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VEÐURSTOFUHÆÐ LOCAL PLAN

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City of Reykjavík

Lendager

Local Plan

38.407 m²

2023 - ongoing

Veðurstofuhæð is a rocky hill in the heart of Reykjavík. At its highest point, traces of glacial erosion from the Ice Age remain visible. The hill is also home to the Icelandic Meteorological Office which conducts research and manages civil protection operations around the clock.

The design objective was to create a frame for, and a sense of community by stitching and connecting the area to existing neighbourhoods and activities. Each plot has a cluster of buildings, arranged around a sheltered central area where people can sit down and meet neighbors. The planning goals and design solutions focus on maximizing natural light on building façades, optimizing views and preserving existing ecosystems and vegetation.

Environmental considerations are also central to the plan, given that construction accounts for a significant share of global carbon emissions and is the largest source of waste generated in Iceland. The plan therefore emphasizes the reuse of building materials and the reduction of the carbon footprint associated with construction, supporting the City of Reykjavík in meeting its climate goals and commitments.