Kirkjusandur Neighborhood

This master thesis addresses urban sprawl, population growth and density in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The inhabitants of the capital area are estimated to increase by 19-26% by 2040. Reykjavik has a housing shortage, problem with sprawl, movability, walkability and transportation. The thesis question is how densification can be applied to the site of Kirkjusandur, a left over space just east of the city center and across the street from a big harbour area while considering existing residents and honoring the history of the placeThe design site is transformed into a dense mixed use neighbourhood where public space is designed to accomodate activities for all ages. Micro housing is introduced as one of many housing options and artwork, workout stations, urban farming, monthly fleamarkets, water features, warm water to play in and much more are added to add life to this part of the city and help connect the old city center to the first suburb in Reykjavik. A tram-system is introduced on a City scale and also a high speed rail going to the airport