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Barcelona Unveils 2026 World Capital of Architecture Program, Establishes Casa de la Arquitectura

City leaders cast the year as a resident‑first drive linking design to housing affordability, climate resilience, long‑term planning.

Overview

  • The former Gustavo Gili headquarters will become the Casa de la Arquitectura, with management by the Fundación Mies van der Rohe.
  • An official 12 m by 9.8 m city model depicting present Barcelona and 2035 scenarios will be inaugurated on February 12 to open the program.
  • More than 1,500 activities from roughly 170 organizations will run February 12 to December 13 across local hubs in all ten districts.
  • Permanent legacies include rehabilitating ten median walls with photovoltaic panels, vertical gardens, and measures to improve light and ventilation.
  • The UIA World Congress will take place June 28 to July 2, making Barcelona the only city to host it twice and expected to draw thousands of architects.