AVS. Arkitektúr verktækni skipulag - 01.04.2002, Side 25

the sustainable, economical and high-quality environ-
ment for residents.
Reyhjavík* Capital City
ln a world of rapid changes, a strong and dynamic
capital city is a necessity, both as an image for
lcelanders and other nationalities and as a support for
its populace. Reykjavík’s role as Capital of lceland is its
strongest tool in global competition, and should be
used to benefit the whole country. A strong role for
Reykjavík as Capital and unifying national symbol ben-
efits both Reykjavík and the country as a whole. The
growth and development of Reykjavík is dependant on
many factors, where both the city itself and the state
play an important role.
In the Development Plan, Reykjavík is strengthened
by its growth as the centre of culture, government, busi-
ness and industry.
One way to realise the main aspect of this goal is to
foster robust employment by implementing the
Development Plan for the city centre, thereby strength-
ening the area as the centre of the Capital Area and the
whole country. The city centre is both the seat and cen-
tre of government, culture and education for the whole
nation. Another way to realise the main goal of the
Development Plan is to define activities in other
employment areas of the city to prevent distribution of
central area activities. Increased housing near the city
centre will also strengthen business and urban life in
the central area. Proposals for greater densities west of
the Elliða River, development in Vatsmýri and the land-
fill at Eiðsgrandi/Ánanaust, will also contribute to this
main objective.
Capital city and country
ln discussions with many state, city, and third party
representatives that took place prior to the finalisation
of goals of the Development Plan, the importance of
Reykjavík’s continued role of as capital of lceland was
emphasised. Most of the county’s important institutions,
such and government departments, embassies, busi-
nesses, and cultural and entertainment activities
should be located there to give the city a global
strength as well as an ease of access.
Balancing Reykjavík as capital with development of the
Capital Area, as well as the rest of lceland, was also
acknowledged. The preservation of a welfare state,
functioning as intended, is considered to be in the com-
mon interest of all lcelanders. The country’s difficult
location and small population only underscore the need
of people working united towards this goal. ■
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