SDG Pavilion

Architectural realization of a global artistic vision

UN Office for Partnerships
United Nations Headquarters, New York · 2023

MODA Role

Architecture · Spatial Development · Fabrication & Onsite Delivery
(Authorship established within a collaborative, institutionally produced project)

Context

The 2023 SDG Pavilion was conceived as a landmark cultural and civic space during the United Nations General Assembly—bringing together global leaders, institutions, artists, and the public around the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Pavilion’s creative concept was authored by Es Devlin, whose work framed the Pavilion as a symbolic and experiential structure representing collective global action.

MODA’s role was to translate this artistic vision into a fully realized architectural environment—capable of functioning within the technical, logistical, and institutional constraints of the UN campus.

Scope & Contribution

Working closely with Es Devlin’s studio, MODA led the architectural design, development, and delivery of the Pavilion.

Our work included:

• Designing and engineering the Pavilion’s architectural structure

• Developing a detailed physical model of the Pavilion, which was permanently installed on the UN North Terrace

• Designing the North Terrace environment in its entirety, integrating the Pavilion into the broader campus context

• Managing fabrication, logistics, and onsite construction

• Assisting with curatorial coordination and working directly with artists contributing work for the individual SDGs

The focus was on ensuring that the Pavilion’s architectural expression faithfully supported the conceptual intent—while meeting the demands of safety, durability, and public use at an international scale.

Outcome

The SDG Pavilion operated as both a symbolic artwork and a functioning civic environment—hosting programming, dialogue, and public engagement throughout UNGA.

By grounding the artistic vision in rigorous architectural execution, the Pavilion established a spatial foundation that informed future iterations in 2024 and the transition toward a more permanent, sustainability-driven environment in 2025.

Attribution

Creative concept by Es Devlin.
This project was produced by Empire Entertainment in collaboration with the UN Office for Partnerships. MODA’s role reflects architectural authorship, fabrication leadership, and onsite delivery within that collaboration.