The project is an engagement of the constantly shifting waters of the Skaftá River with the surrounding landscapes that are evolving due to the natural processes of the river and the effects of climate change on the Vatnajökull glacier.
Iceland, a country on the southern edge of the Arctic Circle is largely covered by glacial ice and remote farmers. At first glance, it seems to be beautiful and untouched, but this does not hold true. These places are impacted by the capitalists and their anthropogenic activities. This can be seen in the faraway and uninhabited Riverland territory of the Skaftá River in the central highlands of Iceland.
The project follows an exploration of the complex hydrological, political and social systems through understanding the indigenous philosophies of the Icelandic farmers to design a matrix of micro-habitats for humans and non-humans which is part of a community, called Ská-vatn on the banks of the outwash plains of Skaftá river, in the highlands of Skaftárdalur.
The design proposal for Ská-vatn community is set at speculation on the landscape future of the river’s changing wet and dry timeframes for 200 years which is divided into landscape interventions (neighbourhoods) and a proposed community lifestyle practiced in these neighbourhoods through the use of simple and uncomplicated techniques that binds the river and community together. This community can be seen as a form of political engagement, or a social movement. It is a way of ‘slow activism’ against the proposal of damming the Skaftá river water for hydroelectricity production. Additionally, the proposal advocates the importance and fragility of the waters of River Skaftá in everyday living. It is a development and adoption of a situated lifestyle where the humans, non-humans, and natural elements come together in a symbiotic relationship.