03.07.2026
The world of architecture gets involved in volunteering at the UIA World Congress in Barcelona
The World Congress of the International Union of Architects (UIA), held at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), was supported by a team of 30 volunteers, organised by the Fundació COAC. The group provided support throughout the three days of the Congress, a total of 30 hours of continuous activity.
The volunteer team brought together people aged between 20 and 69, with a profile made up mainly of undergraduate architecture students, although master’s students, recent graduates, practising architects and one retired architect — who had also volunteered at the 1996 congress — also took part. This diversity of generations and career stages made it possible to combine the energy and outlook of the newer generations with the experience of established professionals.
Between them, the volunteers spoke up to nine different languages, a key asset given the international nature of the Congress, which welcomed more than 10,000 participants from around the world. Over the three days of the event, the team took on a range of tasks: welcoming delegates, visitor assistance, support with itineraries, and helping with the general organisation of the Congress.
The volunteering programme forms part of the mission of the SOC COAC and the Fundació COAC to support architects throughout their entire professional journey, from their early years of training to the end of their career. Initiatives like this allow students and professionals to take an active part in a leading international event, a space for debate and knowledge-sharing.
Participation in the UIA Congress has also helped to build new networks among students, young architects and established professionals, strengthening a sense of belonging to the Catalan architectural community. This initiative also forms part of the spirit of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), proclaimed by the United Nations, which calls on all organisations — including the academic and professional spheres — to promote and recognise volunteering as a force for social transformation.
Through this experience, the Fundació COAC strengthens its role as a structure of support and cohesion for the architectural community, while also projecting its image to the international community gathered in Barcelona over these past few days.
Volunteer team for the UIA World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. Photo © Fundació COAC / Pau de la Calle