Copenhagen is UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture until 2026

Long known as a pioneer in citizen-centric urban design and sustainability, Copenhagen will be the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture in 2023. Chosen in recognition of its strong legacy within architecture and innovative urban development, along with its high ambitions on climate, sustainability, and liveability, Copenhagen is only the second city in the world to hold this triennially awarded title, following Rio de Janeiro in 2020. The city will use the opportunity to showcase its architecture, sustainable developments, and city planning solutions, engaging the public with events and experiences in a year-long programme managed by the City of Copenhagen. 

Throughout 2023, the city will become a global forum for discussion about architecture and urban planning. It will focus on urban solutions that benefit future generations as it hosts the UIA (International Association of Architects) Congress at Bella Center Copenhagen on 2-6 July 2023. This event brings together some 10,000 key urban planners and architects in discussions around future-focused architecture, sustainable urban solutions, and urban design.  

Widely known for its architectural and sustainability prowess, Copenhagen is home to a vast number of world-leading architectural practices including Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Henning Larsen Architects, Cobe, Gehl Architects, C.F. Møller, 3XN, Lendager Group, Dissing & Weitling, Lundgaard & Tranberg, Dorthe Mandrup, and many more.  

Danish architecture is known for its focus on the human scale and its democratic approach, as well as its unique modern buildings that include a power plant with a ski slope on its roof called CopenHill, a bike-first urban design consisting of the bicycle snake bridge, and not to mention floating harbour baths, rooftop restaurants and recreation areas, and innovative residential buildings.  

• The City of Copenhagen is responsible for the official WCA programme taking place in 2023. 

• UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture takes place in Copenhagen from 17 January 2023 for three years, as chosen by UNESCO and UIA, the International Association of Architects, and will be the second ever held. 

• WCA was designated the Danish capital by UNESCO and the UIA due to its high ambitions on climate, sustainable solutions, and livability, which have been key to the nomination.

• WCA launches officially in Copenhagen on 17 January 2023 with an event at the City Hall Square.

• WCA is part of the 28th UIA World Congress, held in the city on 2-6 July 2023 at the Bella Center Copenhagen, aiming to promote architecture as a tool to reach the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In 2023 the UIA theme is ‘Sustainable Futures – Leaving no one behind’. 

• It is an initiative, whereby UNESCO and the UIA have joined forces to develop and debate sustainable urban solutions for the benefit of future generations. 

• It tours the world every three years and graces the most prominent and world-leading cities within architecture that play host to the UIA’s triannual world congress. 

• WCA falls to the designated city which then commits to be a global forum for discussions on world-pressing challenges through the prisms of culture, heritage, urban planning, and architecture. 

• WCA includes events, activities, exhibitions and debates on architecture and design to highlight and demonstrate the crucial role of architecture and culture in sustainable urban development for all. 

• Danish Architecture Center in Copenhagen is one of the key partners for WCA and will be arranging Open House events, exhibitions, and talks.  

• Media kit: Architecture in Copenhagen  

• Program: UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2023 (updated regularly).

• Media kit: UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2023 Copenhagen

• UIA World Congress of architects Copenhagen 2023