InVíkorate - Exploring self-sufficiency in a tourist-dependent Icelandic village

Sammanfattning: In a rapidly urbanising world, the importance of rural towns and villages is often forgotten. Many people see more opportunities for employment, social life and their children’s future in the big city, leaving smaller, rural places empty and abandoned. This process of rapid urbanisation can in the long run result in the loss of many valuable villages, along with their local community and the traditions and aspects of the local culture they have kept intact over time. This thesis emphasises on the necessity and possibilities to provide diverse opportunities for the future of a currently tourist-dependent Icelandic village, called Vík í Mýrdal. In order to achieve this, the concept of self-sufficiency as well as its possibilities for the village are explored. Additionally, the geographical, economical, ecological, social, historical and physical background of the village were looked into, resulting in an urban design proposal for Vík, that focuses on local food production, walkability, climate-responsive housing and small business opportunities.