Created by the UIA in 1985, World Architecture Day is celebrated each year on the first Monday of October, in parallel with the United Nations’ World Habitat Day.

The theme of World Habitat Day 2026 is “Adequate Housing for All”, drawing attention to the global housing crisis. Within this context, the UIA Council has chosen “Housing is a Human Right. Build It.” as the theme for World Architecture Day 2026, to be marked on Monday 5 October 2026.

This theme aligns with global efforts to advance sustainable development and ensure access to adequate housing for all. Through this theme, the UIA calls on architects to advance equitable access to housing through design, research, and advocacy. Access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing remains out of reach for millions of people, with direct consequences for health, dignity, and inclusion.

Key Messages

• De huisvestingscrisis: one of the most pressing challenges facing cities and communities worldwide.
• Housing is a right, not a luxury: access to adequate housing must be recognised as a fundamental right. Architecture contributes to making this right a reality.
• The architects’ role: architects are called to engage beyond design practice, contributing to discussions on housing policy, affordability, and equitable access to the built environment.
• Towards concrete solutions: addressing the housing crisis requires practical, sustainable and context-responsive approaches, including the development of inclusive housing models and the reuse of existing building stock.

To mark UIA World Architecture Day, Corinne Girard Young en Sebastien von Oppen, co-chairs of the ACE Urban Transformation & Housing Working Group, together with ACE President Daniel Fügenschuh, highlight the essential role of architecture in delivering affordable, high-quality housing.

“Across Europe, inspiring housing projects show that affordability, sustainability and architectural quality can go hand in hand. At ACE, we are engaging with European institutions to bring architects’ expertise into housing policy discussions. Drawing on these examples, we advocate for solutions that meet people’s needs, strengthen communities and ensure equitable access to quality homes.” 

Daniel Fügenschuh, ACE President

“Right to housing. A human right. A Home. A Community. A Future. A Home for Everyone. A Future for All.”

Corinne GIRARD YOUNG,  Chair of ACE Urban Transformation & Housing Workgroup

“Urban and architectural quality is not a luxury reserved for expensive projects. Well-designed buildings are essential to providing affordable and qualityhousing. European Architects have the expertise and the commitment to develop durable & high-quality solutions to the housing crisis.” 

Sebastien von Oppen, Chair of ACE Urban Transformation & Housing Workgroup

Prague Declaration: Affordable and Quality Housing for all

Adopted in 2025 on the occasion of the conference “Affordable and Quality Housing for All”, co-organised with the Czech Chamber of Architects (CKA), this ACE Housing Europe joint statement sets out four key priorities for policymakers and stakeholders:

1. Housing as a Human Right and Public Asset Housing must be treated as a public good — not a speculative asset. Policies should embed the Right to Adequate Housing in all EU and national frameworks, support community-led and cooperative housing, and strengthen participatory design and planning.

2. Renovatie eerst: Van sloop tot hergebruik en verzorging Met miljoenen leegstaande woningen en onderbenutte gebouwen ligt de grootste kans in het revitaliseren van wat we al hebben. ACE en Housing Europe pleiten voor fiscale stimulansen en financiële kaders die prioriteit geven aan adaptief hergebruik en stadsvernieuwing.

3. Kwaliteit door ontwerp: Huisvesting die het welzijn verbetert Affordable housing must not compromise on quality. Good design ensures resilience, health and long-term social value. ACE and Housing Europe advocate for EU-wide quality benchmarks and procurement systems that reward life-cycle performance over lowest-cost bids.

4.Innovatie en digitalisering: Tools voor schaalbare, duurzame huisvesting

Digitalisering in de hele waardeketen van de bouw is van essentieel belang voor het leveren van betaalbare, hoogwaardige huisvesting en bouw buiten de bouwplaats wordt erkend als een essentiële strategie om de levering van huisvesting te versnellen, afval en kosten te beheersen en de bouwkwaliteit te verbeteren.