Architectural Cases

Harmonizing Heritage with Contemporary Living: A Prague Apartment Transformed

Architectural Evolution: Adapting a Historic Residence for Modern Life

The core of this architectural undertaking was the extensive refurbishment of an apartment situated within a building dating back to the late 1930s in Prague. This specific property offered unparalleled vistas of the Vltava River. The primary objective was to refashion the interior layout to accommodate the requirements of a young family, ensuring that the inherent character and advantages of the original design were both retained and enhanced. A distinct design brief included the incorporation of a dedicated storage area for bicycles, catering to the active lifestyle of the residents.

Barcelona is set to host the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 (UIA2026BCN) from June 28 to July 2, 2026, bringing the international architectural community back to the city after over thirty years. The congress, themed 'Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition,' is expected to attract around 10,000 attendees from more than 130 countries, including professionals, scholars, and students. The event will take place across various venues along the Mediterranean seafront, including the notable Three Chimneys complex, thereby transforming the city itself into an active platform for dialogue, debate, and public engagement.

The Congress program is structured around six thematic pillars over three main days, from June 29 to July 1, guiding its content and discussions. Each theme will be explored through half-day sessions incorporating lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and research presentations. The six axes—Becoming More-than-human, Becoming Circular, Becoming Embodied, Becoming Interdependent, Becoming Hyper-Conscious, and Becoming Attuned—offer a comprehensive exploration of architecture's interaction with environmental systems, material practices, governance structures, and cultural production. These themes reflect the evolving ways the discipline addresses global challenges and the shifts in its engagement with societal needs.

Sessions on June 29 will delve into ecological frameworks and resource-conscious approaches, featuring discussions on Becoming More-than-human and Becoming Circular. Prominent figures will explore the relationship between architecture and environmental systems, viewing design as integral to broader ecological processes. Later sessions will focus on reuse and circularity, with contributions from leading architects and discussions on strategies to extend building lifespans and minimize demolition. On June 30, the program will pivot to construction processes and social frameworks, under the themes Becoming Embodied and Becoming Interdependent. Experts will present material research and climate-responsive building methods, often rooted in local contexts. Other participants will highlight low-impact construction and earth-based techniques, while others will reflect on the spatial and expressive qualities of materials. The afternoon will shift to housing, policy, and collective living, including economic perspectives and urban-scale considerations. The final day, July 1, will address global systems and cultural dimensions through Becoming Hyper-Conscious and Becoming Attuned. Sessions will examine the impact of digital technologies, data, and geopolitics on architectural practice, extending discussions to labor, governance, and global infrastructures. Closing sessions will explore the experiential and cultural aspects of architecture, featuring contributions from acclaimed architects and discussions on the work of recent Pritzker Prize winners.

The UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 in Barcelona serves as a powerful testament to architecture's crucial role in shaping a sustainable and equitable future. By fostering global collaboration, critical thinking, and innovative approaches, this event inspires a generation of professionals to design spaces that not only meet functional needs but also enrich lives, respect the environment, and promote social harmony. It reminds us that architecture is more than just buildings; it is a profound reflection of our collective aspirations and our commitment to progress.