AVS. Arkitektúr verktækni skipulag - 01.06.2005, Qupperneq 41

Vision Akureyri
Recently an international idea competition took place
regarding the future development of the central area of
Akureyri. 150 teams put forward their proposals, and
the architect Graeme Massie’s submission came out
on top. In the preface to the competition the architect
states: “Akureyri is a town, historically informed by its
relationship to the environment in which it sits. However,
over time the connections between the town, its people
and its setting have been eroded. How can we recon-
nect Akureyri to its setting, while also providing a unique
identity to attract prospective residents, businesses and
tourists? We propose a vision for Akureyri, which will
establish a strong identity for the town. A clear series
of infrastructural interventions will act as catalysts for
development, while reconnecting the town to the earth,
water and sky.”
The comments of the jury concerning this proposal
were as follows: “In a well-reasoned report, the design-
ers present a strategy aimed at increasing social life in
the current mid-town core. A clear analysis of town-
centre problems results in an original, powerful concep-
tion of the possibilities for significantly strengthening its
environment, image and framework for added social
life. Choosing to concentrate on a full treatment of the
town’s core, the designers place less emphasis on
solutions for the marginal areas. To achieve the objec-
tive of reclaiming the close relationship between the
town and The Pollur that once characterized central
Akureyri, an idea is presented of a sea inlet, reminis-
cent of Copenhagen’s Nyhavn, dug into the landfill from
Torfunef to Hafnarstræti and producing a new space in
the town centre, favourably open to the sun, enjoying