Laufey Jakobsdóttir

We live in the Anthropocene, where human-induced climate change and biodiversity loss threaten the stability of life on Earth. These factors affect all aspects of society and necessitate enhanced natural environment monitoring. At the same time, the dissemination of knowledge gathered and cross-disciplinary dialogue on the subject is essential.

As an accessible Arctic territory rich in biodiversity, areas like Melrakkaslétta in Iceland have become increasingly important in discussions on environmental affairs. Within the community of Raufarhöfn and the country’s northernmost urbanized area lies a scientific research platform, Rif Field Station. Through its research and collaborative projects, this natural science institute has significantly contributed to the local community and the global scene. The goal is to shed light on how architectural thought can engage in this context through the lens of scientific factual data and philosophical exploration. Here, it is proposed that a vacant building from the fishing industry in the center of Raufarhöfn be repurposed into a research institution, thereby granting greater agency to this platform and the community. By extending the lifespan of an existing building and enhancing its function concerning the environment, knowledge production, communication, and public engagement, this thesis contributes to the discourse of the present, past, and future.