Spaces between buildings
Reykjavík City is now seeking interested individuals or groups to participate in the Standby Squares project 2026. The city's public spaces aren't just squares and gardens. The city also comes alive in the spaces between — between houses, at the edges of lots, in alleyways, backyards, sidewalks and other interesting but not always well-defined areas. This summer, Reykjavík City is seeking ideas that draw attention to these urban spaces.
- How can life emerge where there seems to be little going on?
- What happens when we slow down and examine the spaces we usually walk past?
We encourage individuals and groups to create temporary interventions that highlight the potential of spaces often invisible in daily city life. Projects can be simple, playful, practical, poetic or experimental, but they should all offer new perspectives on how we can use and experience our urban spaces.
- Maybe a place to sit will appear where no one sat before?
- Maybe an alleyway transforms into a gathering place?
- Maybe an empty patch becomes a space to spend time?
The goal isn't a perfect solution, but a question: What could happen here?
Applications must include:
- Detailed project description with text, images, sketches and drawings.
- Project schedule and timeline.
- Rough budget estimate including material costs and wages.
- Resume for each applicant including full name, ID number and address.
Applications are submitted electronically through My Pages. The application deadline is Monday, April 20, 2026.