VELUX is an Impact Partner at UIA World Congress of Architects 2023 Copenhagen

The VELUX Group is proud to announce its role as an Impact Partner at the highly anticipated UIA World Congress of Architects 2023 in Copenhagen. The global event will take place from 02-06 July and promises to bring together architectural visionaries, experts, and industry professionals from around the globe.

As part of the VELUX Group's ongoing commitment to accelerating sustainable development, we have embraced the role of Impact Partner at the UIA Congress. This partnership, aligned with the Group's 2030 sustainability strategy, aims to drive the green transition of the building industry towards the development of sustainable buildings.

The VELUX Group and the UIA share a common goal of fostering dialogue and inspiring change within the building industry. By bringing together global opinion leaders and important stakeholders from all sectors, we aim to encourage the exchange of ideas that will lead to a more sustainable future for both people and the planet.

Throughout the UIA Congress, VELUX will focus on three key topics:

Sustainability in a global context:

VELUX recognizes the importance of addressing sustainability on a global scale. To contribute to the conversation, we are hosting a range of discussions and presentations that highlight the significance of sustainable practices in architecture and the built environment.

Housing of the future:

With housing needs evolving rapidly, we recognize the importance of exploring innovative solutions and ideas for creating sustainable living spaces. We will be actively involved in panel discussions and presentations at the congress on future housing concepts and affordability aspects.

The next generation of industry professionals:

VELUX acknowledges the vital role played by young architects and professionals in shaping the future of the industry. We are actively engaging with the next generation, helping them drive sustainable change in architecture.

VELUX programme at the UIA Congress

The UIA Congress offers an exciting program filled with insightful talks and keynote presentations from world-renowned speakers. Notable sessions featuring representatives from the VELUX Group include the following:

Please note we are regularly updating our programme and the schedule is subject to change.

03 July

13.00 - 13.45 Dogma Talk with Pavels Liepins-Hedström

13:45 - 15.15 Daylight Talk with Omar Gandhi CA)*

15.45 - 16.15 International VELUX Award session

Introduction to the competition:

Tina Christensen, lead architect, Daylight and Architecture, VELUX.
Per Olaf Fjeld, architect, professor emeritus at The Oslo School of Architecture and Design.

Presentations from 2022:

Global winner, daylight in buildings – Poland – “TIP2"
- Zuzanna Sazonow, Politechnika Poznańska, Poland
- Aleksandra Pytka, Politechnika Poznańska, poznań
Honourable mention, Daylight investigations – Finland – “Solar Hymnal”
- Jaan Gröndahl, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki

International VELUX Award 2024 – invitation

Tina Christensen, lead architect, Daylight and Architecture, VELUX.

04 July

08:30 - 10.00 Daylight Talk with Dorte Mandrup*

09.00 - 09:45 Showcasing Emerging Technologies for Decarbonizing the Built Environment KOMPAS VC and Material Evolution: Producer of low carbon cement from industrial waste stream, reducing carbon footprint by 85%.

10:00 - 10.30 Healthy Buildings Challenge' Next Generation City Challenge w/ DTU Skylab - part 1

VELUX challenge – Denmark 2 – “atmosphere+ for everyone”

Engineering without engines – Using ancient methods to improve the indoor environment
This project aims to (re)integrate ancient methods for natural cooling and ventilation in existing buildings and thus provide a low-tech and affordable improvement of the indoor climate. The proposed concept includes a comb structure made from reused fabric that can be applied in individual homes, public institutions and commercial spaces.

Eleni Georgakopoulou, DTU
Luise Charlotte Dening, DTU
Anastasia Kantzou, DTU
Rodi Mitsoura, DTU

VELUX challenge – Ghana 1 – “Culturally Inclusive Inter-Generational Sustainable Home”

Wilda Birago Amoah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Isaac Egyir Kwofie, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Ivana Tracey Frimpong, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

10.30 - 11.45 Keynote sponsorship by Diébédo Francis Kéré on "Rethinking Resources" How to do more with less?

12.30 - 13.00 Healthy Buildings Challenge' Next Generation City Challenge w/ DTU Skylab - part 2

VELUX challenge – South Africa 2 – “Solar Panel Blinds and Aeroponic Cooling System”

A cutting-edge solution that seeks to address the sustainability challenges of health and the rethinking of resources through our solar blinds that harness solar power that would eventually be able to power appliances within the home, but would currently be able to power a recyclable aeroponic system that sprays mist onto the plants in the planter boxes therefore enabling them to grow vertically without the use of soil. This innovation provides a healthy indoor system, addresses food insecurity, harnesses solar energy, and acts as a natural cooling and ventilation system.

Hlengiwe m. Ngubane, University of KwaZulu Natal
Zime N. Nxumalo, Durban University of Technology
Nkosikhona B. Mbhele. University of KwaZulu Natal

VELUX challenge – Mexico 1 – “RevitaRoof”

A roof module, that revitalizes the space into a healthy and livable place

Ilse Sabrina Cancino | M. Architecture and Urban design. Tec de Monterrey
Astrid García Víctory | Architecture. Tec de Monterrey
Raúl Fernando Gómez Ruíz | Architecture. Tec de Monterrey

13:15 - 14:45 VELUX: "Future Living Places" panel including industry experts

Boris Schade-Bünsow Editor in Chief (Bauwelt)
Claire McManus (JFOC Architects, Housing Spokesperson for the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland)
Kasper Guldager (HomeEarth.com Founder)
Elizabeth Endres (Professor at Technische Universität, Institut für Bauklimatik und Energie der Architektur (IBEA))
Sinus Lynge(Partner, EFFEKT Architects)
Lars Petersson (The VELUX Group, CEO)

05 July

09.00 - 09.30 Showcasing Emerging Technologies for Decarbonizing the Built Environment KOMPAS VC and Modulize: Software for Modular construction, optimizing design, planning, and construction.

10.30 - 11.45 C40 & VELUX: Healthy Buildings at the Time of the Energy Crisis

The panel discussion will focus on the role of healthy building principles in addressing the ongoing energy crisis through accelerated retrofits while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability, job creation, and social equity.
By examining examples from Warsaw (EU representative), New York City (US representative) and insights from VELUX and Danfoss, the panellists will explore how adopting healthy building practices can lead to the acceleration of retrofit implementation, the creation of green jobs, the reduction of energy poverty, and the enhancement of market resiliency, alongside the improved well-being and health benefits.

Moderator: Cassie Sutherland, Managing Director, Climate Solutions and Networks, C40
Panelist: Monika Konrad, Head of Municipal Spatial Planning Department, Warsaw
Panelist: Zach Aders, Vice-President, New York City Economic Development Corporation
Panelist: Simay Arikan, Senior Director of Business Development and Exploration, VELUX
Panelist: Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, VP and Head of Public Affairs, Danfoss

10:30 - 11.45 Daylight Talk with Grafton Architects*

13.30 -14.30 Next Generation panel moderated by David Basulto

Panelist: Lara Anne Blasberg, Sustainability Specialist, IKEA
Panelist: Henry Glogau, Architect & Circular Design Specialist, 3XN/GXN
Panelist: Claire Kimball Johnson, Architect, CKJ Studio
Panelist: Alexander Kucheravy, President of Active House Ukraine
Panelist: Christine Collins, Business Unit Manager, Sustainability, Sweco

15.00 - 15.45 Dogma Talk with Skye Jin

16.30 - 19.15 Neighborhoods for Generations tour at Living Places Copenhagen

17.00 - 19.00 Reduction Roadmap

*Presented by Daylight and Architecture

We are looking forward to an inspiring and impactful UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen. By actively participating as an Impact Partner, we aim to contribute to the dialogue surrounding sustainable development, future housing, and the role of young professionals in shaping the industry.

To learn more about the UIA World Congress of Architects 2023, visit the official event website.