More nature and less climate impact – FOJAB shapes Reykjavik’s most sustainable district

The Keldur district in Reykjavik is set to become a model for Icelandic urban development and is an important piece of the puzzle on the road toward climate neutrality. FOJAB has prepared the basis for the detailed master plan, which is now out for public consultation.

Two years ago, the City of Reykjavik announced an open international competition for the development of the Keldur district, designed to accommodate 12,000 residents. The city’s ambitions were high: the new district would focus on sustainable mobility, social sustainability, and systems for water and greenery. FOJAB won the competition with a proposal built on social diversity in a dense and flexible urban structure along a new rapid bus line, with close proximity to nature.

FOJAB has since developed the ideas further in collaboration with Ramboll, Efla, the City of Reykjavik, and the public transport company “Transport of the Capital Area.” Input from city administrations and other stakeholders has been incorporated, and a development plan and design manual have been produced. This work forms the basis for the proposal for a detailed master plan now out for review, where Reykjavik residents have been invited to an open house.

The new district will be characterized by quality of life, child-friendliness, and easy, convenient everyday living in green, pleasant environments. Great emphasis is placed on preserving the area’s natural qualities and more space for nature has been allocated than what was originally recommended in the master plan. The urban footprint has been reduced by 28 hectares, resulting in denser development while simultaneously lowering the carbon footprint. The Borgarlína rapid bus line, connecting Keldur with the city center, has been given a partly new route that better follows the landscape compared with an earlier proposal.