Course: BYG0013H – Stairway / Stiginn
Date: 25.08.2008 - 26.09.2008
Field: Architecture
Location: Öxarárfoss / Þingvellir National Park / Iceland
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The focus of this course was the interaction between nature and the built environment. The subject was the bonding flow space of the stairway, and its ideological context. Emphasis was put in the analysis of the landscape in physical and historical terms. This was a crucial part of the design process. Furthermore the utilization of the building material in the context of the natural surroundings was an essential factor.
Project description
Þingvellir National Park lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American divergent tectonic plates are separated. This rift is in continual motion with an average spreading rate of about 2.5 cm per year. The valley is formed between the two plates and it is in this spot where Alþingi or Parliament was established in 930 and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site holds a special significance in the hearts of Icelanders and in recent decades it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland.
The objective of my project was to merge the two definitive aspects of the location, the historical / cultural and the geological. It is meant to highlight the movement of the land horizontally and the sedimental formations vertically. On the “bridge”, the horizontal part of the stairway, placards commemorating important events in the history of Iceland are placed in accordance to the location of the ridge at the time. The stairway functions as a scale and a frame to the location and puts it in perspective not only to size but of time; past, present and future. The stairway will accommodate the growing tourism of the area, preventing further impairment to the grounds and offer a new, safe and beautiful view over Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland as well as the Öxarárfoss waterfall.
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Course: BYG0105H - Environment and weather / Umhverfi og veður
Date: 23.02.2009 - 30.04.2009
Field: Architecture
Location: Coastal defense at Bessastaðir pond. Álftanesi, Iceland
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The aim of this project was to train students to design in the context of the natural environment. To analyze the history, weather, nature and culture as well as to the context of the nearby area. Students where to learn about and utilize surface weather data so to be beneficial to the design process. This study is to prepare academics for Icelandic weather conditions as well to other local weather forecasts.
Project description
My project based itself on the nature conservation initiative “green scarf”, proposed by the city of Reykjavík. It focuses on the creation of green spaces around the greater Reykjavík area with walking and cycling routes throughout. I proposed a sea bathing facility which would serve those who are traveling along the Blue path, a footpath that follows the coastline of the capital area.
The facility is divided in two visually contrasting compartments. The upper compartment has a light color scheme and a airfoiled, droplet shaped form, designed to be wind resistant and minimize drag. There you will find the entrance where visitors are either lead to the viewing post on the top floor or to the separated changing rooms and showers on the lower floor.
From the changing rooms, stairways lead to the sea bathing and hot tub facilitys. This compartment has a darker color scheme and square shaped form. The compartment is situated in the intertidal zone, the area between the tidal marks. This means that in high tide most of the bathing area is submerged and the sea water mixes in with the hot water, pumped from a local hot stream. In the most preferable circumstances the sea water in the lagoon is around 0° to 19°C and the hot tubs are around 30° to 39°C hot.
The space has a celestial association, reserved for the intersection of the horizons and where the celestial dome merges with the world's ocean. The passage and experience of the rooms changes as a result of the changing of the tides which are directly affected by the attractions of the moon and the celestial bodies.
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Course: BYG0626H - Final Project / Lokaverkefni
Date: 15.02.2010 - 14.05.2010
Field: Architecture
Location: Corner of Vonarstræti and Lækjargata, Reykjavík, Iceland
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The final project in the department of architecture in the Icelandic academy of the arts involved the designing of an arts museum, specifically the living art museum, known in Iceland as NÝLÓ (Nýlistasafnið). The goal was to complete a project which dealt with all aspects of architecture, from concept to presentation. The student where required to meet certain requirements and to unite their skills, such as concept, functionality, choice of material, technical aspects and to form a logical and concerted project. It was realized in consultation and by supervision of selected architects who then approved the works for publication at an yearly exhibition held in Reykjavik Art Museum at Hafnarhúsið.
Project description
The building was thought on the strict realsation of a tool or an engine, operated by artist working and exhibiting their work. The building is meant to be a neutral forum for Art. It tries to derive the architect's own expressions and aesthetic preferences so not to color the artists ones. The buildings only expression is to the technical, functional and environmental needs. It lends its theory from the high tech architecture in how it tries to become a true expression of its purpose while also nodding to the distortions, dislocations and fragmentation of deconstructivism. The buildings requirements were broken up to different compartments or units who then took their shape, material and position from their functional need. There are five major exhibition spaces, one of which is reserved for theatrical or lecture events. Their difference is mostly in the way they invite people and guide light into the rooms. There special forms, configurations and aspect ratio were taken from the “sectio aurea” or the golden section. Other spaces such as the entrance, coffee shop, book corner and offices are thought as interspace between the exhibition spaces. In the basement the storehouse and the real art treasure is sealed off to the public. The building is compiled of these units or compartments which are arranged to the outline and configuration of the site and the progressive building mass of the nearby buildings and environment.
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