The 2009 World Architecture Festival kicked off in Barcelona today and the event, now in its second year, celebrates the work, concerns and aspirations of international architects.

The curators have masterminded the exhibition and seminar programme to respond to the common festival umbrella theme; 'Less Does More', which in reflection of the current global economic climate will examine the challenges facing architects to produce more value for less cost. Two further themes featured at the festival include ‘The Cities’, which explores the important and interesting cities from around the world, looking at their governance, economies and the contributions architects make to them.  The other, ‘Barcelona Now’ will be discussing how Barcelona continues to make itself a world leader in new architecture and urban design and what is in the future pipeline.

Some of the world’s leading architects will be presenting keynote sessions during the festival, plus, running alongside the main seminars is the world’s largest architectural awards programme - the World Architecture Festival Awards - where some of the best architects in the world will be competing for the ultimate accolade of World Building of the Year 2009. Rafael Viñoly is chair of the ‘super-jury’ which will choose the winner from 15 finalists announced at an awards ceremony at the end of the festival on Friday 6th November.

From tomorrow, M.E. will be taking a closer look at the contenders as the festival unfolds and bringing you related news from event right here, so keep coming back...