Reykjavik: Whimsical/Bleak
Located on the edge of the arctic circle, Iceland’s capital has an undeniable intrigue. Populated by only has 100,000 residents, it often seems like Reykjavik has the arts scene of a much larger city. Icelandic cinema, music and literature is brilliant and unique, treading the line between playful whimsy and apocalyptic bleakness. This is not unlike Reykjavik itself. “There is nothing to do in Iceland,” said a woman explaining her country to me, “so we make music or we have sex with each other all the time.”
The urban layout and architecture is similar to other Scandinavian cities, but with a twist. The Norwegian fisherman’s hut is reproduced everywhere, but here it is clad with sheets of corrugated metal. This building material, usually seen in third-world shantytowns, is painted with bright colours and given a chic spin through clever use of Scandinavian design. A streetscape of such houses is quaint, but there’s always an austere Stalinist building at the end to provide a crushing perspective on the quaintness. Take a tour and see for yourself.
Tags: Reykjavik
Olga Schlyter says:
Thank you for the tour. Ever since I’ve heard of them I’ve been fascinated by the metal clad houses of Island. I’d like to see them some day, but even if I live in Scandinavia it’s far, far away…
October 2nd, 2006 at 3:43 pm
Christopher DeWolf says:
I know someone who’s spending a year in Iceland. I wonder if she’s having lots of sex? It must be cozy in those metal houses.
October 3rd, 2006 at 3:40 am