SDG Pavilions in Copenhagen

How can the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals be translated into built architecture? On the occasion of the UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen, 15 interdisciplinary teams have attempted to do just that.

No more hunger; no more poverty; better health and education internationally; clean energy and clean water for all – in 2015, the member states of the United Nations set these and eleven further objectives for sustainable development to be met by 2030. In purely mathematical terms, this year offers the opportunity for a mid-term review.

Seventeen development goals, 15 pavilions

The mid-term review is another reason that the organizers of this year’s UIA World Congress gave the Social Development Goals centre stage at their event. The world’s largest meeting of architects took place in Copenhagen in July. Those unable to attend will nonetheless have the possibility to view the 15 SDG Pavilions in the Danish capital over the coming weeks. In diverse ways, the temporary structures illustrate what the UN goals could mean for architecture and urban planning.

Sometimes, this illustration is quite direct, as with the open-air toilet that has been set on the harbour foreshore by Architects Without Borders, the National Slum Dwellers Federation of Uganda and other organizations. Just as striking is the green washing machine by the Mast studio, which stands on the other side of the harbour, directly opposite the toilet. It caricatures the practice of greenwashing, which has shown signs of getting out of hand over the past few years.

Prototypes of wood, clay and reeds

Other design teams have taken a more subtle approach to the design task. Two sensual highlights are the Tower of Wind by Atenastudio, which stands in front of the Royal Danish Playhouse, and the Poetic Daylight pavilion, which has been erected on Gråbrødretorv square in the Old Town by a team from the Royal Danish Academy. While both projects appear diffident from the outside, they offer captivating interiors with fascinating daylight moods.

Tower of Wind, Architecture: Anna Maria Indrio (Atenastudio), Henning Frederiksen, Christian Fogh, © Jakob Schoof

In contrast, some contributions have been conceived as prototypes for liveable architecture, such as the three structures of rammed earth, wood, brick and reeds that have been erected in front of the Blox cultural centre under the motto From 4 to 1 Planet.

Greenhouse, Architecture: Forma, © Sandra Gonon/City of Copenhagen

Greenhouse, Architecture: Forma, © Sandra Gonon/City of Copenhagen

From greenhouse to meeting place

Most of the 15 pavilions are conveniently located; visits can easily be incorporated into strolls around the centre of the city. Two elaborate must-sees form the exception to this rule: They are the Living Places CPH installation by Effect Architects, which comprises six pavilions including two completely equipped houses, and the Greenhouse by the Forma office. Both projects stand on former railway grounds in Jernbanebyen, an urban-renewal area south of the centre. The greenhouse, which originates from Copenhagen’s botanical gardens, is also the only installation intended to remain in place indefinitely. The others can be viewed until the end of October at the latest; some will close even sooner.

Plastic Pavillon, Architecture: Terroir, © Sandra Gonon/City of Copenhagen

Ultimately, everything is sustainable

Apropos of greenwashing: This exhibition was initiated by the Danish Chamber of Architects in collaboration with the City of Copenhagen and the urban-development corporation By & Havn. The pavilions were financed by foundations as well as a number of industrial enterprises. Some contributions reflect the (ostensible) sustainable qualities of plastic, brick and concrete rather than the Sustainable Development Goals themselves. All the same, the SDG Pavilions are certainly worth a visit.