Copenhagen will be the World Capital of Architecture for the next three years

The Danish capital was recognized for its citizen-centric approach to urban planning

Apart from being the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen will also shine as the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture for the period 2023-2025. The international cultural organization awarded the city the honour with a view to recognition for its efforts to fuse urban development with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Copenhagen will also host the World Congress of Architects on 2-6 July 2023 as part of an event-rich agenda next year that will aim to demonstrate the sector’s potency in reference to human development. Copenhagen is only the second city in the world to hold this triennially awarded title, following Rio de Janeiro in 2020.

Sustainability is now a standard in the local architectural landscape

The overall theme of the 2023 UIA congress in Copenhagen is “Sustainable Futures – Leave No One Behind”. Within this bracket, Copenhagen will focus on a slew of underlying themes, such as climate adaptation, rethinking resources, resilient communities, health, inclusivity, and partnerships for change.

The UIA program will present new knowledge and inspiring practices that contribute to sustainability in the built environment, both socially and environmentally. This will be done by focusing on areas such as climate adaptation, rethinking resources and resilient communities.

The Danish capital impressed the jury with its long history of a human-centric approach to architecture, but also with the inclusion of a sustainability mindset to urban planning.

Examples of such architectural ideas locally are: Urban Riggers, floating homes and communities in the harbour, which can be resistant to rising sea levels; or Resource Rows, a housing project built entirely of reused and upcycled materials.

WCA launches officially in Copenhagen on 17 January 2023 with an event at the City Hall Square and will continue every year (for 3 years) with multiple events, open houses, and extra happenings.