FACTS

Location: Reykjavik, Iceland

Year: 2020

Status: Completed

Program: Public square

Client: Reykjavík municipality

 

DESCRIPTION

1st prize in a design competition. Óðinstorg (Óðin's square) is a public square situated on a dynamic sloping intersection of five streets in downtown Reykjavík, bordering a tightly knit residential neighborhood and a bustling commercial area. The challenge of the competition was to transform the square from a parking lot to a versatile public space for locals as well as passersby. Our proposal utilizes the natural slope to step down the square in three platforms. Each platform has a dedicated function, outdoor dining, public park/garden, market/stage. The top and bottom platforms can extend towards the lively commercial street Skólavörðustígur, while the middle park is nestled between and extends into a vacant lot to become a playground/garden. Combined they can also play host to larger events, making use of the slope as a natural amphitheater. The lighting design strategy creates an inviting and playful atmosphere and helps to extend the vitality of the square into the long winter season of the world´s northern most capital city.

 

CREDITS

Design team: 

Anna María Bogadóttir, Davíð Hildiberg Aðalsteinsson, Edda Ívarsdóttir, Einar Hlér Einarsson, Hrólfur Karl Cela, Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir

 

In collaboration with:

Landscape architect: Auður Sveinsdóttir

Lighting design: Verkís

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Awards:

1st Prize Competition Award