UIA2021RIO presents a hybrid congress programme

Beginning in March, you will be able to watch international speakers live and attend workshops and seminars from the confines of your home, as UIA2021RIO adds an extensive virtual dimension to its physical congress.

After UIA2021RIO was postponed last year due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we are happy to pass on the message that our ‘sister’ congress has just announced that they are adopting a hybrid approach to extend the congress’ global reach in these trying times.

Guided by the theme “All the Worlds. Just One World. Architecture 21.”, architects from all around the world will – regardless of the pandemic – be able to tune in to digital broadcasts from Rio. The preliminary virtual Congress will begin in March, where the sub-theme ‘Weaknesses and Inequalities’ will feature discussions on “social inclusion, definitions of the urban periphery, and a spotlight on favela architecture”. We are very excited to follow the work of our Brazilian Congress colleagues online!

Below, you can read the UIA2021RIO press release in full, or you can explore the programme – and the many ways you can participate – on the webiste of UIA2021RIO.

Press release:

This year’s UIA2021RIO World Congress of Architects— the planet’s largest international gathering of architects—will combine virtual sessions with live, on-site events. Given the varied and ever-changing travel restrictions across the world, Congress participants who cannot be in Rio de Janeiro will now be able to enjoy full access to a virtual Congress, including presentations by eminent speakers, live ceremonies, multiple seminars and workshops, exhibitions, design competitions, film series, and many other digital and live events.

Combining digital broadcasts with live events allows us to maintain the scope and magnitude of the Congress, while greatly expanding access to its content,” said Sérgio Magalhães, president of the Congress executive committee. “The digital and physical worlds have become contiguous and complementary,” added Thomas Vonier, president of the International Union of Architects, noting that “the hybrid format will enrich the Congress, with digital broadcasts from March onward, and live, in-person events from July 18 – 22 in Rio.”

In the months leading up to the Congress, international speakers and seminars will delve into the Congress theme All the Worlds. Just One World. Architecture 21. The month of March will focus on the sub-theme, Weaknesses and Inequalities, with discussions on social inclusion, definitions of the urban periphery, and a spotlight on favela architecture. The Congress will take up additional sub-themes in subsequent months.

According to Nivaldo Andrade, IAB (Institute of Architects of Brazil) Vice President of Relations UIA2021RIO, “the Executive Committee, together with its partners and stakeholders, has done its utmost to create the most outstanding World Congress of Architects in recent times”. He adds that a parallel digital programme is the best way to ensure access to valuable content for all.

The underlying themes of the Congress – the quest for solutions leading to a fairer and better-balanced world – address the major issues facing humankind and the planet, demonstrating how architecture and urban design can help to improve society and the environment.

For more information and registration, visit the Congress site.

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