Barcelona 2026: 'From Party Walls to Facades' Exhibition

The 'From Party Walls to Facades' exhibition at Barcelona 2026, the World Capital of Architecture, delves into the often overlooked yet impactful party walls that divide properties in urban spaces. Although these walls do not contribute much to the building's external appearance, urban planning changes may expose them to public view permanently. This exposure can create significant visual impacts and structural issues within affected buildings and their neighborhoods. To address these urban discontinuities, the Barcelona Party Wall Renovation Plan was initiated twenty-five years ago to create new facades that harmonize with the urban landscape. As part of the preparations for Barcelona’s designation as UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture in 2026, the Mies van der Rohe Foundation and the Barcelona City Council are launching an international competition to redesign ten party walls across the city. This project calls on the global community of emerging architects to participate, with