{"id":4427,"date":"2023-08-01T03:12:53","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T06:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/?p=4427"},"modified":"2026-05-22T12:27:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T15:27:50","slug":"pavilhoes-do-uia-2023-copenhague","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/pavilhoes-do-uia-2023-copenhague\/","title":{"rendered":"UIA Pavilions 2023 | Copenhagen"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/em>“, 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.<\/p>\n

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In addition, a few pavilions were built to host parallel exhibitions. The SDG pavilions<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

The Tower of Wind<\/strong><\/p>\n

Architecture: Anna Maria Idrio (Atenastudio), Henning Frederiksen Christian Fogh and Simone Aaberg K\u00e6rn (artist)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The project aludes to the \u201cHorologium\u201d, 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 K\u00e6rn 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.<\/p>\n

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SDG Pavilion – The Tower of wind<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bricks in common<\/strong><\/p>\n

Architecture: AART, Mangor & Nagel<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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SDG Pavilion – Bricks in Common<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reflections in common<\/strong><\/p>\n

Actors: Municipality of Copenhagen, Urgent Agency, Standard Practice, Gr\u00f8nne Hjem<\/strong><\/p>\n

Located in the bustling square Kongens Nytorv<\/em>, this pavilion reflects its surroundings from several different angles. Its fa\u00e7ade 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.<\/p>\n

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SDG Pavilion – Reflections in Common<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

Plastic Pavilion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Architects: Terroir<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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SDG Pavilion – Plastic Pavilion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Samples of recycled plastic materials on display<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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SDG Pavilion – Plastic Pavilion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bio-Center<\/strong><\/p>\n

Architects: Architects Without Borders (Denmark)<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is an example of the work being carried done by the \u2018Architects Without Borders\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

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SDG Pavilion – Bio-center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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SDG Pavilion – Bio-center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Raft<\/strong><\/p>\n

Architects: Studio Coquille, Tan & Blixenkrone<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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SDG Pavilion – The Raft<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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SDG Pavilion – The Raft<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4 to 1 Planet<\/strong><\/p>\n

Architects: ReV\u00e6rk, Tegnestuen LOKAL, Leth & Gori, R\u00f8nnow Architects, BOGL<\/strong><\/p>\n

This 3-in-1 pavilion comprises three residential units, each constructed from a specific material. The pavilion\u2019s name refers to the aim of reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry to 25% of its current energy consumption.<\/p>\n

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SDG Pavilion – 4 to 1 Planet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first of these is by ReV\u00e6rk 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.<\/p>\n

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Pavilh\u00e3o de ReV\u00e6rk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The second, designed by R\u00f8nnow Architects, Leth & Gori, reinterprets vernacular architecture. Studies suggest that the use of natural materials in architecture contributes to the user\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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Thatched brick pavilion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finally, the pavilion designed by Tegnestuen LOKAL + Aaen Engineering was constructed using a low-carbon material \u2013 glued laminated timber (Glulam) \u2013 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\u2019 home once they\u2019ve 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?<\/p>\n

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Pavilh\u00e3o do Tegnestuen LOKAL + Aaen Engineering<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

unPavilion<\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u2018environmentally friendly\u2019, 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.<\/p>\n

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unPavilion<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4435,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,4],"tags":[216,225],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4427"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4427"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4427\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5586,"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4427\/revisions\/5586"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4435"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marianamagcosta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}