First Carbon-Neutral China Pavilion Opens at UIA Congress in Spain

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The 29th World Congress of Architects of the International Union of Architects (UIA) was held in Barcelona, Spain, from June 28 to July 2. The China Pavilion, curated by the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University (THAD), officially opened on June 29. Under the theme "Dynamic Visions of Contemporary Chinese Architecture," the pavilion was prepared over nearly three years under the guidance of an academic curatorial committee composed of 117 academicians, master architects, and renowned designers, presenting a panorama of the diverse coexistence of contemporary Chinese architectural styles.

UIA President Regina Gonthier praised the exhibition as "unprecedented in scale and exceptional in quality." Li Cundong, Secretary-General of the Architectural Society of China, noted that this pavilion is the first carbon-neutral China Pavilion in UIA Congress history. Xiu Long, President of the Architectural Society of China, announced that Beijing will host the congress again in 2029, highlighting that the participation of nearly 300 Chinese architects reflects the confidence of China's architectural industry. Liu Yulong, Chief Curator of the China Pavilion and Chairman of THAD, explained that the exhibition is organized around seven keywords: memory, nature, humanity, craftsmanship, harmony, homeland, and innovation. Academician Cui Kai invited architects from around the world to reconvene in Beijing in 2029.

Over 350 exhibits cover 11 thematic categories, including urban planning, public buildings, culture and arts, and rural revitalization. The exhibition themes address public welfare, urban renewal, sustainable green development, and the international expansion of Chinese architecture through overseas collaborations. The participating architects present diverse perspectives: some focus on regional climatic conditions and local materials, others explore structural innovation and spatial perception, and still others concentrate on urban public life, collectively outlining a true, multifaceted, and multi-dimensional picture of contemporary Chinese architecture.

During the congress, THAD organized a series of academic activities at the China Pavilion. The opening forum, "DVCA: Architects' Thought Relay at the China Pavilion," brought together over twenty architects, with core generational discussions on micro-intervention strategies in urban renewal, while younger architects presented explorations in low-carbon architecture and artificial intelligence-assisted design. Events such as the youth dialogue "Dynamic Visions, Voices of the Future" were held successively, with voices of multiple generations of architects converging at the China Pavilion.

The China Pavilion is the first carbon-neutral China Pavilion in UIA Congress history, with its entire carbon footprint offset through special emission certificates and internationally certified. The pavilion structure uses recyclable composite panels made from a blend of eucalyptus and pine wood fibers, incorporating reclaimed wood. Through digital media technology, Chinese architectural works are continuously displayed with dynamic visuals. Additionally, a self-developed cloud exhibition platform has been launched, enabling global online access.

Liu Yulong stated that DVCA does not aim to define Chinese architecture but rather to showcase its development direction. During the congress, the China Pavilion received over 6,000 on-site visitors, while the online cloud exhibition attracted more than 10,000 virtual visitors from dozens of countries and regions. This international dialogue continues to help the world understand the ideas and practices shaping contemporary Chinese architecture.