Renovation of Grófarhús
Description of the action and objectives
Green Deal action
Reykjavík City is organizing a design competition for the renovation, enlargement, and massive transformation of Grófarhús by Tryggvagata in Reykjavík, in collaboration with the Architects Association of Iceland. At present, it is home to the headquarters of the Reykjavík City Library – Culture House, Reykjavík Photography Museum, and Municipal Archive. The project involves a thorough renovation of Grófarhús by Tryggvagata and its connection with a new extension. The plan is for Grófarhús to become a buzzing cultural and social center in the heart of Reykjavík – a diverse adventure and knowledge world for children and families and guests of all ages.
Implementation period
Planned completion in the second half of 2022
Status report on January 1, 2024
Action completed. The results of a design competition regarding changes and improvements to Grófarhús were announced in late November. A team comprised of JVST architects, Inside Outside, Hanrath Architect, the Kreatíva design studio, VSÓ Consulting, and Örugg Engineering was chosen in the competition organized by Reykjavík City and Architects Association of Iceland. The selection committee's report states that the proposal is playful and enjoyable, meeting expectations for a diverse adventure and knowledge hub for people of all ages. Additionally, they observed that the proposal has the potential to be progressive, leading, and responsive to the changing needs of the community. It remains to be determined when construction will commence.
Older status reports
The table shows older status reports with information on the progress of the action since its inception (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
| Timing | Progress description |
|---|---|
| July 2022 |
A contest for a new Grófarhús took place in the first half of the year, with five teams selected from the pre-qualification phase to participate in the design contest. The priority for the pre-qualification phase was on renovation and sustainability in line with the Green Deal, and the winning proposal will be announced in the second half of the year. Design teams submit proposals in the fall months, which will be reviewed in October and the results announced on November 24, 2022. |
Related actions
The table contains actions related to this initiative, and you can access more information by clicking on the "action title" in the table (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
| Action name | Status | Completion | Updated | Departments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renovation of Grófarhús | Completed | 2022 | January 2024 | Department of Culture & Sport |
| Aðalstræti 10 - a new exhibition of the City Museum | Completed | 2022 | January 2024 | Department of Culture & Sport |
| Rainbow Certifications of the City's cultural institutions | Completed | 2022 | January 2024 | Department of Culture & Sport |
| Review of the policies of the City of Literature, City Museum, and City of Music | In progress | 2024 | January 2024 | Department of Culture & Sport |
| City festival conversation platform | In progress | Ongoing | January 2024 | Department of Culture & Sport |
| Taking action on accessibility - Hand in Hand | Completed | 2022 | January 2024 | Department of Culture & Sport |
| Consultation on the operations of the City Library | Completed | 2022 | January 2024 | Department of Culture & Sport |
| Mapping of art spaces in the city | In progress | 2025 | January 2024 | Department of Culture & Sport |
Societal objective
- 1. For All of Us | The Green Deal Residents' well-being and the feeling of belonging in Reykjavík.
- 2. Let Dreams Come True | The Green Deal Children and adolescents let their dreams come true.
- 3. Culture and arts will be integrated into city life | Green Deal Everyone has equal opportunities to participate in and enjoy culture and arts.
- 4. Sports for all | Green Deal Most people regularly engage in sports or other physical activities.
- 5. Improved public health | Green Deal A health-promoting, sustainable, and diverse community.
- 6. Human rights, increased participation, and improved conversations with residents | Green Deal Residents have the opportunity to work with the City to improve their quality of life.