Sævarhöfði 31
REYKJAVIK/ IZ/ 2020Individual Work / Bilkent University
Revitalization of Industrial Site for Sustainable Development of Urban Fabric
District of Elliðaárdalur is 20 minutes train ride away from central Reykjavík, Iceland. The concrete silos in the site is a reminder of the history of the district which is being transformed into the Innovation Factory. Social, economical and environmental sustainability are key aspects of the design. The site and close surrounding are highly detached and lack the formation of a community. The project aims to revitalize the district to generate a space of encounter for the society aswell as a tourist attraction to cultivate the local economy and create job opportunities to sustain a healthy environment.
This 2.853m² plot is characterized by landmarks, a 40 meter tall concrete silos which form a part of a 1.641 m² industrial complex which used to house a cement factory. The site is today still used as a storage for gravel but the whole build structure is abandoned except for the buildings interior structure and machines. It is an important landmark seen from multiple locations in the city, perfect reminder of the past role of this neighborhood as an industry area and a gateway into the new future urban area of Bryggjuhverfi Vestur.
The plot is located in the new Bryggjuhverfi Vestur district which is a part of a transformation of Reykjavík´s brownfield area of Elliðaárvogur and Ártúnshöfði. An area that will soon get a very well deserved transformation from being an important industrial area to a quality urban area filled with vibrant life.
The site enjoys an ideal central location within the new area of Elliðaárvogur and Ártúnshöfði. It is nearby the ocean with well-connected bike paths to other parts of the city and will even be better connected
when the new (BRT) City Line will launch its first phase near the site.
The site will be transformed into Innovation Factory which will respect industrial heritage of the site yet propose a new scheme for innovation and research along with Icelandic goals for industry 4.0. The aim is to propose a building scheme that will be pioneer for nordic context. The new scheme will transform the site as well as the surrounding becoming an attraction for workforce, residents and tourists. Therefore, the activity is supported by residential zone, mixed use development, ecological preservation zone, the hub, fish market, ferry terminal and sports facilities. The toxic site resulted by cement activity is aimed to be decontaminated and the extension of delta which is the habitat of birds, plants and vegetation restored. The strategy is preserve, access, adapt, propose and sustainable growth. Ecologic restoration is one of the main goals of the project which questions the bond between nature and innovation meanwhile taking human on focus.
Geirsnef Bridge
Ellidaardalur Valley
Borgarlina City Line
