Old Harbour Urban Plan Competition, Picture, Project, Reykjavik Master Plan Design Images
Old Harbour Masterplan Iceland
Reykjavik Design Contest: Iceland Building design by Graeme Massie Architects, Edinburgh
post updated 10 July 2021 ; 17 Dec 2009
Old Harbour Site Reykjavik
Graeme Massie Architects win a third competition in Iceland
Location: Reykjavik
Organiser: Associated Icelandic Ports
Graeme Massie Architects are confirmed as winners of the open competition to masterplan the Old Harbour of Reykjavik and Orfirisey, in Iceland.
On Friday 11th December, at a reception at the Maritime Museum in Reykjavik, Graeme Massie Architects were confirmed as winners of the open competition to masterplan the redevelopment of the Old Harbour of Reykjavik and Orfirisey.
Reykjavik’s old harbour, and neighbouring Orfirisey, covers an area of approximately 80 hectares within the city’s urban core and is currently home to a range of industrial, commercial, tourist and cultural activities, including a major new concert hall by Henning Larson Architects which is currently under construction. The master plan competition was organised by the primary land owner, Associated Icelandic Ports, to provide a strategic vision for the future development of the harbour area within the context of Reykjavik’s city centre. The competition win is accompanied by a cash prize of 7,500,000 Icelandic Krona (approximately £37,000).
The juxtaposition between urban environment and unmediated natural landscape, rare in the context of a capital city, is integral to Reykjavik’s character. Through planned and unexpected views, the landscape continually exerts its presence. Graeme Massie Architects winning scheme proposes a simple strategy which develops a new identity for the harbour area through reference to the archipelago located just offshore from the city as well as the broader landscape setting.
A flexible arrangement of development islands is proposed, each of which assumes a unique identity defined by location, function, typological form and character. The proposals meet the challenges facing the harbour area and the strategic vision of Associated Icelandic Ports by accepting a disparate range of existing commercial and industrial activities while facilitating the introduction of new mixed-use, residential and office districts that integrate Reykjavik’s existing urban core with the harbour waterfront. The development structure is responsive and flexible; supporting incremental development over time as well as future expansion and adaption in response to evolving economic circumstances.
It is the practice’s third major competition win in Iceland, following previous winning schemes for an Urban Plan for Vatnsmyri, Reykjavik (2008) and the masterplan for the town centre of Akureyri (2005).
Old Harbour Masterplan images / information from Graeme Massie Architects
Location: Vatnsmyri, Reykjavik, Iceland, north west Europe
Icelandic Architecture Designs
Iceland Architectural Designs
Iceland Architecture Designs – chronological list
Reykjavik Architecture Walking Tours
Icelandic Projects by Graeme Massie Architects
Vision Akureyri International Design Competition, 1st Prize
image from architect
Icelandic building competition
Vatnsmýri Urban Plan
image from architect
Iceland Urban Plan
Graeme Massie Architects – Competitions
Bonn Square, Oxford – winner
photo : David Stewart
Atlantic College, Wales – shortlisted
Icelandic Buildings
Iceland Buildings – Selection
Airport Terminal Extension in Keflavik, Reykjavik
Design: Andersen & Sigurdsson Arkitekter; Teikn Architects
photo © Christopher Lund
Airport Terminal Extension in Keflavik
Holmsheidi Prison, Reykjavik
Design: Arkis Architects
photo © Hreinn Magnusson
Holmsheidi Prison, Reykjavik
The Icelandic National Concert & Conference Centre, Reykjavik
Henning Larsen Architects
Icelandic Concert & Conference Centre
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