For eight days, approximately 100 commercial establishments across the city's ten districts will host around 120 models from 70 architecture firms. The initiative, named Architectural Shop Windows, is part of the celebration of World Architecture Day on Monday, October 5th, aiming to bring architecture closer to the public.
This street exhibition will showcase diverse project typologies, from public facilities and housing buildings to renovations and urban interventions, highlighting the creative process of architects and their contribution to the city's transformation.
The event holds special significance in 2026, the year Barcelona holds the dual titles of World Capital of Architecture and European Capital of Local Commerce. World Architecture Day, promoted by the International Union of Architects (UIA), this year carries the international theme “Housing is a Human Right. Build It.”, focusing on the right to adequate housing.
The convergence of these two capitalities celebrates local businesses not just as economic hubs but as centers of social interaction and urban life, turning shop windows into a network of neighborhood cultural spaces fostering new connections between architects, merchants, and residents.
The exhibition can be explored via an online map detailing participating shops, displayed models, and their creators. Additionally, 18,000 informative postcards about the projects have been printed and will be available for free at the participating establishments.
