FOJAB shortlisted for Icelandic international competition

FOJAB is the only Swedish architectural firm to be shortlisted for a competition in Iceland, designing a new district near the well known Sky Lagoon in the capital area. Among 37 international teams, FOJAB, together with consultant Ramboll, is one of five selected to advance to stage 2 of the competition.

At the tip of the Kársnes peninsula, where the North Atlantic meets the Reykjavik metropolitan area, lies the well-known tourist destination and spa Sky Lagoon. Here, plans are underway for housing, retail and recreation in the new Sky Lagoon Waterfront District. Stage 2 of the competition involves developing a conceptual masterplan and a long-term vision for the approximately 75,000-square-metre area.

FOJAB has previously won several international competitions in Iceland, including the masterplan for the new urban district Keldur and the masterplan for Köllunarklettur district in Reykjavik. A defining feature of FOJAB's work is a deep understanding of the conditions of each site, environments characterised by quality of life, and structures that contribute to a reduced climate footprint.

Competition for the five spots in stage 2 was fierce. Both the level of interest in the competition and the quality of the submissions exceeded the jury’s expectations.

The other shortlisted teams are London-based Allies and Morrison with GROSS.MAX and Ramboll; Berlin-based Sebastian Treese International with Atelier Wehrle and Tradition Arkitekter; Danish BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group with Systematica; and Henning Larsen with THG Arkitektar and Ramboll.