01 Proposal for the Sæbraut Highway Cap
Proposal by Arkís, Landslag, and Mannvit.
Vogatorg Square is key to connecting Elliðaárdalur and Laugardalur with continuous green infrastructure. Vogatorg Square is also an important junction in the city's and the capital area's transport system, as here intersect transportation routes that run from east to west and from north to south.
Explanation images
What are your thoughts?
The development of Vogatorg Square is possible with the addition of Sæbraut Highway Cap, which unifies the aforementioned neighborhoods into a continuous urban layout where the safe use of sustainable modes of transportation takes precedence.
Urban layout
Generally, buildings should be 2 to 5 story tall seeking to align with the styles and character of the neighborhoods that surround Vogatorg Square. At Vogatorg Square itself, we anticipate taller landmark buildings visible from nearby neighborhoods and the busy traffic routes in the immediate vicinity.
The cityscape is quite diverse, and special emphasis is placed on ensuring that new structures harmonize well with existing ones. The western edge of the area features detached, small-scale buildings that echo the cityscape of Vogahverfi. Eastward, larger buildings are foreseen, with more emphasis on perimeter block buildings on that part of the area, just like in the planning of Vogabyggð.
The buildings are generally larger and the density higher at Vogatorg Square, at the southern end of the area. The plan also calls for commercial premises to create a sound barrier between Sæbraut and Vesturlandsvegur. Otherwise, the majority of development is expected to be residential and mixed-use.
A video showing Sæbraut in a highway cap – Proposal from Arkís, Landslag, and Mannvit.
Cap execution
Transit is directed underground via the cap while public transportation and quiet neighborhood traffic coexist with various transport methods at the surface. The south end of the cap is before reaching Dugguvogur, but at the northern end, the cap stops before reaching Skeiðarvogur, where there will be a traffic light-controlled intersection.
CityLine at Vogatorg Square
Bang in the middle of the southern end of Sæbraut Highway Cap, there will be a prominent CityLine central station that offers seamless transfers between different CityLine routes and public buses. Vogatorg Square will be a landmark in the cityscape. A gracefully sized, sheltered, and sunny square where accessibility is optimal. The square will be surrounded by spaces for shops, services, and catering that ensure a high level of service and contribute to a pleasant, efficient, and sheltered passenger journey across the area. The square is also an ideal destination for those who want to linger longer and enjoy what Vogatorg Square has to offer, in addition to being a dynamic new neighborhood center for both Vogabyggð and Vogahverfi.
CityLine stops are covered with a continuous transparent awning and a sound barrier that is part of the landscape design at the south entrance of Sæbraut Highway Cap ensures that Vogatorg Square is both comfortable and sheltered.
Path system
Emphasis will be placed on a dense network of walking and cycling trails within the neighborhood while ensuring that Vogatorg Square is well connected to adjacent neighborhoods and paths. There will also be an emphasis on good transit cycling paths through the neighborhood along main transport routes and ensuring a good and safe mixture between all unprotected road users.
Green areas
Vogatorg Square will ensure a continuous green connection between Elliðaárdalur and Laugardalur. Here, walking, running, and cycling routes connect seamlessly across large parts of the city. The square and adjacent CityLine streets will have a green and contemporary atmosphere and activities and life in adjacent buildings can weave out onto the square and sidewalks, contributing to a vibrant city life.