Design for Strength
2025
Created by the UIA in 1985, World Architecture Day is celebrated each year on the first Monday of October, in parallel with the United Nations’ World Habitat Day.
The theme of the 2025 World Habitat Day will be linked to urban crisis response. Within this context, the UIA Council has chosen the theme “Design for Strength” for this year’s World Architecture Day that will be celebrated on Monday 6 October 2025.
Design for Strength
Through this theme, the UIA calls on architects around the world to look beyond short-term solutions and embrace approaches that reinforce the ability of the built environment to withstand, adapt, and be rebuilt. Architecture should do more than provide shelter; it must also support equity, continuity, and resilience, especially in times of disruption and crisis.
Key Messages:
- Strength in design: Our built environment must embody durability, resilience, and cultural sensitivity to support communities.
- A platform for resilience: The built environment plays an important role in protecting and rebuilding communities following human or natural disasters.
- Sustainable rebuilding: Design for strength encompasses the ability to repair, restore, and adapt our built environment using environmentally responsible materials and methods.
Get Involved
The UIA invites architects to explore the theme “Design for Strength” through initiatives such as lectures, exhibitions, and webinars to raise public awareness.
The Union encourages its Member Sections to showcase examples of innovative and inclusive design for crisis-affected areas, share knowledge and best practices in resilience-focused architecture, and promote architectural education that prepares the next generation of architects to address the complex challenges of our rapidly changing world.
To help amplify these efforts, the UIA asks all Member Sections to send information about the activities they will carry out for World Architecture Day by 15 September to news@uia-architectes.org.
These contributions will be featured on the UIA website and social media as part of our global showcase of initiatives aligned with this year’s theme.