International
International
The 2023 UIA World Congress of Architects featured ten “Copenhagen Pavilions”. This pavilion was located on a critical site in central Copenhagen – Gammelstrand, or old beach, which for years was the site of fish markets bought on small boats. Noting the confluence of plastic waste and damage to marine ecosystems, we envisaged the project as a “cloud” of “good plastic” to counter the plastic island that now inhabit our oceans and in doing so, challenge mainstream con¬ceptions of sustainability by examining the role that plastic might play as we transition to a decarbonized economy.
Plastic has largely been written out of these discussions yet we all still need it, especially when we are in hospital, for example. Methods for recycling and upcycling and re-using the plastic in circulation are required. The pavilion structure and exhibition showcases innovative new products that can substitute materials with greater CO2 emissions.
We want to tell a story about why synthetic materials are essential to make the building industry more sustainable. The Pavilion achieved this by hosting events and an exhibition addressing the topic of sustainable building materials.
It is important to us, that we have a realistic and unbiased dialog about plastic. We must only use plastics where it makes sense. Our pavilion and our activities had focus on the challenges that we are facing and solving. It was both a manifestation of the direction the industry is moving towards and a tool to engage with both professionals and the public
Gerald Reinmuth, Director
Scott Balmforth, Director
Mikkel Moller Roesdahl, Project Lead
Ieva Valskyte, Graduate of Architecture
Fiberline Building Profiles, Manufacturer
NordiQ Group A/S, Client Advisor
Vink Plast ApS, Manufacturer
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
