Icelandic author Andri Snær Magnason has issued a sharp warning about the direction of Iceland’s construction boom, arguing that the country is in the midst of what he calls “the great blunder” of modern architecture.
His new book, Jötunsteinn, a short work of fiction that doubles as a cultural critique, examines how rapid development has distanced people from the places they live.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the story, Andri says Icelanders have lost the pride they once took in new buildings.
“We are building at full speed, but we are not building dreams,” he says.
Critique of Construction
While Reykjavík’s post-war developments were celebrated for their ambition and identity, he believes today’s neighbourhoods are marked by alienation and short-term thinking.
“Often people look at a new building and ask: Why does it look like this? Who was it built for?”
Andri argues that decision-making has become fragmented, with planning authorities, contractors and interest groups shaping cities with little public discussion. Long-standing landmarks have vanished, he says, leaving residents without familiar points of reference.
“When landmarks disappear, something anchored disappears. Suddenly you live somewhere but you do not know where you live anymore.”
He hopes Jötunsteinn will encourage a broader conversation about the values embedded in architecture.
“This is not pessimistic, but a cry that we will not continue much further in this direction,” he says. “There is always hope that we can move people towards something better.”
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