Artwork in development areas

About the project

The artworks are part of the overall vision that the environment and buildings are meant to create. They enrich public life and create engaging environments. These artworks can be integrated into a structure or stand as independent works in or around the buildings. They are created by artists other than the structure's designer.

Reykjavík City's development agreements with lot owners specify an amount that the lot owner commits to contributing, with Reykjavík City matching that contribution. A city team consisting of representatives from Reykjavík Art Museum and the Planning Officer oversees the implementation of these projects.

Ljóslífun (Photorejuvenation)

Dagrún Aðalsteinsdóttir (2024)

The artwork Photorejuvenation consists of large mirrors mounted high on the new building at Skipholt 1. The mirrors capture evening and morning sunlight and reflect light into the courtyard. The artwork encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of sunlight and draws inspiration from the village of Viganella in the Italian Alps, which sits in a deep valley where sunlight cannot reach year-round, prompting residents to install mirrors on the mountainsides. In the underpass leading into the courtyard, you can also see a circular form that reveals glimpses of graffiti found on the site when the artwork was installed.

Arkís arkitektar and Arnarhvoll ehf. selected the work, and the current owner is the Skipholti 1 homeowners' association.

• Location: Skipholt 1 – Courtyard and underpass
• Lot owner: Arnarhvoll
• Architects: Arkís

Fjársjóðskista (Treasure Chest)

Brynhildur Þorgeirsdóttir (2025)

The artwork Treasure Chest is a concrete sculpture with an organic form resembling a whale's back that stands on a grassy area in front of the new building at Rofabær 7-9. The work is cast in a mold using concrete with a light gray tone. The top layer contains Hornafjörður gravel with stones in various colors, along with colorful glass fragments and other decorative stones from the artist's personal collection. The surface has been ground down, revealing a colorful adventure beneath.

The work is owned by the Rofabær 7-9 homeowners' association, which selected the work in consultation with the lot owner.

• Location: Rofabær 7-9
• Lot owner: Rofabær 7-9 ehf.
• Architects: Plúsarkitektar

Fortjald (Curtain)

Steinunn Þórarinsdóttir (2025)

The artwork Curtain is a sculpture cast from recycled aluminum that acts as a figurative façade for the building. The work is positioned at the main entrance of the new building at Sólvallagata 79 on the Hringbraut side. The figure's posture is neutral, yet it also welcomes passersby. The work references the tradition where figures are integrated into the architecture of ancient buildings, blending modern architectural art with a classical approach.

• Location: Sólvallagata 79
• Lot owner: Gunnar Sverrir Harðarson and Þórarinn Arnar Sævarsson
• Architects: Plúsarkitektar

Leiðni (Conductivity)

Helgi Már Kristinsson (2025)

Conductivity is a wall installation located in the underpasses that connect Seljavegur to the courtyard at Héðinsreitur. The colors and form of the work draw inspiration from the space's role in guiding guests into the building and courtyard, as well as from the building's previous function housing the metalworks Héðinn. The work also references the period when graffiti artists found refuge in the area during the transitional period before current development began.

• Lot owner: Center Hotels ehf.
• Architects: Gláma/Kím
• Location: Seljavegur 2, Center Hotels – Underpass at the Héðinn lot

Leikur ljóss og skugga (Play of Light and Shadows)

Sigurður Árni Sigurðsson (2025)

The artwork Play of Light and Shadows in the courtyard at Seljavegur 2 at the Héðinn lot is a large-scale mural on a windowless stairwell. The wall faces northwest and remains in shadow, much like the courtyard itself. The concept behind the work is to bathe the wall in constant light and sunlight. Using yellow paint and simple drawing techniques, imaginary holes are created that cast shadows on the unpainted exposed concrete. This simple optical illusion creates a dialogue and connects with the shape of the air vent that stands prominently in the middle of the garden, the garden's layout and the curved building.

• Location: Seljavegur 2, Center Hotels – Courtyard, Héðinn lot

Teiknað í járn (Drawing in Iron)

Helgi Gíslason (2025)

The artwork Drawing in Iron is an 8-meter continuous drawing derived from the artist's visual vocabulary. The piece is made of iron and serves dual purposes as both a partition and a light source between the building and street. The iron is shaped into organic forms and lines, creating a deliberate contrast with the building's straight lines. The drawing is primarily abstract, though leaves and human figures can also be identified. The work is positioned at street level and will be enjoyed by pedestrians in Þverholt.

• Lot owner: Sérverk ehf.
• Architects: ASK architects
• Location: Þverholt 13

Works in progress

Stanslaus (Nonstop)
Author: Rósa Gísladóttir

Location: Grensávegur 1

Rif (Reef)

Author: Anna Júlía Friðbjörnsdóttir

Location: Vesturvin – Courtyard

Pollar (working title)

Author: Elísabet Brynhildardóttir

Location: Borgartún 41 – Courtyard