Design competition for the future downtown library

An open space for all – A democratic venue guided by sustainability and innovation

• The new Reykjavík City Library main branch will be a dynamic cultural and community center, a democratic space guided by sustainability and innovation for Reykjavík residents. It will be a truly open space for everyone, reflecting the transformed role of libraries in modern society.
• The library will be redesigned to meet the future needs of Reykjavík residents, providing access to information, experiences and services comparable to new libraries in benchmark capital cities, while also reflecting Iceland's unique culture and characteristics.
• The library will bridge digital and human service delivery, serving as a neutral space for co-creation where we can reimagine possibilities and respond quickly to rapid societal changes and resident needs.
• Residents will actively participate in creating the framework, experience, and services for the new library in collaboration with the building's design team. The redesign will recognize that the library is a dynamic space requiring ongoing operational development and changes made in collaboration with residents.
• Emphasis is placed on realistic and exciting proposals that respect the historical building's surroundings and character. Environmental considerations, sustainability, and eco-friendly design must guide all design decisions and material selections. The building is intended to achieve BREEAM certification.

Reykjavík City and the Reykjavík City Library are following design thinking principles, emphasizing resident participation and collaboration throughout the design process.

Prequalification committee

• Representative of USK - Ámundi V BrynjólfssonEngineer and Office Manager
• Representative of USK - Sólveig Sigurðardóttir, Architect and Project Manager
• City Library Representative - Guðrún Lilja Gunnlaugsdóttir, Designer and Head of Department
• Representative from Design Center - Thelma Guðmundsdóttir, Interior Architect
• Representative of AÍ - Hildur Gunnarsdóttir, Architect

Selection Committee

• Representative of USK - Ólöf Örvarsdóttir, Chairman of the Jury, Architect and Department Head
• Representative of USK - Guðni Guðmundsson, Construction Technician
• Reykjavík City Library representative - Pálína Magnúsdóttir, librarian and information specialist, and city librarian
• Architects Association of Iceland representative - Marcos Zotes, architect
• Representative of AÍ - Halldór Eiríksson, Architect

Secretary: Gréta Þórsdóttir Björnsson, Architect and Project Manager
Consultant/project manager: Gísli Sæmundsson, Architect

Selection committee advisors

• Aat Vos, architect and consultant
• Arna Ýr Sævarsdóttir, Head of Service Design Office
• Arnar Snæberg Jónsson, project manager at the Department of Welfare
• Elias Bjarnason, Project Manager in the Office of Public Works and Maintenance
• Hjálmar Sveinsson, Councilor

Confidential representative
The trustee of the competition is Helga Guðjónsdóttir. Email: trunadarmadur@ai.is Phone number: 7802228 / 8483306

Design and implementation of the competition area is managed by Reykjavík City. Reykjavík City is offering the competition in the European Economic Area.