The Design and Architecture Center recently hosted an event to discuss the future vision for the Design Fund and at the same event it was announced that Gagarín, in collaboration with Landslag, received a design grant to further develop a project celebrating the poet Jónas Hallgrímsson at Hraun in Öxnadal, his birthplace. The experiential exhibition is the first step in making Hraun a new destination where Jónas and his work in the field of fiction and natural science will be the focal point of the experience.
Hringur Hafsteinsson, a founding partner of Gagarín, highlighted the significance of these grants by stating:
Receiving a design grant is very important for us and gives us time to explore innovative projects Hringur Hafsteinsson
Jónas Hallgrímsson holds a special place in the hearts of those who admire his genius as a poet and scientist. His impact is profound, offering lessons to both contemporary audiences and future generations. Known for his invaluable contributions to language and science, Jónas also fostered a deep appreciation for nature and national identity, pivotal in Iceland's journey towards independence.
Hraun in Öxnadal, Jónas's birthplace, stands out for its natural beauty and potential for outdoor activities. Enthusiasts are passionately working on restoring this site while designing a new destination where Jónas's legacy will be celebrated in harmony with the natural environment. This initiative aims to blend subjective experiences with the objective beauty of the location, creating a unique cultural and natural landmark.
"Good sister! Do you see what I see?' is the first sentence in a book by Jónas Hallgrímsson called Grasaferðin. This well-known work by Jónas Hallgrímsson was published in the last year of Fjölnis in 1847. The story describes Icelandic rural culture in the first half of the 19th century and tells the story of young siblings. Grasaferðin is also a coming-of-age story of a young boy who experiences fear and courage.
Photo: www.timarit.is