Polis Square 2018

Project name:  Polis Square proposal for the Höfðatorg Sculpture Competition 2018. 

Concept:  The patterned tiles are designed in direct dialogue with the architectural blueprint of the development, their sequencing derived from the very ground plan of the surrounding buildings. Höfðatorg, among the tallest structures in Iceland, stands as a striking landmark in Reykjavík’s skyline. Yet its location presents a particular challenge: the creation of powerful wind tunnels that sweep around the base of the towers, at times making the area difficult or even hazardous to navigate.

Rather than approaching this issue as a purely functional problem to be solved, I envisioned an opportunity to transform it into a catalyst for artistic intervention. My proposal was to create an artwork that not only addresses the context of the site but also elevates the visual and experiential quality of the urban environment. The concept is not a solitary sculpture, confined to a limited audience, but instead an expansive artistic gesture that interweaves with the architectural fabric of the towers.

Conceived to be appreciated from multiple vantage points—whether by pedestrians moving through the square or tenants observing from above—the work transforms the ground plane into a living artwork. In this way, the piece is integrated seamlessly into the environment, resonating with the building’s form and scale while offering a distinctive and captivating perspective. It is both a response to the architectural challenges of the site and an enhancement of its aesthetic presence, enriching the experience of the development as a whole.

Material: Tiles