Located near the harbor in central Reykjavík, The Old Pier reappeared during the construction in the area in 2018. Originally built in 1884, the old pier disappeared under the refill of the area in 1940 and had mostly been hidden since then. Once revealed, and due to the impressive state of the pier itself, a decision was made to adapt a portion of it into the new design of the area.

During the design phase, designers were very aware of the pier in a historical context and the importance of telling that story through material, texture, and light.

The lighting concept takes its inspiration from the sea, the history of the pier and its connection to the people of the city and its closest surroundings through the decades.

Warm colour temperatures and low light levels surround the old pier. Instead of illuminating the pier itself, light fixtures are hidden in benches, rails, walls and the ground on the square above the excavation. Inspired by the main mast of the ships that once occupied the pier, custom designed lamps rise above the excavation and illuminate the square where the rest of the pier lies underneath the surface.

The new design of the area is a dialogue between the old and the new. It may work simple in many ways and does not crave for your attention, but when exploring the site one can find various details through light and design that refers to the history of the area and its surroundings.

Client: The City of Reykjavík, Iceland
Lighting Designer: Andri Garðar Reynisson, Mannvit
Landscape Architect: Landmótun
Electrical Designer: Mannvit
Electrical Contractor: Lóðaþjónustan
Lighting supplier: Led Linear, Berthelme, Filix and Helvar controls
Photo credit: Guðmundur Ólafsson