Place: Reykjavik, Iceland
Team: MASU Planning (Main advisor / Landscape architect)
Client: Municipality of Reykjavík & Transport for the Capital Area (TfCA)
Size: 120ha
Timeline: 3rd prize in two stage competition, 2024
Keldur sustainable masterplan
The masterplan’s cornerstone is its adaptation to Keldur’s unique natural context.
Keldur’s future sustainable masterplan encapsulates a holistic approach that aligns with the local natural context while prioritising sustainable mobility as well as fostering vibrant communities.
Landscape approach & urban life
Building upon local landscape identities, a large portion of Keldur’s natural landscape is preserved and enhanced through local interventions. These strategies allow residents and visitors to experience a significantly rich landscape of ancient glacial moraine, agricultural fields, mud flats, streams, or rivers and the view toward Mt. Esja.
Central to the masterplan’s success is its emphasis on sustainable mobility. All proposed new buildings are within a 5-minute walking radius from public transport hubs. This results in more compact neighbourhoods with a larger concentration of public amenities and a greater porosity to nature. The diversity of house types and tenancy forms provides the conditions for a social mix and a wide variety of architectures. Urban centres built at a human scale will become popular destinations with local amenities and public transport connections.
In conclusion, Keldur’s sustainable masterplan concept is based upon:
Density for urban life – allowing for an efficient public transport scheme and providing a better basis for commercial and public service.
Cater for diversity – a mix of house types and tenancy forms provides the conditions for a social mix and a great variety of architecture.
Meetings in everyday life – meeting places are created at different social levels: own residence, communal houses, public squares…
Nature for identity and well-being – the Keldur park and cycle paths tie the area together, strengthening Keldur’s identity and attractiveness.
