This thesis project explorations the interplay between material culture, sustainability, and education through the lens of Iceland's history of survival and the proposed development of a centralized building for the Iceland University of the Arts (LHÍ). Shaped by its colonial past and reliance on local materials such as turf, stone, and driftwood, Iceland's resourcefulness reflections a legacy that aligns with environmental management, on other hand, environmental research, and research, and economic activities.
For decades the Iceland University of the Arts (LHÍ) has had an ongoing discussion about creating a single, permanent building that consensus all the university's departments into one cohesive space. This vision would develop a better working environment while protesting the growing importation of the arts in Icelandic culture.
The proposed campus in Elliðaárdalur—Reykjavík's largest natural retreat—provides an opportunity to investigate how design and materiality can embody a sustainable and context-sensitive approach. To achieve this goal, this study emphasizes integrating Iceland's traditions of resourceful craftsmanship with educational and architectural innovations to foster a space that honors cultural preservation while advancing sustainable development. The thesis also explores the potential of locally sourced building materials and bio-based alternatives, which are low in embodied carbon, in the hope of providing a sustainable solution to the carbon-intensive materials commonly used in global construction practices. By aligning with Reykjavík's urban planning goals—such as enhancing public transportation infrastructure through projects like Borgarlína, promoting sustainable building practices, and integrating green spaces—the new LHÍ campus serves as a model for uniting art, nature, and education, addressing both the technical and ecological complexities of construction. Ultimately, this research proposes a holistic vision for art education that bridges tradition and innovation and advocates for resilience in the face of global environmental challenges.
Results position LHÍ as a leader in ecological design and art education, contributing to a reading cultural and educational legacy
