leave no one behind: a look into UIA world congress' sustainable pavilions in copenhagen

UIA world Congress brings 15 sDG pavilions to Copenhagen

The 2023 edition of the International Union of Architects (UIA) World Congress brings 15 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) pavilions to Copenhagen. Aligned with the theme ‘Sustainable Futures – Leave No One Behind,’ these pavilions prioritize accessibility and responsible use of materials. After the exhibition, they will be recycled, reassembled, or reused, extending their lifespan. The pavilions showcase various architectural styles, ranging from arched brick constructions and plastic structures to a vibrant floating raft and the experimental housing program Living Places by VELUX. The innovative constructions are located in selected areas of the Danish capital, including its iconic harbor.

The UIA World Congress of Architecture is held from 2nd to 6th July 2023 and features a diverse range of activities and events. Renowned speakers include Anna Heringer, Bjarke Ingels, Carlo Ratti, Dorte Mandrup, Francis Kéré, Jeanne Gang, Jesica Amescua Carrera & Mariana Ordóñez Grajales, Junya Ishigami, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, Kunle Adeyemi, Lina Ghotmeh, Nathalie De Vries, Omar Gandhi, Yasmeen Lari, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, and many more. 

Bricks In Common by AART, Mangor & Nagel – part of AART, NOAA | image by Sandra Gonon, courtesy of City of Copenhagen (head image: the Raft by Studio Coquille, Tan & Blixenkrone | image by Anna Katrine Tan)

 Sustainable Solutions in UIA world Congress Pavilion Design

The SDG Pavilions are experimental projects specifically created for the 2023 World Capital of Architecture and the UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen (find more here). Each structure is the outcome of a collaborative effort involving architects, engineers, material producers, science institutions, associations, and foundations. Together, they aim to address the crucial aspects of future-oriented construction by aligning with one or more of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Similar to the diverse nature of the SDGs, which encompass social, economic, and environmental sustainability objectives, the SGD pavilions strive to tackle a wide range of challenges.

The pavilion designed by Architects Without Borders offers a reinterpretation of their real development project, the Bio-center which serves as a vital facility in a densely populated slum while also functioning as a social hub. In this innovative structure, the toilets are situated above a large underground tank that utilizes a natural process to convert human waste into combustible gas. Meanwhile, ‘Bricks in Common’ by AART and NOAA draws our attention to a paradoxical situation: although bricks have the potential for a long lifespan, they also require significant energy consumption during the production process.

Bricks In Common by AART, Mangor & Nagel – part of AART, NOAA | image by Sandra Gonon, courtesy of City of Copenhagen

sensory raft, tower of wind, and many more

The Raft, a collaboration between Studio Coquille and Tan & Blixenkrone, is an engaging sensory structure situated on one of the floating platforms in Copenhagen’s canal. Its purpose is to provide visitors with a direct and playful sensorial experience with the water. Inspired by underwater sea animals and incorporating sailboat geometries and techniques, this structure captures the water’s movements and transforms them into a vibrant, living entity through its colorful roof.

The Tower of Wind, created by Anna Maria Indrio, Henning Frederiksen, Christian Fogh, and Simone Aaberg Kærn, stands as a monument celebrating sustainable architecture. It offers the public a journey through the history of meteorology and provides insights into how future technologies can address climate challenges. Additionally, the From 4 to 1 Planet pavilion aims to reduce the climate impact of residential buildings to one-fourth of the current level.

To find a comprehensive list of all the 15 SDG pavilions and detailed information about the architects, engineers, and the underlying concepts of each project, see here.

the Raft by Studio Coquille, Tan & Blixenkrone | image by Anna Katrine Tan

the Raft by Studio Coquille, Tan & Blixenkrone | image by Anna Katrine Tan

Bio-center by Architects Without Borders (Denmark) | image by Johan Reeh

Bio-center by Architects Without Borders (Denmark) | image by Johan Reeh

Tower of Wind by Anna Maria Indrio (Atenastudio), Henning Frederiksen, Christian Fogh, Simone Aaberg Kærn (Artist)  | image by Sandra Gonon, courtesy of City of Copenhagen

Tower of Wind by Anna Maria Indrio (Atenastudio), Henning Frederiksen, Christian Fogh, Simone Aaberg Kærn (Artist)  | image by Sanda Gonon, courtesy of City of Copenhagen

VELUX Living Places Copenhagen by EFFEKT | image by Adam Mørk

From 4 to 1 Planet by Roennow Arkitekter, Leth Gori Cinrk | image by Sandra Gonon

From 4 to 1 Planet by Roennow Arkitekter, Leth Gori Cinrk | image by Sandra Gonon

Plastic Pavilion: Building Sustainable Societies by Terroir | image by Sandra Gonon, courtesy of City of Copenhagen

Plastic Pavilion: Building Sustainable Societies by Terroir | image by Sandra Gonon, courtesy of City of Copenhagen

Plastic Pavilion: Building Sustainable Societies by Terroir | image by Sandra Gonon, courtesy of City of Copenhagen

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project info: 

name: The 15 SDG Pavilions
event: International Union of Architects (UIA) World Congress
location: Copenhagen, Denmark
dates: July 2 – July 6, 2023

The International Union of Architects (UIA) organizes every three years a world congress of architects. the world congress in 2023 is held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from July 2 – July 6. The congress program is from 8:30 am to 4 or 4:30 pm Monday to Wednesday and from 9 am to 14:30 pm Thursday, while more activities take place outside congress hours, in and around Copenhagen.