M.Arch útskriftar bæklingur 2025

Útskriftarhátíð LHÍ 2025

IUA Graduation Festival 2025

ARCHITECTURES FOR CARE

MArch Arkitektúr MArch Architecture

Útskriftarsýning Graduation Exhibition

Frekari upplýsingar á www.lhi.is Further information at www.lhi.is

Safnahúsið, Hverfisgötu 24.05.–01.06.2025

Meistaranemendurnir 2025 Amal Sneih Abou Farrag Birta Fönn Kristbjargardóttir Sveinsdóttir Fred Wilson Hendry Briars Gísli Hrafn Magnússon Heiðdís Helgadóttir Helga B Þorvarðardóttir Kjerúlf Íma Fönn Hlynsdóttir Laufey Jakobsdóttir Lárus Freyr Lárusson Pétur Jónsson Samúel Aron Laufdal Guðlaugsson Sandra Dögg Þorsteinsdóttir Victor Óli Búason

Sýningarstjóri útskriftarsýningar: Jan Dobrowolski

Architectures for Care The fifth year of architectural education at the Iceland University of the Arts is devoted to further exploring and expanding both the meaning and scope of architecture and architects’ societal responsibility.

This is done by creating a learning environment that incites students and their educators to respond to global challenges whilst creating conditions to locally engage as active citizens in their communities.

The goal of the architectural department is to support students developing knowledge, skills, traits, attitudes, and behaviours necessary for becoming ethical professionals and cosmopolitan citizens, by advancing new political agencies to co-design healthier, safer, and a fairer world, in a changing social, ecological, and political environment.

These exhibited students’ projects speak of architectures that emphasize the plural, collective and collaborative nature of the practice of architecture. Architectures can be used in multiple ways; as critical processes of inquiry, as vehicles to raise social awareness, as tools for collective imagination, and as a collaborative project aimed at caring for and repairing the spaces for the common good. These projects use architectures as an instrument for care.

Arkitektúr til samhygðar Fimmta árið í arkitektúrnámi við Listaháskóla Íslands er helgað því að víkka út merkingu og viðfang arkitektúrs og höfða til samfélagsábyrgðar arkitekta. Námið skapar umhverfi sem hvetur nemendur og kennara til að bregðast við hnattrænum áskorunum og býður upp á aðstæður þar sem þau geta tekist á við nærumhverfið sem virkir borgarar í samfélagi sínu.

Markmið námsins er að styðja nemendur í að afla sér þekkingar og þróa með sér færni sem er nauðsynleg ábyrgu fagfólki og heimsborgurum (e. cosmopolitan citizenship). Með nýjum pólitískum áherslum fá þau tækifæri til að hanna heilbrigðari, öruggari og sanngjarnari heim í síbreytilegu félagslegu, vistfræðilegu og pólitísku umhverfi.

Verkin sem lögð eru fyrir nemendur leggja áherslu á fjölbreytileikann og samvinnuna sem liggur í eðli arkitektúrs. Arkitektúr má nota á fjölbreyttan hátt: sem gagnrýna rannsóknaraðferð, sem hvata til samfélagsvakningar, sem verkfæri til að smíða sameiginlegan hugarheim og sem samstarfsverkefni helgað því að annast og laga rými fyrir almannaheill. Í þessum verkefnum er lögð áheyrsla á aðferðum í arktitektýr sem efla samhygð.

Extending the Continuum of Care

M.Arch, 2025

Architectural strategies for post-relapse support in addiction recovery Amal Seih Abou Farrag

Extending the Continuum of Care Drug and alcohol addiction has become an insity and an institutional design that mirrors hospital ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGIES FOR POST-RELAPSE SUPPORT IN ADDICTION RECOVERY

creasing concern in Iceland, with studies indicating environments. As a result, several patients live in an a steady rise in cases. This issue impacts Icelanenvironment that is unwelcoming and characterized Amal Seih AboutoFarrag dic society, contributing social and economic by social judgment. challenges. This thesis proposes a new model for post-treatment addiction rehabilitation in Iceland, This thesis suggests designing a non-medical, which addresses critical gaps in the current recovery therapeutic rehabilitation center created to support Drug and alcohol addiction has become an increasing concern in Iceland, with studies indicating steady system. individuals after relapse.

The center aims toareduce rise in cases. This issue impacts Icelandic society, contributing to social and economic This relapse rates, pressure on existingchallenges. medical facilities, thesisthe proposes new modelpathway for post-treatment inlists.

Iceland, which addresses critical While nationala treatment begins with addiction and rehabilitation shorten waiting Through healing architecgaps in the current recovery system. detoxification at Vogur Hospital, followed by rehabilture, biophilic design, and a variety of human-cenitation at the SÁÁ center, many patients experience tered programs, not only as shelter, but as an active While therelapses nationaldue treatment pathway begins with detoxification at Vogursupporting Hospital, followed by rehabilitarepeated to the limited program diveragent in recovery, and dignity. tion at the SÁÁ center, many patients experience repeated relapses due to the limited program diversity and an institutional design that mirrors hospital environments. As a result, several patients live in an environment that is unwelcoming and characterized by social judgment.

This thesis suggests designing a non-medical, therapeutic rehabilitation center created to support individuals after relapse. The center aims to reduce relapse rates, pressure on existing medical facilities, and shorten waiting lists. Through healing architecture, biophilic design, and a variety of human-centered programs, not only as shelter, but as an active agent in recovery, supporting dignity, and

Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

From Function to Flow:

Reconnecting through Glerárlaug

M.Arch, 2025

Birta Fönn K. Sveinsdóttir

From Function to Flow:

In today’s fast-paced, urbanized society, where individual experiences and personal reflections to loneliness is increasingly common, facilities like provide subjective insights. This thesis employs a swimming pools play a vital role in fostering mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interwell-being. In Iceland, pools have historically served views, and personal reflection, to explore pool users’ as key gathering spaces, reinforcing social bonds experiences. It also explores the design of architecand community life. Today, they provide essential ture centered on relational thinking and sensorial opportunities for maintaining and cultivating good experience, emphasizing the significance of public health. overcrowding of urbanized the main pool in Akureyspacestoinexplore fostering well-being and social connection. individual experiences and personal In The today’s fast-paced, society, where ri, “Akureyrarlaug,” and proposals to restrict public like It focuses on revitalizing Glerárlaug by expanding reflections to provide subjective insights. loneliness is increasingly common, facilities access to the smaller left and adapting it to employs serve its users better. It promotes This thesis a mixed-methods approach, swimming poolspool, play “Glerárlaug,” a vital role inhave fostering manywell-being. residents without easypools access to these beneinclusivity through improved spatial circulation, including surveys, interviews, and personal In Iceland, have fits. This thesis employs mixed a materiality, and sensory elements to create a more It reflection, to explore pool users’ experiences. historically served as key methods, gatheringincluding spaces, reinalsoand explores the design of architecture centered survey to gather broad perspectives from swimming accessible environment. forcing social bonds and community life. Today, engaging on relational thinking and sensorial experience, essential for maintainpool they usersprovide and residents andopportunities interviews to explore emphasizing the significance of public spaces in ing and cultivating good health. fostering well-being and social connection. It foThe overcrowding of the main pool in Akureyri, cuses on revitalizing Glerárlaug by expanding and “Akureyrarlaug,” and proposals to restrict public adapting it to serve its users better. It promotes access to the smaller pool, “Glerárlaug,” have inclusivity through improved spatial circulation, left many residents without easy access to these materiality, and sensory elements to create a mor benefits. This thesis employs mixed methods, inengaging and accessible environment. cluding a survey to gather broad perspectives from swimming pool users and residents and interviews

Reconnecting through Glerárlaug Birta Fönn K. Sveinsdóttir

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Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

HULDUHEIMAR

THE ARCHITECTURE OF TALES: IMMERSIVE SPACES FOR ICELANDIC FOLKLORE

M.Arch, 2025

Fred Wilson Hendry-Briars

HULDUHEIMAR

Folklore is an important part of Icelandic culture, Drawing upon the rich narratives of folktales as history and identity, shaped by its unique landa catalyst for design, this thesis investigates the THE OF TALES: IMMERSIVE SPACES FOR ICELANDIC FOLKLORE scape ARCHITECTURE and rich traditions of storytelling.

Tales concept of future preservation and celebration of of elves, trolls, and sea monsters are deeply Icelandic folklore through architecture. Located Fred Wilson Hendry-Briars embedded in the consciousness of the Icelandic in the Elliðaárdalur Valley, an underutilised forest people, offering a connection to the natural world area on the outskirts of Reykjavik, the thesis enand explanations of the unknown. visions a constellation of storytelling spaces that serve both as a physical and an immer- and rich Folklore is an important part of Icelandic culture, history and identity, shaped artefact by its unique landscape traditions of storytelling.

Tales of elves, trolls, and seasive monsters are deeply embedded in the consciousness of Globally, folklore plays a crucial role in shaping environment. the Icelandic people, offering a connection to the natural world and explanations of the unknown. cultural identities, connecting communities to Globally, folklore plays crucialinsights role in shaping identities,architecture connecting becomes communities to their environment, their environment, and aoffering into culturalProposed a modern-day and offering insights into society’s and beliefs.

However, a rapidly urbanising this society’s values and beliefs.

However,values in a rapidly “re-teller” ofin stories, offering visitors world, a space to intangible cultural heritage risks fading into the background and ultimately dying out as stories and myths are no longer urbanising world, this intangible engageand withembrace and participate in the preservation of passed down through time orally.cultural Thus, itheritage is crucial to explore alternative methods of revitalisation that ensure folklore remainsand integral to Iceland’s national identity, just asBy it has beenon fortraditional generations. risks can fading into the background ultimately local cultural traditions. drawing dying outupon as stories andnarratives myths areof nofolktales longer as a catalyst folktales reinterpreting architecDrawing the rich forand design, this thesisIcelandic investigates the concept of future and celebration of Icelandic folklore through Located in thecreates Elliðaárdalur Valley, passedpreservation down through time orally. Thus, it is crucial tural formsarchitecture. and materials, the design a an underutilised forest area on the outskirts of Reykjavik, the thesis envisions a constellation of storytelling to explore and embrace alternative methods of lasting connection between the past and present, spaces that serve both as a physical artefact and an immersive environment. revitalisation that can ensure folklore remains ensuring the ongoing transmission of folklore into Proposed architecture becomes a modern-day “re-teller” stories, offering visitors a space to engage with and integral to Iceland’s national identity, just as it has the of future. participate in the preservation of local cultural traditions. By drawing on traditional folktales and reinterpreting been for generations.

Icelandic architectural forms and materials, the design creates a lasting connection between the past and present, ensuring the ongoing transmission of folklore into the future.

Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

Aesthetics of Survivalism

M.Arch 2025

Gísli Hrafn Magnússon This thesis project explores the interplay between material culture, sustainability, and education through the lens of Iceland’s history of survivalism and the proposed development of a centralized building for the Iceland University of the Arts (IUA).

Gísli Hrafn Magnússon Shaped by its colonial past and reliance on local materials such as turf, stone, and driftwood, Iceland’s This thesis project exploresreflects the interplayabetween material culture, sustainability, resourcefulness legacy of resilience that and aligns of environmental stewardship education with throughprinciples the lens of Iceland’s history of survivalism and the proposed develand cultural identity. On one hand this thesis exposopment of a centralized building for the Iceland University of the Arts (IUA). Shaped es current exploitative and unsustainable architecby its colonial past and reliance on local materials such as turf, stone, and driftwood, tural practices; on the other hand the work explores Iceland’s resourcefulness reflects a legacyapproach of resilience that alignsreconnects with principles of a holistic, material-driven that environmental stewardship cultural identity.

On one hand this thesis exposes construction withand ecological responsibility, labor, and landscape. current exploitative and unsustainable architectural practices; on the other hand the

and materiality can embody a sustainable and con-

text-sensitive approach. In order to reach the goal, AESTHETICS OF SURVIVALISM this study emphasizes integrating Iceland’s tradi-

work explores a holistic, material-driven approach that reconnects construction with

For decades the Iceland University of the Arts (IUA) ecological responsibility, labor, and landscape. has had an ongoing discussion about creating a For decadespermanent the Iceland University of the Arts (IUA)consolidates has had an ongoing all discussion single, building that the about creating a single, permanent building thatone consolidates all the university’s university’s departments into cohesive space.

This vision would develop better environdepartments into one cohesive space. Thisavision wouldworking develop a better working enviment while demonstrating the growing importance ronment while demonstrating the growing importance of the arts in Icelandic culture. of the arts in Icelandic culture. The proposed campus The proposed campus in Elliðaárdalur—Reykjavík’s largest natural retreat—provides in Elliðaárdalur—Reykjavík’s largest natural retreat— an opportunityan to investigate how design materiality can how embodydesign a sustainable provides opportunity toand investigate

tions of resourceful craftsmanship with educational and architectural innovations to foster a space that honors cultural preservation while advancing sustainable development. The thesis also explores the and context-sensitive approach.

In order tobuilding reach the goal, this study emphasizes potential of locally sourced materials and bio-based alternatives, which are low in with embodied integrating Iceland’s traditions of resourceful craftsmanship educational and carbon, in the hope to provide a sustainable solution architectural innovations to foster a space that honors cultural preservation while to the carbon-intensive materials commonly used advancing sustainable development. The thesis also explores the potential of locally in global construction practices. By aligning with sourced building materialsplanning and bio-basedgoals—such alternatives, which are in embodied Reykja­ vík’s urban aslow enhanccarbon, in the transportation hope to provide a sustainable solution to the carbon-intensive materials ing public infrastructure through projects like used Borgarlína, promoting building commonly in global construction practices.sustainable By aligning with Reykjavík’s urban practices, and integrating green spaces—the new planning goals—such as enhancing public transportation infrastructure through projIUA campus serves as a model for uniting art, nature, ects like Borgarlína, promoting sustainable building practices, and integrating green and education, addressing both the technical and spaces—the newcomplexities IUA campus serves as model for uniting art,Ultimatenature, and education, ecological ofaconstruction. both the technical and ecological complexities of construction. lyaddressing this research proposes a holistic vision for art Ultimately education that bridges tradition and innovation and this research proposes a holistic vision for art education that bridges tradition and inadvocates for resilience in the face of global environnovation and advocates for resilience in the face of global environmental challenges. mental challenges. Results position IUA as a leader in Results position IUA as a leader in ecological design and art education, contributing ecological design and art education, contributing cultural and educational legacy. totoaa lasting lasting cultural and educational legacy.

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rnal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

Repurposed for Creativity

M.Arch, 2025

Heiðdís Helgadóttir Fostering creative expression through adaptive reuse this project envisions transforming a 60-year-old factory building in Hafnarfjörður into a dedicated space for art education. In a town where sports dominate, the arts often go overlooked, particularly Heiðdís Helgadóttir for children who feel disconnected from traditional activities. This project aims to provide these children with a sanctuary where they can explore, create, and feel seen.

Moreover, it addresses Iceland’s Fostering creative expression through adaptendency to demolish existingtransforming structures. In an era tive reuse this project envisions when sustainability material scarcity are urgent a 60-year-old factory and building in Hafnarfjörður into a dedicated space for art education. In a town where sports dominate, the arts often go B overlooked, particularly for children who feel disconnected from traditional activities. This project aims to provide these children with a sanctuary where they can explore, create, and feel seen.

Repurposed for Creativity

Moreover, it addresses Iceland’s tendency to demolish existing structures. In an era when sustainability and material scarcity are urgent issues, tearing down sound

issues, tearing down sound buildings is wasteful and shortsighted. By reimagining this factory, the project advocates for a more respectful approach that values memory, material, and place. The design prioritizes empathy and practicality, carefully considering the needs of both teachers and students. Spaces are crafted from a child’s perspective, allowing for independence and inspiration. This facility not only serves as aishome for and artistic expression also buildings wasteful shortsighted.

Bybut reimagining stands as a testament what deserves to occupy this factory, the projectto advocates for a more respectful space in our communities. approach that values memory, material, and place.

The design prioritizes empathy and practicality, carefully considering the needs of both teachers and students.

Spaces are crafted from a child’s perspective, allowing for independence and inspiration. This facility not only serves as a home for artistic expression but also stands as a testament to what deserves to occupy space in our communities.

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Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

House of Commons

M.Arch, 2025

Helga Björg Kjerúlf Housing is a fundamental human right. Today,

javík, like many cities, faces a deepening housing

housing as a common good rather than a commodity. By shifting how dwellings are made, owned, and lived in, we can begin to shape a more inclusive and resilient urban future.

economic policies that prioritise financial gain over social well-being. This thesis explores the speculative transformation of the House of Commerce, originally built in the as a monument economic Housing is1970s a fundamental humantoright.

Today, growth.

It itisis reimagined here as the as House of Comhowever, increasingly treated a financial mons, a case than studyain adaptive reuse, degrowth, and asset rather place of safety and belonging.

Reykjavík, like many cities, faces a deepening housflexible design. ing crisis, driven by speculation, rising demand, and economic policies that prioritise financial gain While new construction remains necessary to adover social well-being.

This thesis explores the dress the scale of the current shortage, this project speculative transformation of the House Comargues for a complementary approach: oneofthat primerce, originally built in thestructures 1970s as aand monument oritises the reuse of existing rethinks to economic growth. It is reimagined here as the House of Commons, a case study in adaptive reuse, degrowth, and flexible design.

While new construction remains necessary BUILDING to address EXISTING the scale of the current shortage, this Load bearing walls project argues Partionfor walls a complementary approach: one Lightweight partion walls / Interior partion that prioritises the reuse of existing structures and

Grounded in frameworks such as Doughnut Economics, historical cooperative housing, and flexible architecture, the thesis challenges dominant models ofrethinks urban development. proposesgood an alternative housing as aItcommon rather than vision, where growth is measured not in square a commodity.

By shifting how dwellings are made, metres orand financial but begin in networks of care, owned, lived return, in, we can to shape a more inclusive and resilient future. participation, and sharedurban ownership.

The transforGrounded in frameworks such asthe Doughnut mation of the House of Commerce into House historical cooperative housing, and ofEconomics, Commons calls for a shift in priorities, away from flexible architecture, theand thesis challenges domispeculative development toward long-term nant models of urban development. proposes an adaptability, affordability, and collectiveItwell-being. alternative vision, where growth is measured not in Housing as commons for the common good. square metres or financial return, but in networks of care, participation, and shared ownership. The transformation of the House of Commerce into the House of Commons calls for a shift in priorities, away from speculative development and toward long-term adaptability, affordability, and collective well-being.

Housing as commons for the common good.

however, it is increasingly treated as a financial asset House of Commons rather than a place of safety and belonging. Reykcrisis, driven by speculation, Helga Björg Kjerúlfrising demand, and

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Partion /walls Elevator opening Lightweight partion walls / Interior partion Wet area Columns Stairs

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Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

Living Closer

Cohousing as a response to isolation and housing challenges in Iceland

M.Arch, 2025

Íma Fönn Hlynsdóttir

Living Closer

Housing in Iceland, particularly in the capital area, sustainability, and community engagement should has increasingly become an investment product, guide the development of new housing. The research Cohousing as a response to isolation and housing challenges in Iceland resulting in soaring prices and limited affordable investigates how residents can be involved in the options.

This trend has created significant challengarchitectural process, creating housing that is Íma Fönn Hlynsdóttir es, especially for young people and those with low designed for and with the people who will live in it. incomes, who often find themselves in unsuitable or The goal is to conceptualise new forms of living that substandard housing. Despite ongoing development, maintain architectural quality while offering flexible, much of the new construction disregards Iceland’s affordable thatpublic fosterspaces a stronger of The lack homes of inviting andsense thoughtful Housing in Iceland, particularly in the capital area, tradition of harmonious, human-scale architecture. belonging and connection within the community. design further deepens the disconnect among has increasingly become an investment product, Instead, features residents. In response to these issues, this thesis resultingitin soaringimpersonal, prices andbox-like limited buildings affordsurrounded byThis parking lots, to social explores cohousing as a viable alternative to curable options. trend hascontributing created significant isolation andespecially a weakened community. rent housing models. It proposes that affordability, challenges, forsense youngofpeople and those sustainability, and community engagement should with low incomes, who often find themselves guide the development of new housing. The rein unsuitable or substandard housing.

Despite The lack of inviting public spaces and thoughtful search investigates how residents can be involved ongoing development, of the new construcdesign further deepens much the disconnect among in the architectural process, creating housing that tion disregards Iceland’s tradition of harmonious, residents.

In response to these issues, this thesis is designed for and with the people who will live in human-scale architecture.

Instead, it features explores cohousing as a viable alternative to current it. The goal is to conceptualise new forms of living impersonal, box-like buildings surrounded by housing models.

It proposes that affordability, that maintain architectural quality while offering parking lots, contributing to social isolation and a flexible, affordable homes that foster a stronger weakened sense of community. sense of belonging and connection within the community.

Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

It’s about time

Monitoring the arctic

M.Arch 2025

Laufey Jakobsdóttir

It’s about time

We live in the Anthropocene, where human-induced science institute has significantly contributed to climate change and biodiversity loss threaten the the local community and the global scene. The goal stability of life on Earth. These factors affect all is to shed light on how architectural thought can monitoring the arctic aspects of society and necessitate enhanced natural engage in this context through the lens of scientific environment monitoring. At the same time, the factual data and philosophical exploration. Here, it dissemination of knowledge gathered and cross-disis proposed that a vacant building from the fishing ciplinary dialogue on the subject is essential. industry in the center of Raufarhöfn be repurposed into achange research institution, thereby granting greater We live in the Anthropocene, where human-induced climate and biodiversity loss threaten the stabilAs anlife accessible Arctic territory in biodiversity, agency tonecessitate this platform and the community.

By ity of on Earth.

These factorsrich affect all aspects of society and enhanced natural environment areas like Melrakkaslétta Iceland have become inextending the lifespan of an existing building and on monitoring.

At the same in time, the dissemination of knowledge gathered and cross-disciplinary dialogue creasingly in discussions on environmenenhancing its function concerning the environment, the subjectimportant is essential. tal affairs. Within the community of Raufarhöfn and knowledge production, communication, and public the country’s northernmost urbanized lies a sci- areas engagement, this thesis tobecome the discourse As an accessible Arctic territory rich inarea biodiversity, like Melrakkaslétta in contributes Iceland have increasingly important inRif discussions on environmental affairs.

Withinpast, the community entific research platform, Field Station.

Through of the present, and future. of Raufarhöfn and theresearch country’s northernmost area lies a scientific research platform, Rif Field Station. Through its its and collaborativeurbanized projects, this natural research and collaborative projects, this natural science institute has significantly contributed to the local community and the global scene. The goal is to shed light on how architectural thought can engage in this context through the lens of scientific factual data and philosophical exploration. Here, it is proposed that a vacant building from the fishing industry in the center of Raufarhöfn be repurposed into a research institution, thereby granting greater agency to this platform and the community. By extending the lifespan of an existing building and enhancing its function concerning the environment, knowledge production, communication, and public engagement, this thesis contributes to the discourse of the present, past, and future.

Laufey Jakobsdóttir

production

Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

interface

PORTLAND

M.Arch, 2025

Lárus Freyr Lárusson Located 50 km drive north of the capital of Iceland is structure that delineates the skyline and still symbolthe town Akranes, known for its passionate football izes the town´s industrial power, now underused and culture, thriving fish industry, and the only cement awaiting a new purpose. factory of Iceland. After a period of economic crisis, in the 2008-2016, Akranes has experienced How can repurposing the old cement silo in Akranes Lárus Freyr Lárusson significant population growth, and forecasts suggest spark the creation of a dynamic community hub that this trend will continue. However, despite the that brings people together, supports better urban increasing population, it seems that the community planning,known and honors the town.football This thesis focuses Located 50 km drive north of the capital of Iceland is the town Akranes, for its passionate culture, thriving fish industry,isand only cement factory ofgrowth.

Iceland. After a period of economic crisis, inhistoric the 2008-2016, Akranes of Akranes notthe benefiting from overall on preserving the silo’s character whilehas experienced significant population growth,aand forecasts that thisittrend continue.

However, despite theeducaincreasThe local cement factory has played crucial role suggestturning into awill space for cultural, social, and ing population, it seems that the community of Akranes is not benefiting from overall growth. The local cement factory has in this narrative and in the nation´s development tional activities. The transformed structure will serve played a crucial role in this narrative and in the nation´s development for over fifty years from 1958 to 2008. A large part of for fifty yearshas from 1958 to 2008. A large a vibrantlandmark gathering encouraging social the over cement factory been demolished, but whatpart remains is aas significant forplace, Akranes and a reminder of the era of thethe cement has been demolished, but interaction and community growth. It will once again when factoryfactory was in operation. what remains is a significant landmark for Akranes become an important part of the town’s daily life and My and mapping revealed a clearwas gap:in Akranes isamissing a vibrant social hub where residents andresearch a reminder of the erahave when the factory new destination for residents and visitorscan connect, celebrate their shared history, and work toward a sustainable future. At the heart of this issue stands the old cement silos operation.

PORTLAND

a once-iconic structure that delineates the skyline and still symbolizes the town´s industrial power, now underused and awaiting a new purpose.

My research and mapping have revealed a clear gap: Akranes is missing a vibrant where How can repurposing the old cementsocial silo inhub Akranes spark the creation of a dynamic community hub that brings people together, supports better urban planning, and honors the town. This thesis focuses on preserving the silo’s historic character residents can connect, celebrate their shared history, while turning it intoaasustainable space for cultural, and educational activities. The transformed structure will serve as a vibrant and work toward future.social, At the heart of gathering place, encouraging social interaction and community growth. It will once again become an important part of the this issue stands the old cement silos a once-iconic town’s daily life and a new destination for residents and visitors

Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

Obscured by Clouds

M.Arch

Pétur Jónsson In recent years, nearly 90 percent of the world’s data has been created, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital consumption, placing growing pressure on planetary energy systems. Global data consumption is accelerating rapidly, yet the infrastructures behind it remain largely unseen. While often perceived as immaterial, the cloud is supported by vast physical infrastructures—data and systems—that In recent years, nearlycenters 90 percent of the world’s consume large created, amountsdriven of energy, emit waste data has been by the rise of heat, and contribute significantly global emissions. artificial intelligence, cloudto computing, and digital consumption, placing growing pressure on planetary Set in East Iceland, this project speculates onisa energy systems.

Global data consumption future in which data becomes the country’s primary accelerating rapidly, yet the infrastructures behind it remain largely unseen. While often perceived as immaterial, the cloud is supported by vast physical infrastructures—data centers and systems—that consume large amounts of energy, emit waste heat, and contribute significantly to global emissions.

industry. Rather than viewing data centres as passive consumers of energy, the project explores the potential to generate climate interventions and new forms of public space that engage with thermal and atmospheric conditions. Waste heat is redirected into algae-based carbon sequestration systems and thermal landscapes, repositioning computation as a force of planetary restoration.

OBSCURED BY CLOUDS Pétur Jónsson

Set in East Iceland, this project speculates on a future in which data becomes the country’s primary industry.

Rather than viewing data centres as passive Itconsumers proposes a shift from passive consumption of energy, the project explores to the active engagement, rethinking we live withand the potential to generate climatehow interventions systems we have built—revealing thewith cloud new forms of public space thatwhat engage obscures. thermal and atmospheric conditions. Waste heat is redirected into algae-based carbon sequestration systems and thermal landscapes, repositioning computation as a force of planetary restoration.

It proposes a shift from passive consumption to active engagement, rethinking how we live with the systems we have built—revealing what the cloud obscures.

Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

Hidden People:

Rethinking the relationship between the urban and the rural

M.Arch 2025

Samúel Aron Laufdal Guðlaugsson

HIDDEN PEOPLE:

Despite Iceland’s renowned natural beauty, 94% of models abroad as well as in Iceland while focusing its population resides in urban areas, with a signifon the challenges and opportunities presented by RETHINKING THE RELATIONSHIP THE URBAN AND THE RURAL icant concentration around the capital, Reykjavík. BETWEEN the country’s unpredictable weather, geography, and This will continue to be the reality as the municiunique socio-political context. A key investigated palities’ answer to the ongoing housing crisis is to issue is the outdated municipal law, which limits sercontinue densifying urban setting.

This thesis vices to unofficially registered addresses, excluding Samúel Aronthe Laufdal Guðlaugsson therefore explores Iceland’s void between urban and many rural dwellers from legal recognition and public rural housing options and proposes a design services.

By in interviewing anwith existing community of Despite Iceland’s renowned natural beauty, 94%solution of its population resides urban areas, a significant concentration to meetthe thecapital, growing desire of capital residents people from society, this seeks an crisis around Reykjavík.

This will continue to to belive the reality as the“hidden” municipalities’ answer to thethesis ongoing housing is to continue densifying in thenature. urban setting.

Thisexamthesis therefore explores Iceland’s void between urban and ruralby housing closer to and immersed The thesis insight into what is desired, missing, or required options and proposes design solution to meet the growingthose desirewho of capital residents live closer to and immersed in ines a housing option awhere residents can recharge already live thistolifestyle. nature. The thesis examines a housing option where residents can recharge in a home surrounded by lakes, trees, animals, in a home surrounded by lakes, trees, animals, and and tranquility rather than the noise of the city. In today’s post-pandemic era, working from home is becoming more tranquility thaninthe noise of thehomes city. Inintoday’s Results propose a new housing model for Icelandic normalized,rather resulting people seeking less busy areas.

These pressures create the perfect conditions to start post-pandemic era, working from the home is becomresidents on the outskirts of its capital borders. And rethinking the relationship between urban and rural spaces. ing more normalized, resulting in people seeking the design of a sustainable, family-oriented, comThrough of areas.

Ebenezer Howard’s “Three Magnets” this thesis examines existing models abroad homes inthe lesslens busy These pressures create the theory, munity-driven settlement.

Usingrural localliving techniques as well as in Icelandto while focusing on the and opportunities presented by the country’s unpredictable perfect conditions start rethinking thechallenges relationship and off-the-shelf material, this thesis illuminatesweather, geography, and unique socio-political context. A key investigated issue is the outdated municipal law, which limits services between the urban and rural spaces. an affordable model that focuses on slow-paced, to unofficially registered addresses, excluding many rural dwellers from legal recognition and public services. By interviewing individual living within community that respects its an existing community of people “hidden” from society, this thesis seeks an insight intoawhat is desired, missing, or required Through of Ebenezer Howard’s “Three Magnatural surroundings. by those the wholens already live this lifestyle. nets” theory, this thesis examines existing rural living Results propose a new housing model for Icelandic residents on the outskirts of its capital borders. And the design of a sustainable, family-oriented, community-driven settlement. Using local techniques and off-the-shelf material, this thesis illuminates an affordable model that focuses on slow-paced, individual living within a community that respects its natural surroundings.

Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

Bessastaðir Visitor Centre

M.Arch, 2025

Sandra Dögg Þorsteinsdóttir This project explores the intersection of ecological design and spatial perception in the creation of a proposed Visitor Centre at Bessastaðir, the official residence of the President of Iceland. As tourism increases to reach 400,000 visSandrarapidly—projected Dögg Þorsteinsdóttir itors by 2030—there is a pressing need to manage access, protect sensitive environments, and preserve the integrity of this historically and politically significant site. Using a four-phase research approach, This project explores the intersection of ecological the project qualitative design andintegrates spatial perception inand the quantitative creation of a methods literature review, on-site colproposedincluding Visitor Centre at Bessastaðir, thedata official lection, layered mappin, andof design application.

Theresidence of the President Iceland.

As tourism oretical foundations include Gestalt principles, the increases rapidly—projected to reach 400,000 visitors by 2030—there a pressing need to Biophilia Hypothesis, andisEnvironmental Psychology, manage access, protect sensitive environments, and preserve the integrity of this historically and politically significant site. Using a four-phase research approach, the project integrates qualitative and quantitative methods including literature review, on-site data collection, layered mappin, and design application. Theoretical foundations include Gestalt principles, the Biophilia Hypothesis, and Environmental Psychology, highlighting how

ÁLFTANES

N

B E S S A S T A Ð I R VIEW ANALYSIS

BESSASTAÐIR . ÁLFTANES . ICELAND

REYKJAVÍK

SNÆFELLSJÖKULL > SELTJARNARNES

SNÆFELLSJÖKULL >

SNÆFELLSJÖKULL >

Visitor Centre

SNÆFELLSJÖKULL >

BESSASTAÐIR

highlighting how humans perceive and connect with space through visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory cues. These insights inform a framework of design principles— such as edges, patterns, continuity, and storytelling— that guide the architectural and landscape proposal. The resulting design is site-sensitive, low-impact, and materially grounded in the Icelandic tundra. It offers immersive, sensory-rich experiences while managing traffic, safety, andthrough fosterhumans perceive andenhancing connect with space ing cultural and ecological appreciation. visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory Ultimately, cues. These the Visitorinform Centre aaims to be more than a principles— facility—it insights framework of design issuch a place belonging where human presence and as of edges, patterns, continuity, and storytellnatural processes are architectural respectfully entwined. ing—that guide the and landscape proposal. The resulting design is site-sensitive, low-impact, and materially grounded in the Icelandic tundra. It offers immersive, sensory-rich experiences while managing traffic, enhancing safety, and fostering cultural and ecological appreciation.

Ultimately, the Visitor Centre aims to be more than a facility—it is a place of belonging where human presence and natural processes are respectfully entwined.

NORTH FACADE

SOUTH FACADE

0

10

20 m

B E S S A S T A Ð I R ELEVATIONS

A1 / 1:100

BESSASTAÐIR . ÁLFTANES . ICELAND

6

2 5

4 5

4

3

1 1

7

9

3

8

FLOOR PLAN 1 1. VISITOR CENTRE ENTRANCE 2. RESTAURANT

^

^

5. PROJECTION AREA

7. STORE AND MUSEUM ENTRANCE

8. STAFF / GUIDE / DRIVER AREA 20 m

B E S S A S T A Ð I R FLOOR PLANS

A1 / 1:100

BESSASTAÐIR . ÁLFTANES . ICELAND

Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

2. KITCHEN / STAFF AREA 3. STORAGE AREA

6. KITCHEN

10

1. MUSEUM / EXHIBITION AREA

5. CLOAK ROOM

4. RESTROOMS

0

FLOOR PLAN 0 2

3. INFORMATION

9. OFFICE / STORAGE

4. CLOAK ROOM

Heimavöllur

M.Arch

Victor Óli Búason The rapid growth of football in Iceland has increased its popularity and elevated the national team’s international presence. Despite these advancements, the country is unable to host its own official matches, as the national stadium does not meet FIFA and UEFA standards.

Heimavöllur Victor Óli Búason

This lack of spaces forces the team to play abroad, resulting high operational logistical chalThe rapidingrowth of footballcosts, in Iceland has increased lenges, and reduced accessibility supporters.

The its popularity and elevated the for national team’s inloss of ticketpresence. revenue and decreased engageternational Despite thesefan advancements, the country is unable hostperformance its own official ment negatively impacttoteam andmatches, as the stadium does not meet FIFA and hinder the national development of football in the country.

UEFA standards.

This lack of spaces forces the team to play abroad, resulting in high operational costs, logistical challenges, and reduced accessibility for supporters.

The loss of ticket revenue and decreased fan engagement negatively impact team performance and hinder the development of football in the country.

This project proposes an expansion of the national stadium to meet international requirements, and allow Iceland to host home matches while fostering a stronger footballing identity.

The design integrate efficient crowd management, improved spectator facilities, and multifunctional spaces for year-round use. Additionally, the project will incorpotate new abroach of a stadium.

This project proposes an expansion of theBy national addressing theseinternational challenges through architectural stadium to meet requirements, and alinnovation, thehost project develops a new sport infra- a low Iceland to home matches while fostering stronger identity. structurefootballing that will enable high-level matches and house cultural events.

The design integrate efficient crowd management, improved spectator facilities, and multifunctional spaces for year-round use. Additionally, the project will incorpotate new abroach of a stadium. By addressing these challenges through architectural innovation, the project develops a new sport infrastructure that will enable high-level matches and house cultural events.

4.

Main entrace Waiting hall Toilets kiosk Cleaning faciliies Media room Medical room Shops Staff room

floor plan - 1 level

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Internal examiners: Garðar Snæbjönsson, Andri Gunnar Lyngberg, Elisa Dainese, Sahar Ghaderi, Massimo Santanicchia. External examiners: Sally Stewart and Paolo Gianfrancesco.

A

1

2

6

3

5

3

7

5

3

4

3

8

8

9

9

3

3

5

5

5

5

B

3

3

B

5

5

5

5

3

3

9

9

0

8

8

5

3

3

5

5

3

3

5

5

3

3

10

15

20

25

A

50