Vatnsmyri Urban Plan, Reykjavik, Iceland

International Competition, 1st Prize

Vatnsmyri is an area of around 200 hectares near the centre of Reykjavik, which is currently occupied by the domestic airport; however, the municipal plan calls for the airport to be relocated, releasing land for the development essential to ensure that Reykjavik can retain the character of the existing centre (101) while meeting the needs of the future.

The urban plan establishes a reciprocal relationship with 101; between built fabric and topography/geography; integrates with the existing infrastructure and built fabric; is wholly sustainable and removes development pressure from 101. The creation of this new district is at once both recognisable and distinct, urban in character but intrinsically linked to the Icelandic landscape.

The district is predominantly arranged as a responsive grid structure. In addition to the retention of key city-wide views to major landmarks, the grid also traces the alignment of the two principal runways of the existing airport and connects into the existing road network.

Client: City of Reykjavik Council

Cost: -

Area: 200 hectares

Status: Ongoing

Perimeter blocks define the street and so prioritise urban space over architectural object. To achieve an appropriately vibrant urban environment, mixed-use developments will be promoted with commercial, cultural and leisure facilities provided at ground level.

The spatial qualities of the Urban Plan frame distant and local views to landmarks, and as such facilitates easy orientation within the new district. In order to bind the district together we propose a significant series of landscape interventions, most significantly a Central Park, with dual lakes around which old and new are organised. These landscapes will provide a valuable amenity for all.

An integrated series of strategies ensure sustainable development: an integrated public transport system; the harnessing of geothermal power and other low-carbon technologies to ensure secure and sustainable energy provision; SUDS drainage and waste management's strategies; the preservation and extension of existing habitats to create a continuous and bio-diverse landscape.

Following our competition win in 2008, we have been working closely with the City of Reykjavik to develop our proposals and coordinate live projects by key local stakeholders, ensuring their successful future integration within the broader master plan.