Henning Larsen Unveils Plans for a Sustainable City Development in the Faroe Islands

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/henning-larsen/">Henning Larsen Architects</a> has unveiled plans for their winning <a href="http://www.henninglarsen.com/news/archive/2012/06/sustainable-city-development-in-the-faroe-islands.aspx" target="_blank">sustainable city development for Klaksvík</a>, the second largest city in the Faroe Islands. Out of 154 competition proposals, the Copenhagen firm wowed the jury with a city centre that would literally transform the urban environment. A star-shaped central square provides a connection to the water front, beach, surrounding green areas and the city, while a new street plan will help minimize the effects of the very windy climate.

Henning Larsen was awarded first place in an international design competition to create a new urban plan for the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaksv%C3%ADk" target="_blank">Klaksvík</a>, which is situated in the island of Borðoy, the largest of the northern islands.

The city spans over two opposite mountain ridges, connected by a low-lying area where two inlets meet. Because of its location, the city is particularly windy, so designing for comfort and microclimate were high priorities.

To provide a more sheltered environment, Henning Larsen came up with a plan to confuse the wind in the city centre.

By shifting the buildings and re-aligning the streets, the new plan will break up the dominant south-east and north-west winds.

As the plan progresses, a more detailed analysis of the local wind conditions will allow the design team to carefully create volumes to maximize energy efficiency.

The project will consist of a star-shaped central city square that provides a connection between the adjacent waterfront, urban center and the green areas.

The 150,000 m2 area will also house a cultural house, a museum, residences, offices and shops. In addition, the city centre will also be connected to a continuous system of paths that connects the three surrounding areas.

New street plan to minimize the effects of the wind.

The new star-shaped square becomes the heart of the city.

Phasing plans for the new urban city development.