World Architecture Day 2025: The Meaning of Design for Strength

Celebrated on the first Monday of October, World Architecture Day honors the art and science of designing human spaces. Established in 1949 and aligned with the UN World Habitat Day in 1996 by the International Union of Architects (UIA), it recognizes not only the discipline itself but also the vital role architects play in building a more harmonious, sustainable, and inclusive world.

In 2025, the theme “Design for Strength” highlights architecture’s ability to foster resilience: buildings that withstand the test of time, cities that adapt, and communities that find refuge and connection in the built environment. The strength referred to goes beyond structures—it is also human, creative, and symbolic, reflecting architects’ commitment to a balanced and inspiring future.

Architects act as mediators between people and their environment, interpreting collective needs and shaping urban life. Every project carries the responsibility to promote well-being, beauty, and sustainability—principles that define today’s cities and envision tomorrow’s.

EDP New Headquarters | ELEMENTAL | © Francisco Nogueira

OTIIMA shares this vision, reaffirming its commitment to natural light. Our solutions, which blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, make light the centerpiece of every space. Minimalist framing systems represent innovation, transparency, and the intimate connection between people and their surroundings.

In this way, OTIIMA translates architectural philosophy into designs that honor light, materials, and simplicity, fostering human-centered and authentic architecture, where each project is a dialogue between technology, nature, and sensitivity.

Yuputira| Mariko Mori | © courtesy of Mariko Mori

On this World Architecture Day, we celebrate those who transform the world with vision and courage. May “Design for Strength” inspire the creation of spaces that endure, illuminate, and welcome, reminding us that the true power of architecture lies in its ability to touch lives with beauty, light, and meaning.

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Compare products easily by analyzing features and specifications side by side to find the best option for your needs.

thermal-transmittance

Thermal Transmittance

watertightness

Watertightness

air-permeability

Air permeability

wind-resistance

Wind resistance

resistance

Impact resistance

insulation

Sound insulation

security

Security

thermal-transmittance

Thermal Transmittance

Uw Ug = 1,0 (38mm)
Uw Ug = 0.5 (54mm)

watertightness

Watertightness

ISO EN 12208 + ISO EN 1027

E1200 (54mm)

(4 classes above 9A) 1

air-permeability

Air permeability

ISO EN 12207 + ISO EN 1026

Class 4

(600 Pa or 119 Km/h) 1 2

wind-resistance

Wind resistance

ISO EN 12210 + ISO EN 12211

Class C5

(in 6 possible classes) 2

resistance

Impact resistance

ISO EN 12600 + ISO EN 1630

Class 5

(2000 Pa or 200 Km/h)

insulation

Sound insulation

ISO EN 10140 + ISO EN 717

Rw: 42 db (up to)
security

Security

ISO EN 1628 + ISO EN 1629 + ISO EN 1630

RC2: (WK2)

3

thermal-transmittance

Thermal Transmittance

Uw Ug = 1,0 (38mm)
Uw Ug = 0.5 (54mm)
Uw Ug = 0.47 (62mm)

watertightness

Watertightness

ISO EN 12208 + ISO EN 1027

E1200

(7 classes above 9A) 1

air-permeability

Air permeability

ISO EN 12207 + ISO en 1026

Class 4

(600 Pa or 110 Km/h) 1

wind-resistance

Wind resistance

ISO EN 12210 + ISO EN 12211

Class B5

(2000 Pa or 200 Km/h) 1

resistance

Impact resistance

ISO EN 12600 + ISO EN 1630

Class 5 (38mm / 54mm)

1C1 | 2B2 | 1B1 2 (62mm)

insulation

Sound insulation

ISO EN 10140 + ISO EN 717

Rw: 42 db (up to) (38mm / 54mm)

Rw: 44 db (up to) (62mm)

security

Security

ISO EN 1628 + ISO EN 1629 + ISO EN 1630

RC2: (WK2)

3

thermal-transmittance

Thermal Transmittance

Uw Ug = 1.0 (38mm)
Uw Ug = 0.5 (54mm)

watertightness

Watertightness

ISO EN 12208 + ISO EN 1027

E1650

(7 Clases superior a 9A) 1

air-permeability

Air permeability

ISO EN 12207 + ISO EN 1026

Class 4

(600 Pa or 110 Km/h) 1

wind-resistance

Wind resistance

ISO EN 12210 + ISO EN 12211

Class C5

(2000 Pa or 200 Km/h) 1

resistance

Impact resistance

ISO EN 12600 + ISO EN 1630

Class 5
insulation

Sound insulation

ISO EN 10140 + ISO EN 717

Rw: 42 db (up to)
security

Security

ISO EN 1628 + ISO EN 1629 + ISO EN 1630

RC2: (WK2)

2

thermal-transmittance

Thermal Transmittance

Uw Ug = 0.7 (38mm)
Uw Ug = 0.7 (54mm)

watertightness

Watertightness

ISO EN 12208 + ISO EN 1027

Class 8A

(450 Pa or 95 km/h)

air-permeability

Air permeability

ISO EN 12207 + ISO en 1026

Class 3

(600 Pa or 110 Km/h)

wind-resistance

Wind resistance

ISO EN 12210 + ISO EN 12211

Class C5

(2000 Pa or 200 Km/h)

resistance

Impact resistance

ISO EN 12600 + ISO EN 1630

Class 5

(in 6 possible classes)

insulation

Sound insulation

ISO EN 10140 + ISO EN 717

Rw: 38 db (up to)
security

Security

RC2: (WK2) 2

RC2: (WK2)

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