Setting the stage for a playhouse at Hlemmur
Hlemmur is gradually transforming into a more pedestrian-friendly and attractive area, with more space than before set aside for diverse daily life activities. Now the youngest generation has been invited to play at Hlemmur with a temporary playground that sets the stage for what's coming with the planned playhouse. Attached is a new computer-generated image of the playhouse along with photos showing how the area looks today.
The youngest children can enjoy themselves on a playground located in what's called a staging area, where underground utility work is finished but surface construction hasn't started yet. The reason we decided to focus on children in this area is that during the next construction phase on the square, a so-called playhouse will be built there for children of all ages, which will be presented in more detail later.
More reasons to stop and stay
By having a temporary playground at Hlemmur, we're creating what urban design theory calls "placemaking" — a process where people work together to transform public spaces into new and important community areas by visiting and using these spaces. When construction is complete, Hlemmur will become one of the city's largest squares and take on a new role in the process.
This summer, children are playing where a street used to be, and we've also installed new temporary seating areas for people. People say clothes make the man, but obviously clothes can't be appreciated without the person wearing them. Similarly, Reykjavík City creates the framework — benches, play areas, greenery and art — making it possible for people to enjoy themselves in this new urban setting.
A food hall has already found its home in the building that once housed the Strætó transfer station, bringing all its daily life, aromatic food smells and social gathering. People have long traveled through Hlemmur, but now they have more good reasons to stop and enjoy the surroundings.
Welcome to Hlemmur this summer!
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