BarcelonaNOW: 2026 World Capital of Architecture

Wednesday, 4/22, 10am – 1:30pm EDT (NYC)
Wednesday, 4/22. 4pm – 7:30pm CEST (BCN)

BarcelonaNOW is a program celebrating Barcelona's selection as the UNESCO/UIA 2026 World Capital of Architecture and the many contributions of Catalan architects and engineers to global design. Presented by the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY), in collaboration with the Col-legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya (COAC), the program will explore the periods of bold urban planning that have created the platform for today's vibrant city. Barcelona is recognized for its focus on community, culture, resiliency, and streetscapes, providing an opportunity for cross-fertilization of ideas benefiting architecture and design in addressing the challenges of 21st century global cities. The program includes presentations and panel discussions from over a dozen emerging and established architects and urban planners with a look at current design proposals and initiatives that enhance neighborhoods, revitalize the city's industrial heritage, and build affordable social housing, all contributing to shaping just and sustainable communities. Barcelona will be hosting the UIA World Congress of Architects in June 2026. The event is presented with the collaboration of cultureNOW and the festival of Sant Jordi in New York.

Part 1: Barcelona Urban Planning History and Keynotes
Speakers:
Joan Busquets, Professor of Urban Planning & Design, Harvard GSD
Maria Buhigas, Chief Architect, City of Barcelona

Part 2: Transformative Projects/International Teams
Les Tres Xemeneies
Speakers:
Guido Hartray, AIA, Partner MARVEL
Daria de Seta, Partner, Garces-de Seta- Bonet Arquitectes

Fira Barcelona Business Center
Speaker:
Agustin Perez Torres, Partner, BIG BCN

Part 3: Urban Initiatives in Barcelona 
La Sagrera Transport Hub
Speaker:
Fermin Vazquez, Founder, b720 Fermin Vazquez Aquitectos

Social Housing and Creating Communities
Speaker:
Josep Maria Borrell, Director, IMPSOL

Gates to Collserola
Speaker:
Vicente Guallart,  Founder, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya

Superblocks
Speaker:
Xavier Matilla, Co-founder, Territoris XLM

Part 4: Panorama of Emerging and Established Barcelona Architects
Speakers:
Anna Bonet, Partner, Garces-de Seta-Bonet
Daria de Seta, Partner, Garces-de Seta-Bonet
Albert Casas, Partner, Metronom
Marta Peris, Founder, Peris+Toral Arquitectes
Jose Toral, Founder, Peris+Toral Arquitectes
Adria Orriols, h3o Arquitectes
Ivet Gasol Escuer, Partner, Cierto Estudio
Roger Tudo, Founder, H Arquitectes
Fermin Vazquez, Founder, b720 Fermin Vazquez Architectos
Claudio Aguilo, Partner, DATAAE
Bet Capdeferro, Founder, bosch.capdeferro arquitectura
Carme Pinos, Founder, Estudio Carme Pinos

Part 5: Discussion/Q&A
Moderator:
Guim Costa Calsamiglia, Dean, COAC