Reykjavik’s Heritage

As I have lived in Reykjavík for some months while studying at Reykjavík University, I would like to comment on the discussion that seems to be going on about old buildings in Reykjavík.

It seems as though these past years or maybe even decades the people of Iceland are intent on getting rid of their history and heritage. To me, Iceland comes across as a beautiful country with smart, beautiful and interesting people with a very special and unique history. I don't understand why there is this urge to be and look American-like. These big malls and newly built blocks are just ugly and don't have any character.

Please, stop this and preserve your old buildings!

These buildings are really what give Iceland and especially Reykjavík its atmosphere and character. Stop turning Reykjavík into some American or Eastern European looking consumers heaven.

You are making the same mistakes as other European countries made in the 70's. We had no taste back then, everything was newly built in big grey blocks. Don't let the people who only think about making money (as you seem to have a lot now in Iceland) make the decisions.You will lose the city atmosphere, you will lose the tourists, and you will lose everything.

I live in Rotterdam (The Netherlands), which was bombed during WWII. The city lost a lot of its heritage because of it, which was replaced in the 50's with (in those days) modern buildings, which are not that nice. Thankfully, we have some old buildings left and we cherish them. Also, because of Rotterdam's forward looking architecture policy the city now has a unique look and is an architectural playground.

In Reykjavík, however, this is not a wise strategy to follow. It will never turn into an 'architecture city' with many high-rise buildings, as there is not enough demand for this in such a small country.

Reykjavík is a unique city with a unique feel, which really needs the old buildings it has. Iceland is more and more dependent on tourism, you can't afford to spoil this. You have to choose and do it now.

Are you going for the Scandinavian heritage look, which draws millions of people to Sweden and Norway? (You are the original Viking people, what you have is so valuable.) Or are you going for the 'modern' Eastern European or American look?

Please choose the first option. Choose what is unique and what will keep drawing in people from all over the world. You just made a free trade agreement with China. They're not looking for modern, they have that. They are looking for beautiful nature, but also for authenticity, the real Vikings.

Be proud of your heritage, be proud of your country, be proud of yourselves, and be proud of your buildings. Don't lose the magical feeling the cities (Akureyri and other places are also very nice!) and the country have.

In The Netherlands, Amsterdam is getting by far the most tourists in the whole country. It's the most well known city. Sure, you have hookers, drugs and museums. But that's not the reason it's so popular. The reason is the old heritage. People love the buildings that were built in the Golden Age.

Rotterdam is The Netherlands' modern city. It's an exciting city and I like it very much, but it will never draw tourists like Amsterdam. It's because people have modern architecture at home in their own country. Building something new is an option for everybody. Your old buildings, those are unique and non-replaceable. These give you a competitive advantage in the tourism market.

Stop listening to these people trying to enrich themselves by tearing down old buildings and replacing them by something horribly 'modern' (which will be outdated within 10 or 20 years). Take Reykjavík's heritage into your own hands now, before it's too late.

Remember this: A unique old building that is demolished can NEVER be rebuilt!

Floris Snuif, Rotterdam, The Netherlands