UIA World Congress of Architects

The Copenhagen Lessons

The congress introduced "The Copenhagen Lessons" – 10 principles driving rapid change in the built environment to fulfil the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Architectural solutions were lauded for promoting sustainable communities and quality of life, but the sector was also acknowledged for its substantial energy consumption, waste production, and impact on inequality and public health.

The urgency was emphasised by the construction industry's staggering 40% contribution to global CO2 emissions and 35% to total waste. Natalie Mossin, President of UIA World Congress of Architects 2023, asserted, "We have no time to waste" in addressing these challenges.

Discover the 10 Copenhagen Lessons here.

Unified Voices

Talk moderator and architect, Marie-Louise Høstbo – who is the Creative Design Director at Fritz Hansen, noted that “the entire industry spoke in one voice at the congress and the message was clear: change and action is not optional.”

The keynote dialogue with Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Diébédo Francis Kéré spoke in no uncertain terms on the future of architecture. “Cheap solution is very dangerous”, he said, speaking to the risk of disaster that this approach brings. In his talk, titled Rethinking Resources - How To Do More With Less, Kéré urged the architecture community to look for smart solutions, arguing that it is more important to add to the lifespan of buildings than renewing them constantly.

Fritz Hansen at UIA

Fritz Hansen supported this historical congress by providing much of the furnishings for the 6000 participants across stages, social areas, lounge spaces and VIP areas. In addition, Fritz Hansen’s Creative Design Director and Architect MAA, Marie-Louise Høstbo moderated “Connecting Design & Architecture: How Design Impacts Body and Mind” talk where an expert panel discussed how space and design are connected and the human experience of architecture and design.

Learn more about the UIA World Congress of Architects, the speakers, talks and learnings on their dedicated website.