AccessibleEU European Event - Accessibility´s Achievements and Challenges in Contemporary Architecture and Urban Planning (26-WS-EU-02)

Barcelona has been designated World Capital of Architecture 2026 by the International Union of Architects (UIA), coinciding with the UIA World Congress of Architects taking place in June 2026. In this context, the collaboration between UIA and AccessibleEU acquires exceptional strategic value.

AccessibleEU, as the European Commission’s Resource Centre on Accessibility, plays a fundamental role in promoting universal accessibility across Europe by gathering knowledge, generating evidence, disseminating good practices and strengthening capacities across sectors involved in designing accessible environments, products and services.

At a time when Europe is moving towards a more demanding regulatory framework—driven by the European Accessibility Act, the European Disability Strategy 2021–2030 and international human rights commitments—accessibility has become a structural element of architectural and urban design. This joint UIA–AccessibleEU event will explore how universal accessibility can be integrated into all phases of architectural and urban planning, highlight international good practices, and reflect on the role of architecture in guaranteeing rights, autonomy and participation for persons with disabilities and an increasingly diverse and ageing population.

Details on the event:

• Target audience: Architects, urban planners and built environment professionals, public administrations and planning authorities, experts in accessibility, universal design and mobility, universities, architecture schools and research centres, organisations of persons with disabilities, companies in construction, technology and design and media specialised in architecture, urbanism and social innovation.
• When: Monday, 29 June 2026. 14.00 - 16.00 CEST
• Format: Hybrid. Join the livestream here
• Where: Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB). Rooms 127 & 128.  Plaça de Willy Brandt, 11-14, Sant Martí, 08019 Barcelona
• Type of event: Workshops and mutual learning sessions
• Language: English
• Accessibility information: Accessible venue. Captioning in English. International Sign.
• How to participate: Free registration