AVS. Arkitektúr verktækni skipulag - 01.06.2005, Qupperneq 42

shelter from northerly winds, and connecting and open-
ing up a line of sight between míd-town and the Pollur.
This inlet or canal is conceived as a fresh, important
unit in the town image, an Akureyri hallmark, a unique
phenomenon for lcelandic towns, a symbolic hub for
the town centre, and a connection between it and
the prospective Cultural Centre. At once original and
ingenious, the idea is more practical to execute than
one might at first think, even though various details still
require consideration. The proposal points to the plot
between the Ráðhústorg and proposed inlet/canal as an
important area for development, which would become
the site of a town hall with trade and services on the
ground floor. Furthermore, the suggested demolition of
2-3 concrete buildings east of Hafnarstræti, would leave
valuable space on both sides of the inlet’s banks, for
new buildings with garages underneath, for example.
A shopping centre with a rooftop garage is proposed
for the Sjallinn plot, a location that has various definite
advantages regarding connections and accessibility. The
suggested university plaza with student apartments in
Gránufélagsgata arouses interest, along with the idea of
extraordinary lighting for the town centre during the win-
ter using innovative technology.
In addition, the proposal emphasizes improved con-
nections between the central and other parts of town,
via walking and cycling paths in four directions. In the
opinion of the jury, the ideas presented for a green
swath radiating from the town centre and a new resi-
dential area on the sports field and Oddeyrartangi is
debatable, and better resolved by other proposals. The
main idea in the proposal, which involves recovering a
connection with the sea and creating a significant and
fresh character for the town centre, is original and dar-
ing as well as being realistic in its general aspects. The
jury decided that this is a proposal well deserving the
top place.”
Towards the end of the proposal the winning entry
states: “Akureyri is dramatically sited; however, the
opportunities this presents are not currently being
exploited. Our vision builds on the particular qualities of
the location in order to promote an identity for Akureyri
that will define it as a place apart - a unique destina-
tion. In addition, this is also a proposition that seeks a
balance between realistic needs and maximum creative
impact. We present a clear framework, which is neither
too prescriptive nor too loose. It is not all or nothing; it is
the way to a better future.” ■
mm