the Architects’ Association of Catalonia (COAC), with institutional support from Spain’s Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, Urban Economy and Architecture, the Government of Catalonia, and the Barcelona City Council. The organizing effort is guided by a collective of experts, including CSCAE President Marta Vall-llosera, UIA Vice President Teresa Táboas, COAC Dean Guim Costa Calsamiglia, Honorary President Joan Busquets, Scientific Committee Chair Fuensanta Nieto, and curators Pau Bajet, Mariona Benedito, Maria Giramé, Tomeu Ramis, Pau Sarquella, and Carmen Torres, alongside Scientific Committee members such as Iñaqui Carnicero and Maria Buhigas. Together, they ensure a world-class platform that upholds diversity, excellence, shaping UIA2026BCN’s vision collaboratively.

The Selection Process: How Your Work Gets Chosen

UIA2026BCN’s Call for Participants invites African architects, designers, researchers, and students to submit proposals by 2 June 2025 (23:59 CET). Applying is free, making this an accessible opportunity to gain global exposure. Here’s how the selection process works:

• Submission Formats: Submit a proposal (essay, project, or multimedia piece) aligned with the theme Becoming: Architectures for a Planet in Transition. The jury assigns one of three formats:
  • Critical Essay: Written works exploring architectural ideas.
  • Critical Project: Design projects showcasing innovative solutions.
  • Critical Image: Visual or multimedia pieces conveying critical perspectives.
• Eligibility: Open to professionals and students in architecture, urbanism, design, engineering, photography, film, and art. Membership in a national architectural association (e.g., in Region V) is encouraged but not required.
• Selection Timeline:
  • 2 June 2025: Submission deadline.
  • 30 September 2025: Selected proposals announced.
  • 28 June–2 July 2026: Selected works featured in lectures, exhibitions, or the official catalogue.
• What to Expect: Selected participants may present their work, exhibit at iconic venues, or contribute to the Congress’s legacy through its catalogue.

The Juries: World-Class Experts Reviewing Your Work

Your submissions will be evaluated by distinguished international juries, ensuring a fair and transdisciplinary selection process. Each format has a dedicated jury:

• Critical Essay Jury:
  • Keller Easterling: Architect, designer, and Yale professor.
  • Lydia Kallipoliti: Architect, engineer, historian, and curator.
  • Marina Otero: Architect, researcher, and curator.
  • Philip Ursprung: Art and architectural historian, ETH Zurich professor.
  • Samia Henni: Architect, historian, and Cornell professor.
  • Pau Bajet and Tomeu Ramis: UIA2026BCN Curatorial Team representatives.
• Critical Project Jury:
  • Carlos Facio: Architect, Colectivo C733 co-founder.
  • Catherine Mosbach: Landscape architect, Mosbach Paysagistes founder.
  • Kersten Geers: Architect, OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen co-founder.
  • Xu Tiantian: Architect, DnA_Design and Architecture founder.
  • Carmen Torres and Mariona Benedito: Curatorial Team representatives.
• Critical Image Jury:
  • Giovanna Borasi: Architect, curator, Canadian Centre for Architecture director.
  • Louise Lemoine: Filmmaker, Bêka & Lemoine co-founder.
  • Maxime Delvaux: Architecture photographer.
  • Urtzi Grau: Architect, Fake Industries Architectural Agonism co-founder.
  • Maria Giramé and Pau Sarquella: Curatorial Team representatives.

These experts bring diverse perspectives from architecture, urbanism, art, and media, ensuring African submissions—whether essays on sustainable urbanism or images of cultural heritage—are evaluated with global rigor and appreciation for innovation.

The Venues: Iconic Spaces in Barcelona

UIA2026BCN will unfold across Barcelona and its metropolitan area, with iconic venues that blend historic grandeur and modern innovation:

• Three Chimneys: A repurposed industrial site, symbolizing Barcelona’s adaptive reuse
• Sagrada Família: Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural icon.
• Additional venues will be announced, offering inspiring settings for lectures, exhibitions, and workshops.

The Congress will also include a pre-Congress International Workshop (dates to be confirmed) and an International Student Competition (dates forthcoming), providing hands-on opportunities to engage with Barcelona’s urban laboratory.

The City: Barcelona as an Urban Laboratory

Barcelona, a city of 1.6 million, is a global benchmark for urban planning and architectural innovation. From the 1859 Cerdà Plan’s grid to the 1992 Olympic transformation and the ongoing Superblocks project, Barcelona has long been a laboratory for social and ecological progress. As the first city to host the UIA Congress twice (previously in 1996), it offers a vibrant backdrop for UIA2026BCN.

The city’s mix of Gothic heritage, modernist landmarks like Gaudí’s works, and contemporary designs creates an inspiring environment for African architects to explore and contribute. Expect to network in settings that spark creativity and reflect the Congress’s theme of transition and transformation.

The Call for Participants: Key Details

The Call for Participants is your gateway to UIA2026BCN. Key information:

• Deadline: 2 June 2025 (23:59 CET).
• Cost: Applying is free.
• How to Apply: Visit uia2026bcn.org to submit proposals.
• What to Submit: Proposals (essays, projects, or multimedia) aligned with the theme. The jury assigns the format (Critical Essay, Critical Project, or Critical Image).
• Attendance Fees: Separate from the free application, attendance fees vary (details on the website), with potential discounts for students, groups, or early registration.
• Travel and Visa: Participants arrange travel and visas to Barcelona. Africans Column will share logistical guidance—follow us for updates.

Apply Before 2 June 2025!

UIA2026BCN is a platform to elevate African architecture and address global challenges. Whether you’re an architect with a sustainable design, a student with a bold idea, or a researcher exploring cultural identity, your contribution matters. Submit your proposal for free by 2 June 2025 at uia2026bcn.org to join this transformative event. With Africans Column by your side, let’s bring Africa’s brilliance to Barcelona and shape the future of architecture!