Every year the International Union of Architects (UIA) reminds the globe to celebrate World Architecture Day (WAD). However, like most annual holidays that generate a large amount of interest within a 24-hour period, but quickly fade away as the day ends, there’s hope that this year’s festivities will be longer-lived. Which makes sense: With the profession’s laundry list of existential concerns—climate change, equity in practice, and goals for decarbonizing the built environment—seemingly never-ending,

The International Union of Architects (UIA), representing the world’s 3.2 million architects, announces the theme of World Architecture Day 2020 (Monday, 5 October 2020): “Toward a better urban future.”

Just as it is reshaping social customs and spaces all across the world, the global pandemic is revealing once again how crises affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations disproportionately.

In far too many of the world’s cities, people cannot follow safe practices, simply because they lack clean water and air, and even space itself. Urban policies must ensure adequate services, shelter, and recreational space for all citizens. Urban planning, design, and architecture are critical to a better urban future for all.

“Urban design and architecture are keys to a better quality of life for everyone.”

The UIA and its member countries will mobilize on 5 October 2020 to show how urban design and architecture can make our communities strong, safe, equitable, and affordable — how they can move us toward a better urban future.

HAPPY WORLD ARCHITECTURE DAY