From 1981 to 2026, across sixteen editions, INTERARCH has established Sofia as a global meeting place for architectural ideas, innovation, and dialogue.
Founded in 1981 in Sofia, Bulgaria, as the World Architecture Biennale, INTERARCH is one of Europe’s longest-standing international architectural forums and the most distinguished event of its kind in Southeastern Europe. Over more than four decades, the forum has evolved into an Architecture Triennale, bringing together leading architects, urban planners, educators, students, and cultural institutions from around the world.
Through professional exchange, critical reflection, creative exploration, and international collaboration, INTERARCH has created a lasting platform for discussing architecture’s role in shaping cities, communities, cultures, and the future of the built environment.
Join us in October 2026 for the sixteenth edition of INTERARCH in Sofia.
Program & Speakers
Day 1 — 15 October 2026
Opening of Exhibitions
The opening day will feature:
- Exhibition of the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE)
Good examples of the regeneration of the built environment in Europe - INTERARCH 2026 Architecture Exhibition & Competition
A presentation of architectural projects across different fields of practice. The competition will recognize excellence through non-monetary awards. Detailed requirements and submission information will be announced soon. - INTERARCH Historical Exhibition
A retrospective exhibition tracing the history and evolution of the forum since its foundation in 1981.
Day 2 — 16 October 2026
International Conference
Sede: University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG)
Aula Maxima
1 Hristo Smirnenski Blvd., Sofia
Please note: The program is preliminary and subject to change.
09:00–10:00
Registration
10:00–11:00
Opening Ceremony
Welcome addresses by official representatives and guests from Bulgaria and abroad.
11:00–13:00
Panel 1 — European Policies on Cities and Urban Planning
Speakers:
- Daniel Fuegenschuh (Austria) — President of the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE)
Introduction to European Policies in Architecture - Representative of the European Commission
Introduction to the New European Bauhaus - Carlos Moreno (Colombia/France) — TBC
The “15-Minute City” Concept - José Luis Cortés (Mexico) — Former President of UIA
Circular Economy and Architecture - Bulgarian Lecturer — To be announced
- Bulgarian Lecturer — To be announced
13:00–14:30
Lunch Break
14:30–16:35
Panel 2 — Sustainability, Affordable Housing, Healthy Communities, and Public Spaces
Speakers:
- Didier Vancutsem (Germany)
Sustainability, Landscape Architecture, and Systems Thinking - Jean-Philippe Vassal (France), Lacaton & Vassal — TBC
Pritzker Prize 2021 Laureates: Approaches to Transformative Architecture - Eugen Panescu (Romania)
Affordable Housing Policies and European Strategies for Implementation in Architecture - Henning Lensch (Germany)
Healthcare Architecture and Healthy Public Spaces - Yasmin Shariff (United Kingdom)
“Critical Architecture, Nature and Magic: Transformational Design for Recovery”
16:35–17:30
Panel 3 — Round Table Discussion
Architectural Competitions as a Condition for High-Quality Built Environments and Urban Spaces
Moderator: Daniel Fuegenschuh, President of ACE
17:30–18:00
Closing Ceremony & Awards Presentation
Presentation of awards by the jury of the INTERARCH 2026 exhibition competition.
19:30
Farewell Reception
Venue: Central House of Architects
11 Krakra Street, Sofia
Day 3 — 17 October 2026
Architectural & Cultural Visits
Participants will visit significant Bulgarian architectural and historical sites.
Details to be announced soon.
For the full program and updates:
https://bularch.eu/interarch-en/tab/agenda/
