The Water is Coming

The Water is Coming exhibition by the Danish Architecture Center (DAC) confronts one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: the impact of rising water levels on our cities and way of life. Opening on October 7, 2024, this exhibition seeks to reimagine our relationship with water through a blend of poetic storytelling and cutting-edge design solutions, running until March 23, 2025.

As global temperatures rise, melting poles, torrential rains, and increasing groundwater levels are reshaping our urban landscapes. Cities like Copenhagen, Venice, and Jakarta are no longer asking if water will come, but when. This transformative exhibition explores how we can adapt to water rather than combat it, showcasing solutions that turn this challenge into an opportunity for sustainable urban living.

A Poetic and Sensory Experience
Visitors to the exhibition will enter a scenographic environment crafted from floating blue-green textiles, evoking waves. Installations such as Water Drops simulate the experience of rainfall, while Sky & Sea invites guests to marvel at the interplay of light and organic movement, offering a meditative exploration of water’s aesthetic and functional role.

Key Themes and Projects
The exhibition highlights innovative projects from Denmark and abroad, illustrating a spectrum of approaches to water management.

• Urban Design and Waterflow Integration: Projects like Copenhagen Islands and the Østerbro neighborhood transformation showcase nature-inspired urban spaces, emphasizing rainwater collection and green infrastructure.
• Resilient Infrastructure: Examples such as Enghaveparken and the Lynetteholm storm surge barrier illustrate large-scale efforts to integrate storm protection with recreational urban spaces.
• Global Inspiration: Designs like Hamburg’s Niederhafen Promenade demonstrate how riverfront developments can merge protection with social engagement.

Nature-Based Solutions in Action
Installations like Mermaid Bay, presented at the Danish Pavilion of the Venice Biennale 2023, offer dramatic representations of future coastal landscapes reshaped by rising waters. Through immersive light and sound displays, the fragility of these ecosystems and the potential for nature-based solutions are brought vividly to life.

A Call for Reflection and Action
The Water is Coming exhibition invites visitors to think critically about the challenges and opportunities posed by rising water levels. Through models, short films, and interactive games, DAC encourages dialogue and inspires collaborative, forward-thinking approaches to climate adaptation.

Exhibition Details

Dates: October 7, 2024 – March 23, 2025

Organizer: Danish Architecture Center

Location: Bryghuspladsen 10, Copenhagen, Denmark

Finally, find out more on ArchUp: