The Copenhagen Architecture Biennial is set to launch on September 18, 2025, with its inaugural theme, “Slow Down,” urging a shift from rapid development to sustainable transformation. The biennial will feature over 200 events, including city walks, film screenings, lectures, exhibitions, and performances, providing insights into how architecture can contribute to a more sustainable future. The opening party will be a free festive public celebration at the iconic Thorvaldsens Museum, featuring performances, DJ sets, and food offerings for all ages.
The Slow Pavilions, designed by Slaatto Morsbรธl and Tom Svilans x THISS Studio, will be unveiled on September 18, showcasing architecturally sophisticated designs using recycled and reusable materials. A guided tour will be available for visitors to explore these innovative structures. Alongside the pavilions, the group exhibition “Slow Down” will open on September 17 at Halmtorvet 27 in Copenhagen, featuring 12 transdisciplinary contributions that explore new rhythms and imaginaries of deceleration.
The Assemble! conference, taking place on September 18-19, will bring together experts from across the sector to discuss new legislation and narratives for a building sector operating within planetary boundaries. Speakers include Kate Orff, founder of SCAPE, Indy Johar, Founder of Dark Matters Labs, and Anders Lendager, founder of Lendager, who will propose bold new legislation on Building Stop/Transformation, Climate Adaption, and Ownership Models. The conference will also feature panel discussions and best-practice case studies with Sรธren Pihlmann, HouseEurope!, Dan Stubbergaard, and Rikke Juul Gram, among others.
In addition to these events, Open House will provide free access to usually inaccessible sites across Copenhagen on September 20-21, allowing visitors to experience contemporary Danish architecture, historically significant buildings, and climate-adaptive landscape architecture. The film program will feature a series of screenings, including the world premiere of “Make Materials Matter,” a new film portrait of Sรธren Pihlmann, and the Danish premiere of “Softly Brutal” and “Transmutations.” World-renowned urban planner Jan Gehl will introduce and show Jacques Tati’s “Mon Oncle” in an open-air rooftop cinema.
Image Courtesy: e-flux.com
