The Sagrada Familia hosts the award ceremony of the 2026 Worldwide Architecture Congress - The Sagrada Familia hosts the award ceremony of the 2026 Worldwide Architecture Congress

The Basílica de la Sagrada Familia served as the venue for the presentation of the Gold Medal and the UIA Triennial Awards, one of the most significant moments of the 2026 International Architecture Congress. The event highlighted architectural excellence on a global scale and turned the basilica into a space of celebration for the international architectural community.

The event was attended by distinguished authorities, including Mr. António José Seguro, President of Portugal; Mr. Ernest Urtasun, Minister of Culture; Ms. Isabel Rodríguez, Minister of MIVAU; Mr. Salvador Illa, President of the Government of Catalonia; Mr. Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona; Ms. Regina Gonthier, President of the UIA; Ms. Sandra Bestraten, Dean of COAC; Ms. Marta Vall-llossera, President of CSCAE, as well as representatives from various architecture-related organizations, in a year in which Barcelona is the World Capital of Architecture.

The event was attended by the President of the Fundació Junta Constructora, Mr. Esteve Camps, as well as members of the Board of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família: Ms. Maria Rosa Alsina, Mr. Pere Alegrí, Mr. Joan Trias de Bes, Mr. Guillem López, Ms. Núria Vendrell and Ms. Laia Ros.

Recognition of the award winners

The UIA Triennial Awards honored architects and teams distinguished for their contributions in fields such as innovation, urban planning, technology, criticism, sustainability and social architecture. This year’s awardees include Cierto Estudio, Paola Viganò, Fetdeterra, Jacques Gubler, Song Yehao and caravatti_caravatti architetti.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the UIA Gold Medal, the organization’s highest distinction, which this year was awarded to Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura for his outstanding career and influence on contemporary architecture.

The event concluded with a group photo featuring all award winners and institutional representatives, bringing to a close an evening that positioned the basilica as a privileged venue for one of the most important events in global architecture.