Research

In the summer of 2018 I worked on an innovation project for the municipality of Akranes. This was a part of a larger project, “Attractive towns. Green redevelopment, competitive Nordic urban regions”, that the municipality of Akranes and the Agricultural University of Iceland took part in, in collaboration with the Nordic council of ministers and was funded by the Icelandic Student Innovation Fund. 
The project aims to highlight the quality of medium-sized towns in the Nordic countries with a joint Nordic plan for attractive and holistic urban environment.

The aim of the study was to identify what makes Akranes an attractive town to live in and/or visit. 
Two main areas were selected for this purpose, both located in the town center. These two areas have different characteristics, rich history and have evolved in different directions over the years. In conducting the study the two areas were compared in regards to history and development of planning and use.

The use of the areas were recorded over a two-week period, interviews were conducted and a survey was sent to local companies to see how the staff commutes to and from work. Furthermore in both areas installations were placed for public use to observe peoples reactions. The results of the study showed that there is tremendous opportunity in Akranes to become more environmentally friendly, more sustainable and more competitive.