Major Global Architecture Events in 2026

Key Conferences, Biennials, Triennials and Forums

The year 2026 stands out as a particularly significant moment for global architecture, bringing together a wide range of international architecture events, congresses, biennials and festivals that address emerging themes such as sustainability, urban development, technology, and innovation in the built environment. Below, we highlight the most relevant events for architects, researchers, academics and industry professionals.

UIA World Congress of Architects — Barcelona

28 June to 2 July 2026

Organised by the International Union of Architects (UIA), the World Congress of Architects is the most important professional gathering in the international architecture calendar, bringing together architects, researchers and policy makers from over 100 countries. In 2026, the congress will take place in Barcelona under the theme Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition, exploring the relationships between materials, climate, politics and spatial practices. Barcelona has also been designated UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2026, hosting an extended programme of architectural events throughout the year.

Source: https://www.dezeen.com/eventsguide/2026/06/world-congress-of-architects-2026/

Milan Design Week & Salone del Mobile — Milan

April 2026

Although primarily focused on design, Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile continue to exert a strong influence on contemporary architecture through their ability to anticipate trends in materials, construction systems, technology and spatial culture. In 2026, the event maintains its global scale, with exhibitions spread across the city and a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

Source: https://designdenmark.dk/salone-del-mobile-2026/

3daysofdesign — Copenhagen

10 to 12 June 2026

3daysofdesign is a key event for professionals and enthusiasts of Nordic architecture and design. Through exhibitions, installations and product launches across urban spaces and galleries, the festival highlights Scandinavian values of functionality, aesthetics and environmental responsibility.

Source: https://www.3daysofdesign.dk/

Oslo Architecture Triennale — Oslo

Opening 17 September 2026

The Oslo Architecture Triennale returns with a programme focused on the relationship between architecture, society and the environment. Known for its critical approach and strong public engagement, the event includes exhibitions, debates, installations and workshops addressing both global and local architectural practices.

Source: https://www.oslotriennale.no/journal/2026-date-and-venue-ready

Tallinn Architecture Biennale — Tallinn

9 September to 30 November 2026

The Tallinn Architecture Biennale positions the Estonian capital as a platform for dialogue between Northern European architecture and global contexts. The programme explores how climatic, historical and cultural challenges shape contemporary architecture and urbanism.

Source: https://2024.tab.ee/

Sharjah Architecture Triennial — Sharjah, UAE

November 2026 to April 2027

The Sharjah Architecture Triennial offers in-depth reflections on civic infrastructure and the social role of architecture, with a particular focus on urban transformations in the Middle East, Africa and the Global South. The programme includes installations, workshops and community-oriented initiatives.

Source: https://www.archdaily.com/1036637/the-architecture-agenda-inside-the-key-events-of-2026/69304bd0243c4d5a498762f0-the-architecture-agenda-inside-the-key-events-of-2026-image

Desert X AlUla — AlUla, Saudi Arabia

16 January to 14 February 2026

While strongly rooted in contemporary art, Desert X AlUla is architecturally relevant for its innovative use of landscape and built space as a medium for spatial installations. Artists and architects explore the relationship between territory, memory and innovation, contributing to broader discussions on cultural architecture.

Source: https://desertx.org/learn/news/desert-x-2026-alula

BIG Architecture & BIG SEE Festival — Portorož, Slovenia

May 2026

The BIG Architecture / BIG SEE Festival combines conference sessions, exhibitions, awards and a professional fair, addressing topics such as sustainability, construction economics, design ethics and emerging architectural trends. It has become a key meeting point for architecture professionals across Europe.

Source: https://bigsee.eu/page/11/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabnnTcmW5vRcCBeoYn4ASWc0kRyquEn2-GBVnRcexcnkVesOMDd3CrxA9s_aem_sG-DFIglcrWFo3HrucHs1g

World Urban Forum — Baku, Azerbaijan (2026)

Organised by UN-Habitat, the World Urban Forum (WUF) is the leading global platform for debate on sustainable urban development, bringing together architects, urban planners, researchers and decision-makers to address issues such as housing, climate resilience, mobility and social inclusion. The 2026 edition reinforces the role of architecture as a fundamental tool in shaping equitable, resilient and sustainable cities.

Source: https://www.archdaily.com/tag/world-urban-forum

Main Architecture Events in Portugal — 2026

Portugal will host several relevant architecture and construction events in 2026, reinforcing its position within the European architectural landscape.

1. Concreta 2026 — Porto

18 to 21 November 2026

Concreta is one of Portugal’s leading architecture and construction trade fairs, bringing together professionals from architecture, engineering, design and construction. The 2026 edition, under the theme Collaborative Construction for a Responsible Future, focuses on interdisciplinary solutions, sustainability and technological innovation. The event takes place at Exponor, Porto.

Source: https://exponor.pt/concreta/

2. Portuguese Archviz Conference (PAC) 2026

Scheduled for 2026, the Portuguese Archviz Conference will be the first national conference dedicated exclusively to architectural visualisation, real-time rendering and artificial intelligence applied to architecture and design, fostering dialogue between studios, professionals, academia and technology brands.

3. IX International Conference on the History of Architecture

16 to 18 April 2026

The conference brings together researchers, academics, and professionals to discuss key topics in the history and theory of architecture. The event will feature lectures, paper presentations, and roundtable discussions, fostering the exchange of knowledge on architectural traditions, heritage, and contemporary approaches to historical research. It offers a unique opportunity to stay updated on new perspectives and emerging trends in the historiography of architecture in Portugal.

4. Local Exhibitions and Urban Architecture Programmes

In addition to major events, exhibitions dedicated to architects such as Álvaro Siza and Aires Mateus, as well as urban intervention programmes across Portugal, will continue to enrich the national architectural agenda in 2026, reinforcing Portugal’s contribution to global architectural discourse.

A Year of Dialogue, Reflection and Transformation in Architecture

The architecture calendar of 2026 reflects a discipline in transformation, where international forums and local initiatives converge to address environmental, social and technological challenges. From the UIA World Congress of Architects in Barcelona to specialised design fairs and urban forums, professionals are offered numerous opportunities to exchange knowledge, expand networks and influence future practices. In Portugal, events such as Concreta and PAC further strengthen the country’s role as a platform for professional development and innovation.

Aligned with this international landscape, MJARC recognises these events as essential spaces for engaging with critical thinking, territorial responsibility and informed innovation. Staying connected to global debates and emerging architectural trends is fundamental to ensuring relevance, rigor and long-term impact in contemporary architectural practice.

Contact MJARC to develop architecture projects grounded in conceptual rigor, contemporary vision and an integrated response to today’s challenges.