Join us in a look back at 2023: The year in memorable and defining moments

Advocacy for climate action through the Reduction Roadmap
In 2023, EFFEKT actively embraced its role as climate lobbyists through the Reduction Roadmap campaign, a collaborative initiative with EFFEKT, CEBRA and Artelia. The Reduction Roadmap 2.0 campaign has currently succeeded in mobilizing widespread support from over 440 companies and organizations within the Danish construction industry. With a particular focus on the upcoming building regulations for 2025, the campaign emphasizes the need for emission standards grounded in climate science. The campaign successfully rallied support from influential stakeholders, municipalities, and media coverage, reinforcing the collective determination to drive transformative change in the Danish construction industry toward a more sustainable future.

The grand opening of Living Places Copenhagen in Jernbanebyen garnered massive national and international attention during the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture Year 2023 and the UIA World Congress. With its record low carbon footprint and first-class indoor climate, the vision of the overall concept – Living Places – which was initiated by EFFEKT, Artelia and the VELUX Group, is to lead the way within the building industry and show how rethinking buildings can help solve some of the global climate and health challenges.

Over the year the project received the EY Innovation Award for revolutionizing home construction with a remarkable two-thirds reduction in CO2 footprint. Living Places Copenhagen further earned acclaim at the Danish Design magazine BO BEDRE awards, emphasizing its innovative approach to sustainability, health, and smart home technology. The project also secured the Sustainability Future Award and Merit Award for Architecture 2023 from The American Institute of Architects, showcasing its global significance in the pursuit of low-carbon, socially-oriented communities. Finally, the project received an honorable mention in the open category for its commitment to transformative and environmentally conscious architectural solutions.

Celebrating the World Capital of Architecture year and the Copenhagen pride
As official partners to the UIA World Congress of Architects CPH, we took part in the celebration marking Copenhagen's recognition as the World Capital of Architecture. Through exhibitions, talks, debates, and guided tours, we aimed to actively contribute to this monumental event, fostering a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences for both the local community and visitors.

We proudly participated in the Copenhagen pride parade joining forces with other architects and firms such as Cobe, 3XN/GXN, ADEPT, BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group, C.F. Møller Architects, and others, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and unity within the architectural community.

Presenting a new framework for scaling urban development within social and planetary boundaries
In 2023, we celebrated the launch of "Doughnut for Urban Development: A Manual”. Co-edited by Kasper Guldager Jensen, Co-founder of Home.Earth, and Dani Hill-Hansen from EFFEKT with contributions from twenty co-authors and experts, the manual applies the renowned economist Kate Raworth's Doughnut model to urban development, offering a framework to steer the building industry towards a just and sustainable space for humanity. The open-source book, supported by Realdania and published by the Danish Architectural Press, was unveiled globally at a launch event, where the editors and the Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) team unpacked the research process, core concepts, and toolkit for implementation in urban developments.

Introducing two new partners
The year also marked a pivotal moment for EFFEKT as we welcomed two new partners, architect MAA Tina Lund Højgaard and architect MAA Toni Rubio Soler. Both have contributed to shaping the firm's development and profile through their many years of experience with the company through projects and leadership culture. According to the two founding partners, Sinus Lynge and Tue Hesselberg Foged, the company now more than ever needs to expand its owner group to increase its capacity to develop and drive innovative, research-driven, and complex projects with high design quality, paving the way for the green transition.

Project openings and recognitions
In 2023, we completed Norway’s first treetop walkway offering a sanctuary in wild nature for all user groups, regardless of age, disability or physical limitation. The one kilometer long and two meters wide plank boardwalk in the heart of the Telemark region extends on pillars all the way from the forest floor, along lake Fyresvatn, up between the treetops, along the mountain ridge and up to the summit of Klokkarhamaren – a hill with an elevation of 338 metres. At the end of the trail, a considerable circular viewpoint with a diameter of 50 meters provides a spectacular 360-degree view over the pine forest, clear lakes and rock formation that make up the natural landscape.

The unveiling of the Svendborg International Maritime Academy (SIMAC) marks another milestone, offering a unique educational space that interacts with its surroundings and contributes to the development of the North Quay district in Svendborg. SIMAC received the Danish Betonelement Prisen 2023, also known as the Utzon Award, for its consistent use of prefab concrete, creating a resilient grid of columns and girders that governs the appearance of the educational institution. Nominated by Svendborg's Architecture Council, SIMAC also secured the Best Project Award 2023, praised for its generous design and seamless integration into the city's harbor environment.

As part of the Tøndermarsk initiative, urban spaces and climate adaptation projects, such as a sculpture park, cloudburst park, and revitalization of Tønder Midtby, celebrate the historical heritage while enhancing the town's identity. Tønder City Center was named Building of the Year 2023 in the Urban Space Category for its adept handling of climate adaptation, preservation of cultural heritage, and enhancement of urban spaces.

The design of Mimers Plads, Copenhagen’s new public square, showcases circularity, utilizing recycled materials to create a distinctive public square. Mimers Plads earned a nomination for Byens Bedste Byrum 2023, recognized for its creative use of reclaimed materials and distinctive design.

Our development plan for Frederiksberg Hospital was approved, creating an urban oasis that preserves historical heritage and prioritizes green spaces, health activities, and strong communities. Furthermore, we were fortunate enough to win quite a few competitions this year. Two examples are the masterplan for the Health and Lifescience Innovation Campus (HE:AL Campus) in Luxembourg and the design proposal for Refshaleøens Ejendomsselskab, which  introduces flexible pavilions in a new temporary cultural zone.

Featured in Danish Architecture Center’s first permanent exhibition on Danish architecture
The So Danish! exhibition at DAC provides a comprehensive overview of Danish architecture throughout history, featuring EFFEKT's Forest Tower at Camp Adventure, Regen Villages, and Gellerup Park as examples of contemporary projects shaping a sustainable future. We were also featured in the Copenhagen in Common exhibition at DAC celebrating Copenhagen as the World Capital of Architecture. Copenhagen in Common tells the story of Copenhagen's strong tradition of focusing on communities and public involvement and gave the stage to us and two other architecture firms to explore the future of Copenhagen.  

As we celebrate the milestones of 2023, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of partners, collaborators and followers for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and design.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, inspiration, and the anticipation of exciting new ventures in the coming year.

Season’s greetings and very best wishes for the new year from all of us here at EFFEKT.