Besides the congress at Bella Center, UIA 2023 planned a series of events across the city of Copenhagen. One of them was the “architecture run“, which took place on Sunday, the 2nd of July. Organized by the Danish Architecture Center (DAC), the 5- and 10-kilometre races started in front of BLOX, a building designed by OMA. I took part in the race and what I found most interesting was the fact that the route went inside various public buildings, like the museums and the town hall.

In addition, a few pavilions were built to host parallel exhibitions. The SDG pavilions were inspired by the UN’s 17 sustainability goals. After the congress, the plan was to dismantle and recycle ou reuse them. They were all designed by interdisciplinary teams comprising architects, engineers, research institutes, material suppliers and other organisations. Below is a summary of some of the pavilions I had the opportunity to visit.

The Tower of Wind

Architecture: Anna Maria Idrio (Atenastudio), Henning Frederiksen Christian Fogh and Simone Aaberg Kærn (artist)

The project aludes to the “Horologium”, a tower built in Athens between 100 and 50 BC. The original Greek structure had an octagonal floor plan and included a water clock, a tool used to measure time and monitor the weather conditions. The “Tower of Wind” pavilion possesses a similar octogonal floor plan and its walls and floor were made with CLT (Cross-laminated timber), a low carbon footprint material. Its roof included an opening for the incidence of natural light. Below this opening, artist Simone Aaberg Kærn installed a sphere which has a surface that transforms when it comes into contact with rainwater. In short, the pavilion changes according to the environment, thus reflecting the weather conditions. The base surrounding the tower helps to anchor it to the ground and counteract the forces of the wind. Once the congress ended, the plan was to split the building into two parts and convert it into a house.

Bricks in common

Architecture: AART, Mangor & Nagel

This pavilion was formed by the intersection of three arches with different radii, each constructed from a different type of brick. The smallest arch was built using solid brick, the production of which is highly polluting; for the middle arch, an eco-brick was used, which has a lower environmental impact; the third and largest arch of all was built using a brick that emits 75% less carbon dioxide during production. By placing the different bricks side by side, the pavilion showcases the evolution of this material and allows visitors to perceive the differences in texture and colour between them.

Reflections in common

Actors: Municipality of Copenhagen, Urgent Agency, Standard Practice, Grønne Hjem

Located in the bustling square Kongens Nytorv, this pavilion reflects its surroundings from several different angles. Its façade is entirely clad in mirrors, which at first creates a narcissistic and interactive experience where people can observe themselves against the backdrop of the Copenhagen skyline.

Inside, there is a garden. Its backdrop is also cladded with mirrors. Here, the mirror infinitely reflects the garden. It felt as if we were stepping into a natural haven right in the heart of the city centre. The pavilion invites us to engage in a process of inner contemplation and connection with nature.

Plastic Pavilion

Architects: Terroir

This pavilion was entirely built from plastic derivatives (fibreglass, PVC). Its design allows it to be dismantled and reassembled in various configurations. The exhibition features a range of products made from recyclable plastic and presents possible new applications. The question is whether there is still a place for plastic in the construction industry and whether plastic could ever become compatible with the energy and ecological transition.

Bio-Center

Architects: Architects Without Borders (Denmark)

This is an example of the work being carried done by the ‘Architects Without Borders’ collective, in Uganda. These small modules are installed in communities where the homes often lack sewage infrastructure. Thse modules serve people within a 500-metre radius. As well as providing a basic sanitation facility, the module serves other purposes for the community. It becomes a kiosk for information and learning centre, for example. The collective’s idea was to demonstrate how, even with a small project, we are capable of making a big impact. Following the conference, the pavilion was set to be donated to Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke / ActionAid.

The Raft

Architects: Studio Coquille, Tan & Blixenkrone

This is a floating platform that invites visitors to enjoy a sensory experience on the water. The pavilion’s base is made of CLT. The roof is made of a sustainable, weather-resistant fabric that can be reused at a later date. The project features ramps which ensure universal accessibility.

4 to 1 Planet

Architects: ReVærk, Tegnestuen LOKAL, Leth & Gori, Rønnow Architects, BOGL

This 3-in-1 pavilion comprises three residential units, each constructed from a specific material. The pavilion’s name refers to the aim of reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry to 25% of its current energy consumption.

The first of these is by ReVærk and consists of a module made from wood and rammed earth. Its design and construction method enable reduced carbon emissions, thermal efficiency and large-scale reproducibility. The aim is to make sustainable housing more accessible to everyone.

The second, designed by Rønnow Architects, Leth & Gori, reinterprets vernacular architecture. Studies suggest that the use of natural materials in architecture contributes to the user’s well-being. Wood has been used in architecture since ancient times though it has become an expensive and scarce material. This project combines wood with straw and brick, creating a less polluting yet equally efficient, stable and safe pavilion in terms of fire safety standards.

Finally, the pavilion designed by Tegnestuen LOKAL + Aaen Engineering was constructed using a low-carbon material – glued laminated timber (Glulam) – and its design optimises functionality in relation to the floor area. Inside the pavilion, there is an exhibition that raises questions about our current lifestyle. Does it still make sense for children to leave their parents’ home once they’ve grown up, for example? This results in large, empty flats and high demand for new housing. How can we adapt our lifestyles to live better, more efficiently and in a more sustainable way?

unPavilion

Organised by the Obel Award, this pavilion takes the form of a green washing machine on a floating platform, a direct reference to the term “greenwashing”. The idea is to show just how damaging it is to carry on with business as usual whilst sea levels are rising. Greenwashing is when a company, NGO or institution promotes itself as ‘environmentally friendly’, but its environmental practices are insufficient to offset the damage caused by its activities. To achieve ecological transition and sustainable development, we must quit superficial actions and focus on collaborative and truly effective strategies.