Fræðaþing landbúnaðarins - feb. 2010, Síða 341

VEGGSPJÖLd | 341
and the new in the landscape, interplay that includes multiplicity, coherence, legibility
and mystique. Landscape design of this origin can come under social responsibilities
and vision for sustainability of both companies and municipalities. The Romans
defined the art of construction as a balance between esthetic, endurance and utility
(Guja dögg Hauksdóttir, 2008). The same rule must hold according to large buildings
and their environment.
The aim of the project was to answer the question: Is it feasible that old and new
element’s in the environment stand together to form a clear contrast, creating
continuum and strengthening each other, both as parts of a cultural heritage?
Materials and methods
Laws and regulations enforced to protect heritage were studied. Approaches in
Icelandic landscape architecture aimed at connecting old and new were studied. In the
same way, works from two well known designers, Libeskind and Schwarz, were taken
as examples. The site of the aluminum smelter Alcan in Straumsvik, 58 hectares area,
was examined three times, photographed, aerial photographs were studied and the
area analyzed. Methods used in visual analyzes were done according to Kevin Lynch
whereas landmarks, landscape entities, fringes and lines were recorded (Lynch, 1960).
Also aspace and view analysis from one point, Holy Barbara’s Chapel, according to
Per Stahlscmidt was done (Stahlscmidt, 2001). Multiplicity, coherence, legibility and
mystique were evaluated according to Simon Bell (Bell, 1993). After search for
references, especially of historical origin, interviews and summation of data,
conceptual- and sketch work were done with of the aim of proposing a new
appearance of the environment surrounding the plant.
Results and discussions
The space creating objects in the area, are the lava fringes in south and north side of
the area and the 800m long plant. Genus Logy could be sensed at an old dwelling in
the south of the lava fringe and the seashore whereas week fringes. Results of visual
analyses can be seen in Figure 2.
The visual analysis categorized the area into five landscape entities, where the “mine-
like” area (No. 5) was most dominant. The others were next to the lava fringes (No 3
and 6), small area characterized by dove huts (No. 4) and the areas closest to the plant
(No. 1 and 2). Three landmarks were notable on the site apart from the plant and an
Figure 2: Results of visual analyzes on the plant site (Hafnarfjörður, w.y.) (HS).