Architecture of Iceland

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thumb|250px|The_Perlan in Reykjavík.]

The architecture of Iceland draws from Scandinavian influences and, traditionally, was influenced by the lack of native trees on the island. As a result, grass- and turf-covered houses were developed.

History

Grasshouses

The original grasshouses constructed by the original settlers of Iceland were based on Viking longhouses. The main room of the house was known as the "skáli", comprising of a central hearth and two raised platforms, known as "set". Some houses may have included an additional living space, the "stofa". This layout also incorporated a pantry and lavatorycite web |url=http://www.iit.edu/~fordrob/ |title=Icelandic Turf Structures |accessdate=2007-05-14] . Over the years, the layout became more compartmentalised, eventually to include a "baðstofa" (a heated sauna room). In response to the colder Icelandic climate, the sleeping area was eventually moved into the "baðstofa". In around 1791, a gable-fronted design was proposed by Guðlaugur Sveinsson, which became widespread in the south of Iceland where the climate is warmer. Grasshouses are no longer constructed in Iceland, the few remaining examples are generally open to public.

tyle

The architecture of Iceland is mainly low rise. Houses and smaller municipal buildings are wood-framed, which are then clad with wooden planks or corrugated metal. They are then painted in traditional bright colourscite web |url=http://www.blueshawk.info/texasflood/iceland_architecture.htm |title=Iceland Architecture |accessdate=2007-05-14] .

References

ee also

* Architecture of Norway

Notable buildings

* Hallgrímskirkja
* Perlan
* Smáratorg Tower
* Supreme Court of Iceland

External links

* [http://www.iit.edu/~fordrob/ Icelandic Architecture]