Hlemmur

Background

Reykjavík City launched an idea search for a new planning of the Hlemmur area at the end of 2017. Ideas for the planning arrangement were sought, with attention to the location of high-quality public transportation in the area and new design for the square around Hlemmur.

Proposals from the architectural firms Mandaworks and DLD were selected for further development work on Hlemmur for the redesign of the area.

Hlemmur has a long history

Hlemmur takes its name from a trapdoor, or “hlemmur”, built over Rauðará, and there was also a water post at Hlemmur where thirsty pack horses could quench their thirst. Laugavegur was laid down to make it easier for laundry women to walk to the washing pools in Laugardalur. All these memories are woven into the proposal.

It's worth mentioning that in sustainable drainage systems, water is made visible on the surface and connected to plant beds that utilize the water. Vegetation creates shelter and frames the edges of the square along with buildings, and is also a pervasive element in street spaces.

Pedestrian traffic will be given high priority, with main walking directions being clear and prioritized where they intersect driving lanes. The Square is designed with accessibility for all in mind, with grade changes on main routes resolved with this consideration, as well as access to buildings.

The proposal includes high-quality public transport stations, heated shelters with modern technology and conveniences that welcome the user.

Main concepts of the proposal

• Create a framework for diverse daily life in the square, provide shelter, and exciting leisure areas
• Work with historical references
• Enhance public transportation as an exciting option and support soft modes of travel
• Greenify the area and use sustainable drainage systems.
• Shape a framework for leisure spaces that both children and adults can enjoy
• Utilize water as an experience, such as the steam linked to the journeys of the laundry women and the memory of Rauðará: At the end of Laugavegur and Rauðarárstígur, where the square opens up, there's a steam area that serves as a reminder of the laundry springs in Laugardalur. Laugavegur was laid out to make it easier for the laundrywomen to carry their loads to the springs. The pillar with the carrying beam at the Square has been lowered, and a bench is now part of the pillar’s design. The steam will take on a new dimension in the dark with lighting that brings out a spectrum reminiscent of rainbows or northern lights.

The square will be a public space for everyone

Buildings with various functions are part of the overall square design; they are covered spaces that extend activity onto the square. In addition to buildings under glass, there are two open steel structures on the square that can be utilized as needed.

The North Pole feature is prominently placed and connects to the square booths on both sides with glass. In later stages of the design process, it was separated to ensure that all buildings stand independently.

Green and friendly Hlemmur

Hlemmur will be greenified both for shelter and aesthetic enhancement. On the north side of the square, continuous beds with trees and undergrowth provide shelter along with the square booths present. Laugavegur and Rauðarárstígur have continuous vegetation that sometimes serves a role in rain gardens.