The UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 took place in Barcelona from June 28 to July 2, offering a unique international forum for architectural dialogue that brought together world-renowned professionals, researchers, and leading figures from various disciplines. Convened by the International Union of Architects (UIA), the event was organized by the Superior Council of the Architects’ Associations of Spain (CSCAE). For the second time in its history, Barcelona was the host city, a distinction that also led to its designation by UNESCO as the 2026 World Capital of Architecture.
Within this transformative context, themed “Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition,” Roca, a global leader in bathroom solutions, took a leading role as a Main Partner.
The centerpiece of Roca’s participation was the presentation of its revolutionary prefabricated bathroom systems. This industrialized solution transforms how bathrooms are designed, manufactured, and installed in residential, hospitality, and healthcare projects. Each module is a complete unit, manufactured and tested in a controlled factory environment, integrating the structure, technical systems, finishes, and products. This process, which runs parallel to the building’s construction, promises to be a game-changer.
This industrialized solution offers significant advantages: it optimizes project planning, reduces on-site complexity and labor, and consequently, significantly shortens construction timelines while increasing overall efficiency. Furthermore, modularity does not mean standardization; each solution can be customized in terms of size, layout, materials, and finishes to meet the specific requirements of each project.
To unveil this innovation, Roca hosted the “Roca Design Day” on June 29-30 at the Roca Barcelona Gallery. The event featured a conference by Marianthi Tatari and Ren Yee of UNStudio, who explored how modular construction is paving the way for more efficient and sustainable building practices. The discussion provided the ideal backdrop for presenting the prefabricated bathroom systems, highlighting how the bathroom is evolving into a regenerative environment that supports health and well-being.
As Marc Viardot, Corporate Marketing and Design Director of the Roca Group, highlighted: “Modular construction is accelerating the implementation of innovations in the built environment. Through dialogue with leading architects and designers, we are examining how integrated bathroom spaces can enhance people’s regeneration rituals and well-being.” With this initiative, Roca not only presented a product but also actively contributed to the discussion on the future of living.
