Austurvöllur, Reykyavik, Iceland

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❖Austurvöllur, Reykyavik, Iceland, 2009[open in full screen]

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This square in old town Reykjavik is surrounded by the parliament building, the city's oldest church Domkirkja, the hotel Borg, and the dance club NASA. Alpingishúsid (the parliament house) is a classical 19th century structure. The building was designed by Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl and built using hewn dolerite during 1880 to 1881.

Alpingishúsid has also housed the Icelandic national library and antiquaries collection.

Even in this cold climate [10-12˚C during the summer months] basic need for public space with the opportunity for reading the newspaper on the bench in the downtown park – square or simple socializing, people watching etc. is fulfilled. Attempt to plant some flowers, and very rare sight in Iceland, mature trees, is also noticeable.

Reykjavik is not Iceland, country is defined by nature, check surrounding countriside by few kilometres away on the photos bellow.

❖ photos by Ken Grunberg
and Una Janicijevic,
VR by urbansquares

Next Arnarhóll, Reykyavik, Iceland

❖..c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ... s y s t e m..❖
more about evaluation method		more about types of squares
sociability	7	ceremonial	x
uses & activities	8	religious	x
access & linkages	8	social	x
comfort	8	residential	x
image	8	courtyard	x
tourist value	7	with park	x
total	46	street, shopping	x