A group of architects, engineers, and artists is calling for urgent action to address the decline of Icelandic architecture and to prioritise aesthetic beauty, quality construction, and a greater public interest in urban planning.
According to an article in mbl.is, the group of passionate urban designers argue that, over recent years, developers have prioritised commercial interests over communal well-being, resulting in unattractive urban spaces.
One signatory, visual artist Egill Sæbjörnsson, compares this movement to the one focused on preserving Bernhöftstorfan, a row of houses in central Reykjavík that faces the busy Lækjargata intersection.
A new focus
As reported by the news agency, the group has issued an official appeal. Within it are demands for a shift in urban planning policies, emphasising the need for:
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- Historical preserveration and cultural heritage
- Diverse, high-quality architecture
- Sustainable city planning centred around people
- Legal reforms to protect the public’s right to a well-designed environment
If urban planning is close to your heart, good news—the appeal is open for public support on Island.is.
On top of that, the movement is truly an inclusive one, including not only architects and engineers, but also an environmental psychologist and even a lighting expert.
Architect Magnús Skúlason, another of the signatories, has a long history of advocating for architectural preservation parrticularly. For instance, he is the co-founder of the Turf Association and leads resident organisations in the capital city, Reykjavik.
