The Danish capital Copenhagen wants to present itself this year as a metropolis of innovative and sustainable architecture. As this year’s World Capital of Architecture, the city officially heralded a year of architecture on Tuesday.
Also present: Crown Prince Frederik (54) as patron. “Take a walk, bike ride or just take the subway and see for yourself how Copenhagen is becoming a showcase for how architecture can change the world,” he said at the opening ceremony in Copenhagen City Hall.
Good architecture has become an important part of Danish identity, said Queen Margrethe II’s son (82). “We are all surrounded by it – it is our architecture and reflects who we are as a society.” It has also become a Danish export hit, he added, referring to the world-famous Sydney Opera House designed by the Danish artist Jørn Utzon.
Copenhagen is considered one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world. It is especially known for its numerous cyclists. Copenhagen is only the second city after Rio de Janeiro in 2021/21 to be awarded the title of World Capital of Architecture by the UN cultural organization Unesco and on the recommendation of the International Association of Architects UIA. As part of this appointment, over 300 events are planned in 2023, including the UIA World Congress taking place every three in July.
Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen is proud to have her city named this year’s Architecture Center of the World. “It’s a great honor and a huge recognition of Copenhagen’s architecture and urban development,” she said. Copenhagen wants to inspire and share knowledge – and is also looking forward to inspiration from others and discussions about the cities of the future.
