To design a new building in Suðurgata is a
fantastic opportunity for Reykjavik city development. It is one of the main
streets, the way to the airport, connecting Iceland with the entire world.
“Vigdis Foundation” (Stofnun Vigdísar
Finnbogadóttur) is one of the main institutions in Iceland to promote the
internationalization and conservation of Icelandic culture and values. The
headquarters building for it must show the importance of this organization for
the country. Though its architecture it must show this principles to everyone
that sees it.
We propose
a rational building, modular, without architectonical or constructive excess,
but special and singular, comfortable its users.
We want the
new building as the meeting point for all the University, also for the entire
Reykjavik City, and this is why we organized the brief with a “star shape” of 3
arms, open to the main directions, welcoming everyone to visit it.
The ground
around the building entries sinks generating 3 public access spaces in between
thre3 arms. Pedestrians will have the sensation of getting into a special
place, overall once they came in the building when they discover a spectacular
public and dynamic hall, designed to maximize the Vigdis Foundation image.
The ground
floor, open and public, with high ceilings and light spaces, we will have the
Library, Lectures Room, Exhibitions Space and café. Thanks to the 3 arms
distribution the Foundation can organize multiple events at the same time
without disturbing one to each other. It will be a multifunctional building.
On the
second floor there would be classrooms and study areas.
Finally, at
the third and last floor we will have all the offices, administration and work
area on this quiet and comfortable level for Vigdis Foundation workers.
So the
lower level is public, welcoming users to get in and visit the building,
participating on the different Foundation activities and the upper and quiet
two levels are for study and work.
We would
like to remark that all building spaces have an excellent natural illumination,
decreasing electricity consumption, and making more comfortable to be on the
interior.
Although
the building could have a singular aspect, its construction is cheap and clean:

It is based
on modulation principles, efficiency, time construction reduction and economic
materials.
Modulation is very important to understand the
building. All the components will have standard dimensions, decreasing
construction cost but with excellent quality and architectonical value.
Brief
distribution efficiency and an intelligent materials use allows us to
get interesting interiors, modern and comfortable with no high investments.
Using
prefabricated edification systems we will reduce 40% construction time,
reducing carbon emissions and workers needs so our building will be cheaper and
quick.
All our
materials will be easy to find on the local market.
The whole
building will be clad with modular mirror glass pieces and over them, there
would be a double façade made with recycled boat ropes that would be denser
where the sun orientations heats more directly.
This
secondary façade will provide a singular look to the building. It will remain
the sailor Icelandic tradition or the Icelandic pullover patterns very useful
on the strong winters.
One unique
look with an actually low investment.