Current/s : From Waste to Value

Abstract

The municipality of Árneshreppur, north in Strandir, has been adriftever since the middle of last century. It is in dire need of growth, not just in popula, but in ways of living and evolving. Its strong history of using what the ocean provides, aided by the sea currents from the north and south, be it fish or other catch, or driftwood from faraway places, can help guide it on a new path back to its former sustainable and conscious community.The past, present and future meet at an old herring factory at Eyri in Ingólfsfjörður, where the memory of a former life mixes with the woodworking practices used for driftwood today as well as the future possibilities of plastic recycling for smaller communities. The new and temporary structures will be carefully placed within the old concrete shell of the abandoned factory and will serve a new purpose, for the locals, visiting artists, researchers, volunteers, and carpenters.For a small community it is vital to use the traditions and resources already in place, but also being adaptable and open to new possibilities.So, how can waste be made into value with the help of long living traditions and heritage?