THE GROWING LIBRARY: NEW MI?BORG TOWN CENTRE

by Wesley Stone

Looking at the past, present and future of Reykjavik, Iceland, I have identified three themes that inform the project. First looking at Iceland's past, I identified the sagas as a touchstone of their cultural heritage. From the present, I look to develop upon the rich literary culture, and for the future, I look at solving the issues of food production through city farming. The town centre sits in the masterplan for New Mi?borg, a district designed by a group of students in DS11. The weather and cultural constrains of designing for Reykjavik have forced me to rethink my ideas of what a town centre should be. Identifying industry, production, science, culture, and ideas of self identity as aspects of a city that should be visible to the public and celebrated. The town centre features: a Sagas Museum, Civic Library, Public Realm, Hydroponics Research Centre, Hydroponics Growing Centre, Offices, Public Market, Monorail Station and Covered Arboretum.