Beijing has been named as the world capital of architecture for 2029 by heritage organisation Unesco and the Union of International Associations.
The triennial award went to Barcelona in 2026, Copenhagen in 2023 and Rio de Janeiro in 2020.
The prize was made upon the recommendation of the Joint Committee for the World Capital of Architecture, chaired by Dominique Perrault, with the jury highlighting Beijing’s integration of sustainable urban development alongside its architectural heritage and historic urban fabric.
The theme of “Back to Balance” will see Beijing 2029 promote architecture as a bridge between culture, nature and people, with exhibitions, conferences, educational programmes and public events.
Khaled El-Enany, Unesco’s director general, said: “As we look towards Beijing 2029, we are confident that the city’s extraordinary architectural heritage, dynamic urban transformation, and forward-looking vision will inspire new international dialogue on the power of architecture in improving people’s lives and in safeguarding shared heritage for future generations.”
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