Winning proposal for Hallar neighborhood unveiled
Officials presented the winning proposal from the idea search for a framework plan covering the Hallar neighborhood and its surroundings in Úlfarsárdalur today at the mayor's open informational meeting on housing. This idea competition marks one of the first steps toward developing a future vision for planning in Hallar.
Nordic Office of Architecture took top honors with "Hallar — A community at the foot of the hillside," a proposal created in collaboration with Efla and Danish landscape architecture firm SLA. The concept prioritizes nature, positioning it at the forefront of shaping the overall environment.
This planning proposal aims for a vibrant, desirable neighborhood to enhance the local surroundings and elevates the quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors. It highlights the interplay between the built environment and nature, championing development that fosters an active lifestyle and a robust sense of community.
New neighborhood center and strong connections to local surroundings
The proposal features a new neighborhood center offering a diverse mix of activities, services, and institutions. Public spaces nestled within a natural environment will anchor the area's development, establishing Hallar as a year-round destination to live and work.
Planners expect Hallar to include two school districts, which could also serve the new residential area at Leirtjörn. These schools will sit centrally within a green corridor traversing the residential area and linking to nearby outdoor recreation areas and natural spaces.
By heavily emphasizing sustainable transportation modes like walking and biking, the proposal allows residents to enjoy nature as they commute. A dedicated transit corridor ensures public transportation remains a priority. The design manages vehicle traffic with pedestrian and cyclist safety in mind, incorporating secure crossings and traffic-calming measures. The entire area will sit within a 10-minute walk of the public transit corridor.
Idea search and next steps
This idea search focused on developing a framework plan and demanded a clear future vision for the area. Participants had to consider land use, settlement patterns, density, housing mix, infrastructure, and links to neighboring areas and nature.
The City invited architecture firms with experience developing new neighborhoods and preparing framework plans in Reykjavík to participate. Teiknistofan Stika, FOJAB Arkitekter, and Nordic Office of Architecture competed in the idea search. Officials will next draft a service agreement with the winning firm to continue developing the framework plan and prepare a land-use plan for part of the area. In the coming weeks, consultations with residents and other stakeholders will offer participants a chance to submit comments and help shape the proposal further.
