AVS. Arkitektúr verktækni skipulag - 01.03.2003, Qupperneq 69

Hús við Tjarnargötu
Houses by the Lake

The city is not a problem but offers
extensive possibilities and the
Architectural Policy is a guide to
make use of these possibilities in
the best possible way, prevent mis-
takes along the way. By working
with the inhabitants in creating this
policy, interest and understanding
of what constitutes good architec-
ture and built environment will
increase. An Architectural Policy
can inform the public of what is
good architecture, and from this
information lead to discussion and
improvement.
The City of Reykjavík is not a prob-
lem but possibilities.
The Uniqueness of Reykjavík
The specialities of
Reykjavík are, according to
the imagination:
Reykjavík is the northernmost capi-
tal of an independent state, lceland.
A young city built largely within the
last century, it is continuously grow-
ing
and taking new form. The main
built-up area, located on a windy
headland surrounded by the sea,
has expanded to nearby hills and
valleys and into a unique,
untouched nature; coastline, lava,
glacial waves and river valleys, sur-
rounded by mountains in the dis-
tance.
The built-up area is generally low-
rise, and because of the material
used - corrugated iron and con-
crete that needs surface treatment
the city is colourful. The daylight in
Reykjavík is peculiar due to the
city's northern latitude location.
Seasonal differences are marked,
from the deep darkness of winter to
the eternal light during the summer
solstice. Low sun during spring and
autumn also creates a special play
of light and shadows.
Because the city is young, it does
not have the mark of a “fortified
town" like many European cities or
the tight housing areas around cen-
tral city activities in the wake of the
industrial revolution.
The community is homogeneous
and housing is of a similar quality.
Clean power and winds contribute
to clean air in the city and the geo-
thermal water forms the basis for
heated playing fields, pavements,
streets and squares and spas.
Many have called Reykjavik "The
Healthy City.
"A Capital City in the
Northern Atlantic and the
only city of the country.
The city is connected to the first
settlement of Nordic people -
Ingólfur Arnarson.
The city is in close contact with the
unbridled forces of Nature and
adjoins uninhabited areas. Its north-
ern position results in strong divi-
sion between the seasons, and
windy but unique climate due to the
Gulf Stream. Hot water and clean
energy offer still unused possibili-
ties. The inhabitants of Reykjavík
are the only city dwellers of the
country and looking at the age
distribution rather young, compared
to other cities in adjoining coun-
tries.
Young City, Young People - A City
with Growing Pains
It is apparent that we consider
many valid arguments for an
Architectural
Policy for the city and also that
Reykjavík has many interesting,
unique features. The framework for
this policy is now being built and
work started on completing the
structure. An open meeting was
held in the City Hall at the
beginning of this year to be fol-
lowed up by several introductory
meetings. Ideas and advice con-
cerning the Architectural Policy for
Reykjavík are gladly accepted by
those in the working group. ■
City Architect, Þorvaidur S.
Þorvaldsson, can be reached
directly at Pósthússtræti 7, tele:
563 6600, e-mail: thorvaldurs-
@rvk.is.
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