Barcelona, January 10 – UNESCO-UIA has officially designated Barcelona as the World Capital of Architecture for 2026. This prestigious title coincides with the city’s role as host for the International Union of Architects’ World Congress of Architects in the same year. Throughout 2026, all ten districts of the city will feature a comprehensive program of architectural outreach activities aimed at engaging the entire citizenry.
Fort Pienc Island to Host Inaugural Celebration
The Fort Pienc Island building, located in the Eixample District, has been selected as the headquarters for this significant event. It will also host the inauguration of the capital city status on Friday, February 6th, with a captivating vertical dance performance titled ‘Donde te miro y me veo’ (Where I look at you and see myself), presented by Compañía Sacude.
A Spectacular Vertical Dance Performance
The vertical dance show, a unique adaptation of ‘Donde te miro y me veo’, will take place on the facade of the Fort Pienc center on February 6th, 2026, with three scheduled performances at 6:00 PM, 7:15 PM, and 8:30 PM. The performance features two female bodies embodying the beauty and strength of water throughout its various stages in the water cycle, highlighting its essential role for life. The choreography symbolizes falling drops, intersecting streams, and a continuous river of movement.
Compañía Sacude: Pioneers in Vertical and Aerial Dance
Compañía Sacude, a Barcelona-based collective specializing in vertical and aerial dance, was founded in 2006 by Samuel Delgado. The company is renowned for its innovative approach, blending dance, theater, circus, music, audiovisuals, and poetry with cutting-edge technology. Their performances are often staged in vertical spaces, such as building facades or pipes, creating visually stunning and unique experiences for audiences. With a distinguished career that includes collaborations with La Fura dels Baus and projects at major international events, Compañía Sacude is celebrated for its originality, safety, and technical brilliance, delivering shows that combine elegance, energy, and surprise.
A Year-Long Celebration of Architecture
The 2026 designation promises a year filled with architectural exploration and engagement for Barcelona’s residents and visitors alike. The city’s commitment to showcasing its rich architectural heritage and fostering public appreciation for design will be evident through diverse events across its districts, culminating in the World Congress of Architects.
Source: https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/biblioteques/es/bibfortpienc/noticias/barcelona-capital-mundial-de-la-arquitectura-2026-1589355
