Urban Nature Connection Trips.
iPhone photo diary from our Iceland Travels.
Knot Waste
Iceland Reykjavik
Our journey began in Reykjavík, Iceland’s cool, colourful capital, where modern urban life feels remarkably connected to the country’s dramatic landscapes and wild nature. From biophilic design and urban greening to nature-inspired murals and public art, the city offers plenty of examples of bringing nature into the urban environment. The gallery also explores urban litter, including the hats and gloves often left behind or revealed as winter snow melts, providing a reminder of how even small traces of human activity become part of the urban landscape. Reykjavík is a fascinating example of how a city can coexist with, celebrate and draw inspiration from the natural world.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Litter bins in downtown Reykjavik.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Somebody forgot their bob hat on a bench outside the supermarket.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: A free urban magazine on a table in greenhouse cafe in the centre.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Nature inspired murals decorate the city's cafes and shops.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Octopus mural decorates the walls of a cake shop.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: A polar bear fighting a puffin as a city centre mural.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Construction bricks that resemble the lava filled county.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Art as nature connection - A face with a couple of pigeons sat on its head.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Across the road from the Harper Hall, which is inspired by the interlocking hexagonal basalt formations found along Iceland’s stormy coasts.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Living roof Urban Greening. They improve energy efficiency, manage storm-water runoff, reduce urban heat islands, and support local urban biodiversity.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: An iris mural on a building around the shopping area.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Urban litter that inspired a handbag upcycle.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Moist sea air carrying salt spray and harsh winds accelerates building weathering.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Electric scooters left by a house. Scooter sharing is available with apps such as Bolt or Hopp.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Biophilic urban design in downtown Reykjavik.
Reykjavik, Iceland: Colourful houses and public art help to improve well-being during Iceland's long, dark winters.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: A glass-house in the centre where you can enjoy your lunch surrounded by flowers and plants.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Art as nature connection. A mural of an Icelandic ram, in a country where sheep outnumber (or almost) its population.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Nature inspired art murals are everywhere downtown.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: A restaurant's window is decorated with a giant nature mural.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Ice thawing on an urban street next to construction work. Urban sidewalks in Reykjavík often use geothermal melting to stay clear. Rural areas however often face closures.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Lots of buildings in Reykjavik are brightly painted to protect them from the harsh coastal weather, and to cheer everybody up during the famous long and dark winter months.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: A rock sea break protects the local colourful houses.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: A giant crab mural decorates a car park floor.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: The line between graffiti as art or as urban litter.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Even the gas and electric pumps come brightly painted in Reykjavik.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Glass art inspired by nature for a sense of calm whilst waiting at the airport.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: A cafe designed to resemble the Icelandic ram.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Wood is often used in urban biophilic design. Exposed timber paired with natural light enhances nature connection. Making long dark winters feel more cosy, whilst helping to reduce stress and promote wellbeing.
Copyright Knot Waste: Reykjavik, Iceland: Berries are great for greening up homes and retail spaces. For edible ones, the peak foraging season across the countryside is from August to September.