Barcelona shops have until 15 August to register for Aparadors d'arquitectura, a City Council initiative that will place professional architectural scale models in participating shop windows from 3 to 10 October.

For shop owners, the scheme offers a temporary street-facing display during the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2026 programme and the European Capital of Local Commerce celebrations. The Council says the aim is to bring architectural design into everyday neighbourhood life through public-facing, temporary exhibitions.

Participating businesses must apply through the official form named in the City Council announcement. The exhibition dates coincide with World Architecture Day.

Street visibility, lighting and care required

The City Council has set conditions for shops seeking to take part. Establishments must have a space visible from the street and must look after and light the models supplied by architecture studios.

  • Registration closes on 15 August.
  • Models will be displayed from 3 to 10 October.
  • Shop windows must be visible from the street.
  • Businesses must ensure the models are properly conserved and illuminated.

The Barcelona 2026 Technical Office will assign the models. According to the Council, it will give preference to a match between the shop and architecture practice that is geographically close, and between the type of business and the project displayed.

Part of Barcelona's 2026 architecture programme

Barcelona has been named UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2026. The City Council's World Capital of Architecture programme schedules activities across the city's districts and focuses on architecture, urban planning and landscaping.

Interested shop owners should submit their registration through the official form before the 15 August deadline and ensure their proposed display space meets the street-visibility, lighting and conservation requirements.

Primary sources: barcelona.cat, Barcelona City Council, barcelona.cat, upc.edu. Reported by Source Text Link, Laura Cases Badia, miesbcn.com, Diari Catalunya.