The renovation and expansion of Løgtingið, the Faroese Parliament, and the expansion of the national football stadium are among MAP Arkitektars’ recent projects.
Architect of the Month, Faroe Islands
‘We’re but a mere footnote’ Inspired by the powerful nature and distinct culture of the Faroe Islands, MAP Arkitektar is behind a number of noteworthy projects in its home country. While working to mitigate the unique challenges of the small, remote island nation, the firm keeps the people and communities at the heart of what it does. By Signe Hansen | Photos: MAP Arkitektar
Founded in 2002, MAP Arkitektar is today headed up by two of its founding partners, Rúni Abrahamsen and Heidi Hjalgimsdóttir Poulsen. Educated in Denmark and with experience from design studios abroad, the two 110 | Issue 126 | July 2019
architects shared a desire to create a Faroese architectural design company with the capacity to take on projects of major scale and complexity. But despite the founders’ experience from abroad, it is the Faroese nature, weather and
culture that serve as the never-ending source of inspiration for designs, says Poulsen. “The powerful forces of nature around us are a constant reminder that we are but a mere footnote in a much grander design, which demands a humble approach to the footprint we as humans attempt to leave behind.” Nonetheless, as it has succeeded in the founding ambition of taking on projects of all scales, the firm has undeniably left a footprint worth noting. Among recent projects are the renovation and expansion