The low-rise, circular building at the centre of the Icelandic capital is intended to bring about a dynamic learning environment that promotes learning as well as social life. The fully developed university therefore also holds a fitness centre, restaurant, art gallery, hotel and child care facilities.
The university is constructed so that each faculty constitutes a neighbourhood in the village with streets and gardens. A large square unites all the parts and functions as a crossroads and venue.
Reykjavik University is one of the first large projects for which the structures are modeled completely in 3D. Using visualizations, we have ensured that the geometry is completed before the building is started. This adds to the quality of the final project.
At the same time 3D modelling makes it a lot easier to relate to the building during the conceptual phase, which increases the efficiency of the design and minimizes errors.
The university project has offered large challenges to the design of structures, the natural ventilation as well as the selection of materials.
'The university will be situated in between two landing strips on a site where the water table is half a metre below the surface, close to the Atlantic Ocean in an area that is seismic active as well as wind-swept', says Anders Christensen, Head of Department at COWI.
The loud noise from planes taking off has meant that the glass facade that was originally planned has been reduced considerably.
'Designing in Iceland is not like designing in Denmark. The Icelanders, for instance, do not think in terms of alternative energy sources. They pump up hot water straight from the subsoil and use it for heating their houses,' says the project manager.
After using the water for heating, it is directed under the streets and pavements to keep them ice-free. Finally the water is directed back to the soil.
Another reason why the glass facade was reduced in size, was the darkness. The fact is that the university is mainly used in the winter time when it is dark. Large glass surfaces turn black in the dark and absorb the electrical light. White walls that reflect the light are therefore much more suitable.
The total university building is more than 100,000 m2. The first phase of the project comprises approx. 35,000 m2 and is scheduled to be completed by 2009.
COWI is subconsultant on all engineering disciplines in the initial phases until the Icelandic consultants VGK Hönnum take over the detailed design.
Reykjavik university.
Fasteign
Henning Larsen Architects A/S
2007-2015