Magnus G. Bjornsson Profile Page | World Architecture Community

Magnus G. Bjornsson MNAL / FAI
Born 1943. in Reykjavik Iceland

1968 Married in Norway / 4 children born 69 / twins 70 and 84

1965-72 Studied Architecture and Whole-istic Resource Utilisation Planning (based on comprehensive process planning = no wastes = Sustainable) in Arkitekthøgskolen i Oslo.

Architect in 1972 from Arkitekthøgskolen i Oslo.

While still studying I recognized the need for a comprehensive planning approach and used such an approach for a planning model of a sustainable development based on the use of geothermal resources, which are abundant in Iceland. Ecological, economical, social and aesthetic considerations were part of this multi-purpose utilization scheme, including physical planning for a resulting community and architectural proposals for part of it.

The study took four years 1968-1972 which in addition to the theses involved a thorough literature review and analyses of the various aspects involved, as well as coordination of input from various outside sources.

The resource-utilization-cycle, (meaning complete utilization of resources - no wastes) was based on a geothermal field and surrounding area in NE Iceland. The study further encompassed Environmental impact studies, infrastructure development including feasibility studies, physical planning and ending with design proposals and guide-lines for key parts of the proposed development for a resulting 2000 people township.

In 1973 the study was bought by five government institutions headed by the then Economic Development Institute of Iceland to serve as a model for “Interdisciplinary Coordinated Development” deemed essential for successful regional development in the country. The study was also to serve as framework for further planning in the Myvatn region.

1972-98 Freelance Architect, with involvement in resource recovery, aquaculture and mariculture.

PROJECTS : Performed by myself in my own company in Iceland both on my own initiative and on behalf of the Economic Development Institute.

ARCHITECTURAL 1972 - 1983:

Warehouse conversion to 4-studio, 700-seat cinema complex. – others involved Finnur P. Frodason & Johannes S. Kjarval jr.

Industrial trade school for NW Iceland - others involved Finnur P. Frodason & Johannes S. Kjarval jr.

150-bed hotel with conference facilities NW Iceland

Various domestic dwellings in Reykjavik, NW Iceland and Westfjords.

Conversion of old farm buildings to holiday homes for four families.

Interlinked Comprehensive Development of a geothermally based desalination-chemical-aquacultural complex in the Reykjanes Peninsula as a team-partner with the engineering company Honnun HF

Development plans including design of cabins and service facilities and on site supervision for a remote “sheep ranch” to be used year round for recreational and convention purposes – others involved Robert Petursson.

NON-ARCHITECTURAL:

On behalf of the Economic Development Institute I Co-ordinated the establishment of an infrastructure for the rehabilitation of the fish processing industry and fish processing service industries in Vestmannayjar, during and following a volcanic eruption in 1973.

I also initiated research into useful utilisation of eruptive pumice, concluding in a joint venture between the Vestmannayjar Shire and a private Norwegian construction company.

On behalf of the Economic Development Institute I was the Government appointed member of a UN sponsored team of International Experts studying the promotion of the tourist trade in Iceland in ’74 – ‘75.

1976 in my own capacity I initiated a utilisation scheme for wastes at an aluminium smelter on the outskirts of Reykjavik.

A study of a full-scale salmonoid farm-ranching enterprise as the first stage of the above scheme.

1978 negotiated with the above company for the use of energy wastes. Subsequent pre-commercial tests with salmon rearing in ground water used as industrial coolin

Projects by Magnus G. Bjornsson

Favorited Projects (7)