WBA at the heart of the Cities Connection Project

As part of Barcelona World Capital of Architecture 2026, the city of Barcelona becomes a true hub for the European architectural scene with the exhibition “Cities Connection Project: 15 Years of Comparative Architecture.” This major event brings together 202 contemporary projects from various European cities and is part of an unprecedented dynamic of international exchange and collaboration.

WBA, a committed partner since 2018

Wallonie-Bruxelles Architecture has been a key partner of the Cities Connection Project since 2018. This edition marks the fourth exhibition developed jointly, confirming the strength and relevance of this collaboration.

Over the years, this partnership has generated concrete and lasting outcomes: collaborations between architecture firms, invitations to participate in international juries, and academic exchanges between institutions.

Beyond visibility, the Cities Connection Project has established itself as a true catalyst for professional connections. The strong participation of Belgian architects — 107 attendees present in Barcelona — highlights the importance of this platform for the architectural scene of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

An exhibition rooted in contemporary challenges

The exhibition offers a cross-cutting perspective on current urban transformations through five major themes:

• new ways of living,
• public space,
• reuse and densification,
• facilities and infrastructure,
• hybrid programs.

These themes reflect the major challenges facing our cities today and resonate particularly with the practices of Belgian architects, who are recognized for their ability to respond innovatively to social, environmental, and economic changes.

15 years of architectural connections

Founded in 2012, the Cities Connection Project has built an international network bringing together nearly 400 architecture firms and 70 institutions, linking Barcelona with territories such as Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

The exhibition unfolds in two parts:

• an archive timeline presenting more than 300 projects from previous editions,
• a selection of 202 recent projects, organized not by territory but by programmatic affinities, encouraging comparison across diverse contexts.

A dynamic platform for exchange

Beyond the exhibition itself, the event fully activates its role as a meeting platform. Nearly 150 international architects are taking part in an exchange program with 50 local firms, including:

• guided project visits led by their authors,
• critical tours across the city,
• debates and professional meetings.

The program will conclude with an event at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, reinforcing the cultural and international dimension of the initiative.

Practical information

• Venue: MUHBA Oliva Artés
• Dates: April 16 to June 10, 2026
• Opening: April 16 at 6:30 PM (free admission)

Through this renewed collaboration, WBA reaffirms its role as a key player in promoting the architecture of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation internationally. By engaging in the dynamic of the Cities Connection Project, it actively contributes to building connections, sharing practices, and shaping the cities of tomorrow.

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