Gufunes

A comprehensive vision for Gufunes is being developed through framework planning. The goal is to create a neighborhood for apartments and creative industries, in dynamic interaction with nature and established structures.

Images and drawings

Free state of opportunities

An idea competition for Gufunes was held in 2016. The winners were jvantspijker + Felixx. The proposal's report outlined important goals still guiding the framework planning today. It stated that due to its character and location, Gufunes has the potential to become a unique district, a kind of free state where opportunities and experiences are at the forefront.

People-friendly, diverse and fun

Since the jvantspijker + Felixx winning proposal, efforts have been made to follow Reykjavík's municipal plan goals. The focus is on developing a creative city for all, closely connected to the bays with green emphases.

 

Emphasis is on eco-friendly solutions like blue-green stormwater management and green appearance in strong connection with dense, diverse development. Above all, the human is prioritized with emphasis on good public spaces accessible to all.

 

With these emphases as a guide, the competition proposal's goals will become reality. It states this nature and industrial gem will stand out, serving those who appreciate the area's raw characteristics and choose to live in the melting pot of urban life.

More about the Reykjavík City Municipal Plan
Illustration of people working in a creative village in Gufunes

All day vibrant neighborhood

Gufunes will see extensive residential development. Strong business development will accompany this, creating a vibrant neighborhood with active daily life from morning to evening. The area is divided into five zones, each with its own character:

 

  • In the north, Sea Gardens offer apartments with stunning views and people-friendly spaces between buildings.
  • The Creative Axis features old fertilizer factory structures. Their size provides an impressive spatial experience, attracting creative industries and vibrant daily life.
  • Green Oasis includes apartment buildings closely connected to man-made nature, contributing to the area's biodiversity.
  • Craft Center will offer strong business activity closely linked to people-friendly public spaces.
  • The southern Sea Collective provides affordable housing cores with strong connections to the seaside, emphasizing community living and sharing economy.

History and spirit

In the mid-20th century, a fertilizer factory was built in Gufunes. It was considered large-scale industry at the time. The factory created impressive structures visible from the city, strongly impacting the local landscape. Some of these structures have new creative roles, such as a film studio.

 

Gufunes has a strong connection to the sea. The coastline surrounds the area impressively, winding in all directions with beaches, white sands, and cliffs. The pier offers expansive views.

Yfirlitsmynd af Gufunesi

Fun themed areas

Building on a 2016 award-winning proposal, themes for the entire area have been developed.

  • The coastline will remain a priority, strengthened to become an impressive public space for all.
  • The garden will play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity, shelter, and a green character.
  • The circular route is the backbone for neighborhood traffic, a city street where pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic form a unified whole.
  • The centers will be places for people to meet and spend time together, positioned in strong interaction with Gufunes' established environment, including dramatic structures and the mysterious cemetery.

Future neighborhood connections

Gufunes' development will not extend further east than currently planned. Sundabraut is expected to run east of the neighborhood, strongly connecting it to the capital area's center in the future. Until then, the neighborhood will have time to grow and mature, building on the diverse cultural landscape it has today.

For the same reasons, there will always be geographical boundaries between Gufunes and Grafarvogur. However, there is a strong emphasis on creating strong connections between them, such as through bike and walking paths.

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Spilda's development

Development has already begun in Gufunes by the real estate development company Spilda. The company plans to build up to 700 apartments in Gufunes in the coming years. The apartments will be of various sizes and types.

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Creative industries

Numerous companies in the film industry and creative fields have set up operations in Gufunes, in addition to several dozen artists with studios there. The largest is the film company RVK Studios.

Where can I get more information?

Additional information will be available here.

Want to know more or send a comment? Send an email to skipulag@reykjavik.is