Steinatún

About

The project transforms an area called Steinatún in the city center of Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, into a central square.

The dense traffic going through Steinatún was creating a barrier between the north and south part of the city, and besides its situation in the heart of the city, it didn´t work as a catalysator. The transformation of Steinatún aims to strengthen the link between the north and south part of the city, thanks to new functions and a better flow through the town, and therefore to make of Steinatún, a gathering point in the town center.

The traffic connection was a problem and the cars were taking most of the city space. By moving one traffic light, we obtain a larger crossing area for the pedestrians. New sitting and waiting areas on each side of the road supplement the connections for every user in Steinatún.

The transformation of the area also concerns the activity which aims to extended during all day and all year long. The design has been based on giving the buildings and the place a modern expression which fits to the flow concept. As a continuity, the project plans on opening the facades of the ground floor towards the street, so that the activity of the buildings and the activity of the streets work together.

The project is the second part to be realized from the new masterplan for the Faroese capital of Tórshavn which ZETA won in May 2014.

Facts

TYPECOMPETITION, 1. PRIZE
PROGRAMURBAN PLANNING, URBAN DESIGN
CLIENTTHE MUNICIPALITY OF TÓRSHAVN
LOCATIONTÓRSHAVN, FAROE ISLANDS
YEAR2014
STATUSUNDER CONSTRUCTION