Gísli Hrafn Magnússon

This thesis project explores the interplay between material culture, sustainability, and education through the lens of Iceland’s history of survivalism and the proposed development of a centralized building for the Iceland University of the Arts (IUA). Shaped by its colonial past and reliance on local materials such as turf, stone, and driftwood, Iceland’s resourcefulness reflects a legacy of resilience that aligns with principles of environmental stewardship and cultural identity. On one hand this thesis exposes current exploitative and unsustainable architectural practices; on the other hand the work explores a holistic, material-driven approach that reconnects construction with ecological responsibility, labor, and landscape.

For decades the Iceland University of the Arts (IUA) has had an ongoing discussion about creating a single, permanent building that consolidates all the university’s departments into one cohesive space. This vision would develop a better working environment while demonstrating the growing importance 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. In order to reach the 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 to provide 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 IUA 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 IUA as a leader in ecological design and art education, contributing to a lasting cultural and educational legacy