Green and environmentally friendly focus

Háaleiti-Bústaðir benefits from the fact that on the outskirts of the district there are large open areas such as Fossvogsdalur, Elliðaárdalur and Laugardalur. Access to green areas varies between neighborhoods, even though within them there are green areas, both small and large and each with its own character. The new settlement that is being drafted in the neighborhood plan is for the most part within areas where development has already been planned in the land-use plan or in areas that are poorly utilized for outdoor recreation, such as along traffic streets. There is a willingness to increase the proportion of public spaces; both neighborhood parks, populated areas and so-called quiet areas, in all neighborhoods of the district.

Public spaces

Good access to open areas and a green focus in zoning contribute to the improved public health of the city’s residents. The neighborhood plan aims to set provisions for defining and strengthening open areas, such as neighborhood parks, populated areas, playgrounds and special quiet areas, increase the permeable surface, protect vegetation from unnecessary disturbance and support further vegetation on plots and urban land.

The work proposals also emphasize the strengthening of the neighborhood spirit and community awareness through neighborhood squares or gardens around the neighborhoods. These areas could also be a venue for various events, such as seasonal markets and places for art in public spaces, which can create new landmarks within the neighborhoods.

Neighborhood park and settlement in the Fram area
The intention is to hold an idea competition for a mixed settlement and a neighborhood park in the Fram area by Safamýri.

The green belt

The area between Fellsmúli and Ármúli is defined in the work proposals of the neighborhood plan as a neighborhood park with appropriate green infrastructure and the intention is to strengthen it as an outdoor recreational area all year round. The park would then be a kind of backbone of the neighborhood, which unites it and connects it to other neighborhoods and districts.

Outdoor recreational possibilities would be increased, e.g. by dividing the area into different sized garden spaces, each with its own appearance and role. Then there would be well-equipped populated and play areas, areas for growing vegetables and quiet areas for contemplation and rest, mixed with natural larger spaces.

Natural monuments would be considered, such as the rock belt, and important geological formations would be highlighted as landmarks of the neighborhood park. Vegetation needs to be chosen carefully and emphasis would be placed on native vegetation, diverse ecosystems and biota as well as blue-green surface water solutions.

The aim is to improve connections between neighborhoods with good, safe and well-lit walking and cycling paths. Benches and other outdoor furniture would be located in specially designed rest areas and information boards about the natural features, history and ecosystem of the area would be erected.

At the intersection of Ármúli, Síðumúli and Vegmúli, a neighborhood square is planned for various events, which should strengthen the local spirit and strengthen the neighborhood awareness of both residents and others who visit the park.

Grundargerðisgarður
The main public space in the Bústaða- og Smáíbúðahverfi neighborhood.
Image: Bragi Þór Jósefsson.

Many of the existing areas in the district have already been strengthened and given a specific role, such as playgrounds, populated areas, quiet areas, neighborhood parks, vegetable gardens, etc. The work proposals emphasize increased urban forestry, both within the district and on its outskirts. The number of trees and plant shrubs shall be increased for shelter, beautification, spatialization and as a countermeasure against the visual effects of large traffic arteries.

In Leiti and Gerði, the neighborhood square in front of Grensáskirkja is quite well located. The new framework plan for Kringlan also provides for squares, which residents in the neighborhood will also have access to.

Grundargerði park is the main public space in the Bústaða- og Smáíbúðahverfi neighborhoods. It is proposed in the work proposals that on the green axis, which extends from Fossvogsdalur up to the district heating system, a diverse public space be created for all age groups that can both strengthen the local spirit and increase the quality of life of the residents. Ideas are also put forward to make the district heating system, which runs from the old hot water tanks in Öskjuhlíð up through Bústaðahverfi to Elliðaárdalur, an outdoor recreational area and the new landmark of the district (see special discussion).

Fossvogsdalur is the only city park that is directly connected to district 5 and in the work proposals, proposals are made to extend the park further to the west and improve connections to the outdoor recreational area at Öskjuhlíð. Emphasis is also placed on forming neighborhood squares in two places by Bústaðavegur, by Grímsbær and the Póló shop opposite Bústaðakirkja.

Improved acoustics in all neighborhoods

Along Miklabraut to the east, there are sound barriers that reduce traffic noise and the work proposals assume that noise levels will be further improved with a sound barrier along residential areas by Kringlumýrarbraut, Miklabraut and Reykjanesbraut. Emphasis will also be placed on increased urban forestry, both within the city district and on its outskirts, among other things as part of mitigation measures against the effects of large traffic arteries.

During the work on the neighborhood plan, ideas have emerged for creating a so-called eco bridge over heavily-trafficked streets, where conditions allow. Eco bridges which can also be called nature bridges, create a green connection between neighborhoods and districts, thus significantly improving pedestrian and bicycle connections, increasing green areas and reducing air and noise pollution from heavy traffic.

Examples of eco bridges can be found all over the world, including the Nordic countries, where they have been used to connect districts that were previously divided by freeways. Here is an idea of an eco bridge over Kringlumýrarbraut by Veðurstofuhæð.

Drop-off centers in the district
New drop-off centers in Háaleiti-Bústaðir and centers other than the center at Grímsbær, will have containers on the surface and shelter fences built around the centers at each location.
Drawing: City of Reykjavík.