Around 5000 architects and architecture students arrived in Berlin from all over the world for the twentieth edition of the World Architects Congress, running from 22 to 26 July.

An important event that this year centres the debate around the theme “Architecture as a resource”, in other words the responsibilities and qualifications required for the design of our environment and for sustainable building in the urban context. There were also plans for the appearance of some big names from the world of architecture, an undeniable pull for many and which were to help bring the message to the world that president of the UIA Vassilis Sgoutas hoped to impart from Berlin. (“The world awaits a message from Berlin. Let us show that we care and can provide a better world”.)

Expectations were not met however, American architect Peter Eisenman created a hole in the opening ceremony of the congress supposedly as a result of a delayed flight and Dominique Perrault – designer of amongst other things the underground cycle track in Berlin – cancelled her participation in the session on sport and culture.

Luckily Lord Foster stayed true to his promise to present the TAG McLaren project in Woking together along with the president of the company Ron Dennis, and also received a UIA medal. To the joy of the students, who practically jumped on him after the meeting and kept him back for around ten minutes to take photos and get autographs. Just like a sports star.

https://www.uia-berlin2002.com