For the second time, UNESCO has chosen the city to host the most exciting architectural events in the world for a year. After the previous winner, Rio de Janeiro, Copenhagen has been awarded the honor this year.
Design is usually one of the first things that come to mind when people think of the Danish capital. So it’s no surprise that UNESCO, which is dedicated to preserving the world’s built heritage, has named Copenhagen the World Capital of Architecture 2023. The title is relatively new, having only been launched in 2020, when it was awarded to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, with a new site to be chosen every three years. As well as regularly topping lists of the world’s happiest countries, Denmark is a leader in carbon-neutral building technologies, cycling, and community-friendly public spaces, making it the perfect choice to bring together the crème de la crème of the architectural world this year. With a wide range of lectures, exhibitions, conferences, walking tours, and discussions outlined throughout the year, a detailed program can be found on this website, and below is a selection of the key events.
UIA World Congress of Architects
July 2–7, 2023.
By all accounts, the most important event of the year will be a conference organized by the International Union of Architects. Its main aim is to bring together architects to discuss how the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved and what new technologies are available to enable this. This will be the 28th UIA World Congress, this year entitled Sustainable Futures – Leave No One Behind, and will feature speeches by major actors such as Francis Kéré, Bjarke Ingels, Ursula von der Leyen, Kunlé Adeyemi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Chris Downey. Further information is here.
Copenhagen Architecture Festival (CAFx)
June 1–11, 2023.
This year’s CAFx will explore urban living, under the title Life Form. The event will also showcase part of the exhibition that festival director Josephine Michau is putting together for the Danish Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
Film Mosaic 2023
June 1–11, 2023.
The short film festival is in line with the UN’s Leave No One Behind theme. The winners will be invited to participate in the Copenhagen Architecture Festival and the films submitted will be compiled into a mosaic of everyday voices from different geographical and cultural contexts.
DAC Architecture Run
Several events in 2023
An unusual way to discover the city: in a running race. The route takes you through important alleys, stairways, pathways, and sometimes even normally closed buildings. Several races are planned for this year, the dates will be published in the DAC newsletter.
Open House Copenhagen
March 25–26, 2023.
The Open House concept was launched in London 30 years ago and aims to provide an insight into a typically closed building, be it a palace, a power plant, or even a private home. In Copenhagen, more than forty places will be opened to the public in March.
City Walks: Capital of Cool
Each Saturday between 1:30 and 3:30 pm
The Danish Architecture Center organizes walking tours every weekend to help you discover and understand Copenhagen. Mostly architecturally focused, of course: there are a variety of themes to choose from, from contemporary architecture to historical sights and exploration of lesser-known, cool neighborhoods. It’s a great way to take a walking tour of one of the world’s most vibrant cities with the help of local experts. Groups and dates can be found on the event website.
Exhibition launch: the first permanent exhibition on Danish architecture
March 24, 2023.
The Danish Architecture Center is finally dedicating a permanent exhibition to the nation’s architectural traditions, aiming to present a complete picture from the Viking Age to contemporary style trends. The event will feature the best of local architects and will provide an opportunity for fascinating discussions. Read more about the exhibition here.
Source: ArchDaily
Cover photo: Lindsay Martin/Unsplash
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