World Capital of Architecture and the year of architecture 2023 is launched with an official inauguration with the participation of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and opening of exhibitions in the City Hall Tower and on Kongens Nytorv.
PHOTO: Zhong Min Peng©RP
BY: City of Copenhagen & Henning OKholm
2023 is the year of architecture in Copenhagen. The capital of Denmark´is indeed the world’s Capital of Architecture, as Copenhagen can claim the title of UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture. It´s marked with plenty of events across the city throughout 2023, which are
created by the City of Copenhagen, a number of business partners and´not the least the Copenhageners themselves.
The Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, who is hosting
the official inauguration with the Mayor of the Technical and
Environmental Administration, Line Barfod, is looking forward to
getting started:
“I am proud that Copenhagen has been named World Capital of
Architecture. It’s a completely unique opportunity to show the world
what we can do in architecture, urban development and sustainability
and it’s an important occasion for dialogue about the development of
the capital of the future. If Copenhagen is to continue to be among
the world’s best cities, we must handle the great challenges of the
time together – climate change, rising water levels, the lack of
housing, accumulated soil from construction projects and a metro
which is becoming true to its own success. With over 300 activities
during the year of Architecture, I look forward to exiting
conversations about the city’s development with Copenhageners and
guests from abroad.”
The Mayor of the Technical and Environmental Administration, Line
Barfod, comments:
“Architecture is much more than just beautiful buildings. It’s also
part of the solution to the challenges of climate crisis, housing
shortage and social distortion, that our city faces. Danish architects
and urban planners are already good at this. But I look forward to
exchanging knowledge and ideas with the Copenhageners and our
international guests about how we together can create an even better
capital that is accessible to everyone”.
The year of Architecture officially kicks off today at 10 o´clock at
Copenhagen City Hall. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is patron of the World Capital of Architecture year and gives a speech at the
official opening.
In the evening, the light work White Beams is switched on from the
City Hall Tower and illuminates the ten districts of Copenhagen – the
piece of work is made in partnership with Copenhagen Light Festival.
There are more than 120 partners, which include seven Copenhagen
museums, which in 2023 will all create exhibitions and special events
that have a flavour of architecture and the city – from Nikolaj
Kunsthal´s installation of miniature houses to Thorvaldsen Museum´s
special exhibition on Bindesbøll´s classicist masterpiece. The
Glyptotek, The Workers Museum and the Museum of Copenhagen are also among the supporting forces of the year of Architecture.
As an inspiration on how to embrace as many people as possible for
this year´s events, with main partner Bevica Fonden, among other
things, there is developed an accessibility guide and there has been
workshops held for the organizers.
”It’s simply about trying to create equal opportunities for
participation – regardless of which functional abilities you have”,
says the director of the foundation, Marianne Kofoed.
Program of the official opening ceremony at City Hall, Banquet Hall
Time and place.
Activity
Main entrance
10:00 H.R.H The Crown Prince arrives at Copenhagen City Hall and is received by the Lord Mayor.
Banquet Hall
10:05 Opening speech by the Lord Mayor. Speech by H.R.H The Crown Prince.
Speech by Deputy-Director for UNESCO World Heritage Center, Jyoti Hosagrahar.
Panel discussion with mayors.
Speech by the Chairman for the UIA Joint Committee, Dominique Perrault.
The Mayor of the Technical and Environmental Administration announces the winner of the architectural design competition.
The Mayor of Culture and Leisure inaugurates the exhibition ”Martin Nyrop’s architectural studio – the creation of Copenhagen City Hall”.
11:15 End of the official opening. H.R.H leaves the Banquet Hall.
11:15 Press slot with the Lord Mayor, the Mayor of the Technical and Environmental Administration, and the Mayor of Culture and Leisure in the Banquet Hall.
Royal Press Journalist Zhong Min Peng has interviewed the Mayor of Culture and Leisure of Copenhagen in the Banquet Hal.
