The organization committee of the UIA2021RIO World Congress of Architects has shared details about its new hybrid format ensuring global reach and access. 

Previously, the UIA2020RIO was postponed by one year to 18-22 July 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The global event was originally planned to attract some 20,000 professionals, including outstanding speakers such as Portugal's Eduardo Souto de Moura, Diébédo Francis Kéré, Elizabeth de Portzamparc, Solano Benitez, Tatiana Bilbao. 

Now, the UIA2021RIO has restructured its event as a hybrid format combining virtual sessions with live, on-site events, according to its press release. 

Promoted by the International Union of Architects (UIA) since 1948, the World Congress of Architects will take place for the first time in Brazil. It is organized as a privileged forum for professionals and future leaders in architecture and related fields. An event that will discuss the future of cities and the city of the future.

A press statement emphasized that "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."

"The most outstanding World Congress of Architects in recent times"

In the months leading up to the Congress, international speakers and seminars will delve into the Congress theme, titled 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.

"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," according to Nivaldo Andrade, IAB (Institute of Architects of Brazil) Vice President of Relations UIA2021RIO."

He added 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.

The main events of the UIA2021RIO, including the opening ceremony, will be held in downtown Rio de Janeiro, which, among several attractions, brings together some of the most celebrated buildings in the city, representing from colonial to contemporary architecture.

The headquarters of UIA2021RIO will be Píer Mauá, a historic set of port warehouses that, after a vigorous revitalization project, today is an area dedicated to major events.

The digital version of the Congress will start in March, with the first virtual conferences. In July, face-to-face event will also be broadcast digitally to the entire world.

For more information and registration, visit the Congress website. 

You can follow the Congress' Youtube Channel for discussions. 

All images courtesy of UIA2021RIO.

> via UIA2021RIO