City Space Architecture was a key partner, together with UN-Habitat, the International Forum of Urbanism (IFoU), and the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), in an amazing programme of public space events at the UIA – International Union of Architects World Congress of Architects, taking place in Barcelona from 28 June to 2 July 2026, titled “Becoming. Architectures for a planet in transition”. The Congress brought together more than 200 speakers across over 100 sessions on eight stages over three days, and the exhibition Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition. transformed the turbine hall of the Sant Adrià de Besòs power plant — the iconic Three Chimneys building — into a space for architectural experimentation, research, and exchange, expanding the Congress content into a 4,000 m² exhibition.
During the open symposium on June 30, our Founder and President Dr Luisa Bravo launched the special issue of our The Journal of Public Space on “Rethinking Public Space Evaluation. Frameworks, Indicators, Impact (for Sustainable Urban-Rural Futures)” developed in partnership with UIA Public Spaces Work Programme, led by Thomas Chung (Hong Kong) and Natalia Brener (Uruguay). Our members Dr Jacek Ludwig Scarso, Dr Sebnem Hoskara and Dr Hendrik Tieben together with our affiliated Robin Abad Ocubillo took part in the round table discussion and the expert group meeting and lead the exchange with other public space experts and the audience.
Tha UIA Public Spaces Work Programme launched the Global Evaluation Instrument on “How to protect, assess and enhance the performace of public space” (in English and Spanish).
We are also very proud of the ongoing collaboration with UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) and its Global Public Space Network, as well as with Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) and its European Prize for Urban Public Space. These collaborations were a key component of the Expert Group Meeting, aimed at advancing discussions on inclusive public space governance, with particular reference to SDG 11.7: by 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
Read the news on the website of the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), European Prize for Urban Public Space here.
