Urbanize the Suburb

Abstract: Iceland is an island located in the North Atlantic Ocean where the climate is cold and the weather can be unpredictable. The sun angle is low during winter, which gives minimum daylight. This darkness and strong winds affect the urban life in the capital city Reykjavík and controls how people commute and spend their free time. One of the main goals in the regional plan for the capital area is to stop urban sprawl, densify within the existing urban fabric and increase the use of public transit. The plan is to develop the City line, light rail transit, and strengthen centers in the suburbs next to the City line. This thesis deals with redeveloping a suburban center and design for urban life in the suburb together with a new public transit, playful public realm and solutions for cold climate. The design site is located in one of the first suburbs in Reykjavík and the aim of this thesis is to transform the site from being a car-based area in to a walkable and attractive well-connected suburban center and increase outdoor urban life all year around.