Trausti Valsson, Ph.D
Professor Emeritus of Planning, at the University of Iceland, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Born January 7, 1946.
Before his academic carrier, he was a Planner and Researcher for The Reykjavik Planning and Development Office (1972-1979).
Degrees
- Dipl. Ing. Architect in the City Planning Line, University of Technology, West Berlin, 1972.
- PhD in Environmental Planning, University of California, Berkeley, 1987.
Registration
- Registered Architect, Iceland.
- Registered Planner, Iceland.
Curriculum Vitae
Trausti Valsson, Born January 7, 1946.
Degrees
Dipl. Ing. Architect in the City Planning Line, University of Technology, West Berlin, 1972. PhD in Environmental Planning, University of California, Berkeley, 1987
Related experience
Planner/Researcher. The Reykjavík Planning and Development Office, 1972-1979
Registration
Registered Architect and Planner, Iceland
Publications
About 150 articles and fourteen books, of which four are in English. (How the World will Change – with Global Warming, Planning in Iceland and City and Nature) and Shaping the Future.
Reykjavík – Vaxtarbroddur: Throun höfudborgar, 1986
(Planning History of Reykjavík)
Hugmynd að fyrsta heildarskipulagi Íslands, 1987
(An Idea on the First Iceland-Plan)
Framtídarsýn: Ísland á 21. öld, 1991
(A Vision for Iceland in the 21st Century)
Land sem auðlind – Um mótun byggdamynsturs, 1993
(Land as Resource, – On the Development of Settlement-Patterns)
Vid aldahvörf – Stada Íslands í breyttum heimi, 1995
(At the Turn of the Century – Iceland’s Position in a Changing World)
Co-author Albert Jónsson
Ísland hid nýja (Iceland the New), 1997. Co-author Birgir Jónsson
Borg og náttúra … ekki andstæður, heldur samverkandi eining, 1999
City and Nature – An Integrated Whole, 2000
Vegakerfið og ferðamálin, 2000
(Roads and Tourism)
Skipulag byggdar á Íslandi, 2002
Planning in Iceland, 2003
How the World will Change – with Global Warming, 2006
Mótun framtíðar, 2015
Shaping the future, 2016
Carrier highlights
Architect/ Planner, TU Berlin 1972
PhD in Environmental Planning, UC Berkeley 1987
Part-time position at University of Iceland 1988
Tenured professor at University of Iceland since 2000
Author of 12 books and about 100 articles
Prefaces to the books written by ao: Oddsson PM of Iceland, Bjarnason Minister of Culture, Bjornsson Rector of Univ. of Iceland and Sir Peter Hall, Professor at UCL, London
Both Channel 1 and 2 have made TV films on Valsson
A nominee for the Nordic Environmental Prize in 2001
Recipiant of several grants and prizes
Invitation to give a speech: „Policy making on Climate Change“. Directorate of Environment and Nature, Nuuk, Greenland. Oct 1, 2007.
Cover Story in TIME: “Who Owns the Arctic?” (Oct 1, ’07), two quotes on TV in the cover story.
Honours and awards
„Wilmersdorferstrasse“. (Competition on the first pedestrian street in W-Berlin).
A 3rd prize, 1971
„Playgrounds for the Reykjavík-Area“. Competition. 1st prize, 1974
„Playground-equipment for the Reykjavík-Area“. Competition. 3rd prize, 1974
„Living in Urban Areas“. Competition. 1st prize, 1986.
„The Future of the Videy-Island“. Compedition. With Kristinsson V. and
Mogensen K. 1st bought entry, 1988
„Restoration of the Fossvogur-Church“. Competition. With Jónsson K., 1989
The first to be awarded the Honorary Prize of the Association of Icelandic Planners, 2016.
Awarded THE ORDER OF THE FALCON by Jóhannesson, The President of Iceland, for “Planning Theory and Contribution to Public Discourse” in 2021.
1. Name and date of birth.
Trausti Valsson, born January 7, 1946.
2. Academic rank.
Professor (full-time).
3. Degrees.
Dipl. Ing. Architect. University of Technology, West Berlin, 10. 1972. Thesis: „Kritik und Anwendung der Morphologie als Entwicklungsmethode im Bauentwurfsprozess“. Ph.D. in Environmental Planning, University of California, Berkeley, 12. 1987. Thesis: „A Theory of Integration in Design and Planning Based on the Concept of Complimentarity“.
4. Service on Faculty of Engineering
Docent in Planning, 1988-1990 (37% posission, fall-semester). Instructor (PT) in Planning and Environmental Sciences, 8. 1991-5. 1992.
Lektor in Planning and Environmental Sciences, 8. 1992-7. 1994. (full-time).
Docent in Planning and Environmental Sciences, 1. 1994-5. 2000. (full-time)
Professor in Planning and Environmental Sciences, 5. 2000-present. (full-time)
5. Other related experience.
5.1 Research and teaching employment.
Planner/Researcher. The Reykjavík Planning and Development Office, 11. 1972-2. 1979. (The book „Planning History of Reykjavík“, published 1986, 144 pp.).
Researcher. Institut of Engineering, University of Iceland 9. 1989-5. 1990, and 4. 1991-6. 1991.
5.2 Research and educational appointments.
Fellow, Committee of the Challanges of the Modern Society (CCMS), Bruxelles 10. 1979-8. 1980. (The book „Ideas on the First Iceland-Plan — Based on Environmental Features in Iceland“, published in 1987, 143 pp.).
5.3 Industrial appointments. (Updated till 1992)
Assistant Art Director, „Paradise Reelamined“, a three part TV-film. NDR. RUV, 2. 1980-8. 1980.
Supervisor and screen play writer, „The Unknown-The Highlands“, a TV-film. RUV, 5. 1992-8. 1992.
5.4 Administrative appointments. (Updated till 2001)
Member, Committee to Invite Foreign Scolars. Preparation of a visit by R.B. Fuller, 1978.
Member, Committee on Selecting Highland-Routes, Ministry of Transportation, 6. 1988-9. 1988.
Member, Committee on The Future of Transportation in Urban Areas, Ministry of Transportation, 8. 1990-11. 1990.
Boardmember, Association of Icelandic Planners, 4. 1991-2001.
6. Consulting. (Updated till 1996)
Advisor, „Airport at Löngusker, Skerjafjördur“, a bill at the Icelandic Parlament 1975.
Director, „Umhverfi 80“ (Environment 80, a show of design-proposals), 1980.
Chairman of the Board of Publishers, „Hönnun“ (a design magazine), 6. 1987-8. 1987.
Advisor, planning of a conference on Highland-roads in Egilsstadir, 1988.
Advisor, „Highland-roads“, a bill at the Icelandic Parlament, 1988.
Member, Committee to Prepare a Conference on „Highland-roads of the Future“, at the Association of Icelandic Engineers, 1988.
Member, Editorial Board of „Arkitektúr og skipulag“ (Architecture and Planning, a magazine), 6. 1988-2002.
Advisor, the preparation of the conference, „The Tasks of Highland-Roads“, 1991.
Advisor, „Regional Development in SW-Iceland“. Associations of Town Governments in SW-Iceland 1992-1994.
Advisor, „A Future Perspective“ for „Strengur-Engineering“, 1995.
Member, Committee to Prepare a Conference on „Highland-roads of the Future“, for the Ministry of Transportation, 1995-6.
Member, Editorial Board of „EJSD“ (European Journal of Spatial Development, a web-magazine), 12. 2001-present.
7. Registration.
Registered Architect, Iceland.
Registered Planner, Iceland.
8. Principal publications.
- Valsson T., “Húsagerdarlist” (“Architecture“), Námsmannahandbók 1973 and Arkitídindi 1973, pp. 1.
- Valsson T., “Náttúrufegurd borga tharf ad vardveita” (“Natural Beauty has to be Preserved“), “Gridland – Blad gert vegna Fossvogsdalsmálsins”, June, 1973, pp. 2.
- Valsson T., “Skipulagsmál höfudborgarsvaedisins” (“Planning in the Capital Area“), Lesbók Mbl., August, 1973. (6 p. in A4).*
- Valsson T., “Leiksvaedi og leiktaeki” (“Playgrounds and Play Structures”), Greinargerd med samkeppnistillögu 1974. (1. prize for a playground and a 3. prize for a play structure).
- Valsson T., “Umhverfisverndun og thróun verdmaetamats” (“Environmental Protection and the Development of Values“), Lesbók Mbl., February 1977. (4 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Samkeppni í Vestur-Berlín” (“Competition in West Berlin”). Wilmersdorf Area, W-Berlin summer 1971. (3. prize).
- Valsson T., “Flotbrú yfir Hvalfjörd” (“Floating Bridge Over Hvalfjord“), Tíminn, March 14, 1980. (2 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Reykjavík – midstöd samgangna í landinu” (“Reykjavik – Centre of Transportation in the Country“), Thjódviljinn April 7, 1977. (4 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Sögulegt yfirlit um Reykjavík sem midstöd samgangna í landinu” (“A Historical Overview of Reykjavik as Center of Transportation in the Country“), Tíminn, May 1, 1977. (2 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Skipulagsmál Reykjavíkur og höfudborgarsvaedisins” (“Planning in Reykjavik and the Capital Area“), Thjódviljinn, November 3, 1978. (2 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Mistök í skipulagi og uppbyggingu Breidholtsins” (“Mistakes in the Planning and the Development of Breidholt“), Thjódviljinn, November 11, 1978. (3 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Breytingar á heimsmyndinni – Hugleiding vegna bókar Einars Thorsteins” (“Changes in our World View – Notes the book of Einar Thorsteinn“), Tíminn, November 12, 1978. (2 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Íbúdamál Reykjavíkur – Drög ad stefnumótun” (“Habitation in Reykjavik – Draft for a Policy“), Thjódviljinn, November 17, 1978. (2 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Verdur gamla Reykjavík endurreist á eidinu í Videy ?” (“Will Old Reykjavik be Reconstructed on the Videy Causeway?“), Lesbók Mbl., March 15, 1980. (4 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., „Reykjavík – Vaxtarbroddur: Throun höfudborgar“ („Planning History of Reykjavík“). Fjölvi Publishers, 1986.
- Valsson T., “Litir, skraut og lífsgledi” (“Colours, Ornament and Joy of Life“), HÖNNUN – húsgögn og innréttingar, 1. volume, 1. year, Autumn 1987, 5 pp.
- Valsson T., “Hefur byggdastefnan brugdist ?” (“Has the Settlement Policy Failed?“), Mbl., November 13, 1987. (4 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Frumhugmyndir um nýja byggdastefnu” (“First Ideas on a New Settlement Policy“), Mbl.,November 13, 1987.
- Valsson T., „Hugmynd að fyrsta heildarskipulagi Íslands“ („An Idea on the First Iceland-Plan“),Own Publication, 1987.
- Valsson T., “Videy – Samkeppnistillaga” (“Videy – A Competition Proposal”) With Valdimar Kristinsson and Kjartan Mogensen 1988, 3rd bought entry, 33% .
- Valsson T., “Framtídaráaetlun og sáttmáli ríkis og heimamanna um hvada byggdasvaedi verdi varin falli” (“A Plan and a Concencus Between the State and Local Authorities on which Settlement Areas Should be Protected from Collapsing“), Mbl., May 5, 1988. (4 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., „Stefna menningargilda og mannlegrar velferdar“ („A policy to advance cultural and human values“), Laeknabladid, fall 1988, 14 pp.
- Valsson T., „Bátahafnir“ („Boat-harbors“. Rapport to the Reykjavík Planning Office), 1988, 10 pp.
- Valsson T., „Áfangar í Íslandsskipulagi“ („Steppingstones in an Iceland-Plan“), Arkitektúr og skipulag 2/1988, 2 pp.
- Valsson T., „Framtídaráaetlun og sáttmáli ríkis og heimamanna um hvada byggdasvaedi verdi varin falli“ („A Plan and Agreement on which Settlements will be Saved“), Mbl. May 5, 1988, 4 pp.
- Valsson T., „Hálendisvegir“ („Highland-Roads“), A rapport to the Ministry of Transportation, 1988, 37 pp.
- Valsson T., „Mótun hönnunartema“ („Forming of Design-Themes“). Arkitektúr og skipulag, 2/1989, 3 pp.
- Valsson, T., „Skipulag í Krýsuvík“ („Planning of the Krýsuvík-Area“), A rapport to the town of Hafnarfjördur, 1989, 20 pp.
- Jónsson K. and Valsson T., „Leitin ad stadfestu í innri gerd kirkjunnar“ („The Search for Firmness in the Inner Structures of the Church“), Arkitektúr og skipulag 3/1989, 2 pp., 50%.
- Valsson T., „Skipulags- og umhverfismál“ („Planning- and Environmental Matters“), Hlutverk Háskólans í umhverfismálum, 1990, 6 pp.
- Elíasson J., Valsson T. et al. „Athugun á skipulagi í Fossvogsdal“ („A Study of Fossvogsdalur“, an EIA rapport), University of Iceland, 1990, 149 pp., 20%.
- Valsson T., „Hugmyndir um umhverfismidstödvar á Íslandi“ („Ideas on Environmental Centers in Iceland“), Arkitektúr og skipulag 3/1990, 2 pp.
- Valsson T., „Ísland og umhverfismálin“ („Iceland and Environmental Matters“), A rapport written for a committee employed by the Prime Minister, 1990, 16 pp.
- Viktorsson H., Valsson T., „Skipulag á Kjalarnesi“ („Plan for the Kjalarnes-Community“), TV: The Environmental Features, 1990, pp. 90. 15%.
- Valsson T., „Íslensk klassík“ („Icelandic Classism“), A theme editor with
- Jónsson K. Author of six short articles. Arkitektúr og skipulag, 1990, pp. 22. 60%.
- Valsson T., „Ritgerdir um arkitektúr, umhverfishönnun og Íslandsskipulag“ („Articles on Architecture, Environmental Planning and an Iceland-Plan“-, A third volume of articles by TV). Own publication, 1991, pp. 90.
- Valsson T., „Framtídarsýn: Ísland á 21. öld“ („A Vision for Iceland in the 21st Century“). Fjölvi Publishers, 1991. 108 pp.
- Jónsson K., Valsson, T., „Fljótandi skrifstofuhúsnaedi í gömlu Reykjavíkurhöfn“, („A Floating Office-Space in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor“), Arktitektúr og skipulag 2/1991, pp. 2, 60%.
- Valsson T., et al. „Fiskadaudi í Eidsvík“ („Death of Fish in Eidsvík“, an EiA rapport). Institute of Engineering, University of Iceland, 1991, 60 pp.
- Valsson T., „Skipulag á hálendi“ („Planning of the Highlands“), Rapport to the Prime Ministry, 1991, 10 pp. 20%.
- Valsson T., „Midhálendid – Svaedisskipulag – Fyrstu drög“ („The Central Highlands-Regional Plan – A Fist Draft“), With a group of students, 1991, map and 30 pp. 40%.
- Valsson T., „Ísland getur ordid einn fiskmarkadur med gódu vegakerfi“ (Iceland can Become One Fish-Market Through a good Road-System“), Conference rapport of HFÍ and ARFÍ, 1992, 7 pp. Also published in Mbl. —- 1992, (1 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., „Hálendid“ („The Highlands“), A screenplay for television, 1992, 40 pp.
- Valsson T., (Editor)“Umhverfismál – Fyrirlestrar“ („Environmental Issues-Lectures“), Dept. of Engineering, 1992, 32 pp.
- Valsson T., „Vid thurfum eina samhaefda samgönguáaetlun“ („We Need One Integrated Transportation Plan“), A paper given at a Conference by the Association of Civil Engineers, 1992, 6 pp.
- Valsson T., „Land sem audlind. Um mótun byggdamynsturs á Sudvesturlandi í fortíd, nútíd, framtíd“. („Land as Resource. On the Development of Settlement Patterns in the Southwest of Iceland, in the Past, Present and Future“), Fjölvi Publishers, 1993, pp. 108.
- Valsson T., „Dynamic Forces that Shape Settlement Patterns“. A conference paper published by STH, Stockholm, 1994, pp. 8.
- Valsson T., and Albert Jónsson. „Vid aldahvörf. Stada Íslands í breyttum heimi“. („At the Turn of the Century Iceland’s Position in a Changing World“), Fjölvaútgáfan, 1995, pp. 96. 70%.
- Valsson T., “Byggdaþróun, líkleg áhrif” (“Developement of Settlements. Likely Impacts”). Conference VFÍ og TFÍ on Hvalfjördur Tunnel, 1994. 4 pp.
- Valsson T., “Austurland og nýting audlindanna: Thjódarbúsins thridja stod” (“The East Country: The Third Pillar of the Society”). Year Meeting of SSA. Neskaupsstadur. August 29. – 30 1995. 20 pp.
- Valsson T., “Vid thurfum leidsögugögn um lendur framtídarinnar” (“We need Guiding Material into the Lands of the Future”). AVS, 4. issue, 16. year 1995. 3 pp.
- Valsson T., “Fólksflutningar. Meginstefna á Íslandi til aldamóta” (“Migration. Main Trends at the End of the Century”). Conference of Stjórnunarfélags Íslands. December 5 1995. 5 pp.
- Valsson T., “Dreifbýli Théttbýli. Myndun tengsla þeirra með tvöfaldri búsetu” (“Rural Urban. The Connecting of them by Second Homes”). Conference Búseti. May 18 1995. Tímarit Búseta, 1995. 4 pp.
- Valsson T., “Landsskipulag. Taeki til mótunar hugmynda um framtídar- og byggdastefnu” (“Country Plan. A Tool for Forming Ideas on Future- and Settlement Issues”). AVS, 3-4. issue, 17. year. 1996. 6 pp.
- Valsson T., Birgir Jónsson: “Stadfesting svaedisskipulags midhálendisins er ótímabaer” (“Confirmation of the Highland Plan was Untimely”). AVS, 3-4. issue, 18. year. 1997. 4 pp. 50%
- Valsson T., “Thróun byggdar á Íslandi. Thjódarsátt um framtídarsýn” (“Development of Settlements in Iceland. A National Concensus on Future Policy”). A report fro the conference. Byggdastofnun, Reykjavík, July 1997. 30 pp.
- Valsson T., „Ísland hid nýja“ („Iceland the New“). Co-author Birgir Jónsson. Fjölvi Publishers, 1987. 190 pp.
Valsson T., “Midhálendið. Ákall” (“The Highlands. A Plea”). Mbl. May 10 1998. (2 p. í A4) - Valsson T., “Midhálendið. Stjórnsýsla og skipulag” (“The Highlands. Administration and Planning”). Mbl. May 17 1998.
(3 p.in A4) - Valsson T., “Landsskipulag. Heildarhugsun sem naedi jafnt til hálendis og láglendis” (“Country Plan. A Grasp of the Whoe Emcompassing both High and Low Lands”). Mbl May 24 1998. (2 p. in A4)
- Valsson T., “Skipulag midhálendisins. Ferillinn við gerd þess var ekki réttur” (“The Planning of the Highlands. The Proceedure was not Right”). Mbl. July 10 1998. (2 p. in A4)
- Valsson T., “Midhálendið. Aetla stjórnvöld að afsala sér skipulagsréttinum ?” (“The Highlands. Are the Authorities going to Relinguish the Planning Rights?”) Mbl July 11 1998. (2 p. in A4)
- Valsson T., “Grundvallarreglur í skipulagi. Dæmi: Höfudborgarsvaedid – flugvöllurinn” (“Basic Rules in Planning. A Case: The Capital Area – The Airport”). „… upp í vindinn“. University of Iceland. 18. year. 1999. 1pp.
- Valsson T., „Adferðir skipulags við mótun framtíðarinnar“ („The Methods of Planning in the Forming of the Future“). From the book: Ísland á nýrri öld. University of Iceland Press, 2000. 15 pp.
- Valsson T., „Könnun um nýtingu flugvallarsvaedisins“ („Study into the Use of the Airport Area“). Mbl. November 14 2000. (2 p.in A4)
- Valsson T., „City and Nature – An Integrated Whole“. University of Iceland Press, 2000. 111 pp.
- Valsson T., „Borg og náttúra … ekki andstæður, heldur samverkandi eining“ („City and Nature“ in Icelandic“). University of Iceland Press, 1999. 111 pp.
- Valsson T., „Vegakerfið og ferdamálin“ („Roads and Tourism“). State Directory of Roads, 2000. 126p
Valsson T., „Ávinningurinn af Lönguskerjum var skodadur of thröngt“ („The Gains of Löngusker was studied in a too narrow Way“). Mbl. May 17 2001. (1 p.in A4) - Valsson T., „Opnun á nýrri framtídarsýn“ („Opening of a new Future Vision“). Mbl. March 16 2001. (3 p.in A4)
- Valsson T., „Breyttur völlur er versta lausnin“ („Altered Airport is the Worst Solution“). Mbl. February 25 2001. (4 p.in A4)
- Valsson T., „Framtídarsýn samstarfshóps um samgöngur“ („Future Vision of a Committee on Transportation“ Till 2030). Ministry of Transportation. April 2001. 12 pp.
- Valsson T., Stefán Ólafsson „Borgarfraedasetur tekur til starfa“ („The Urban Study Centre Starts Operation“). AVS, 2. issue, 22. year. 2001. 2 pp.
- Valsson T., „Frá hugmynd til veruleika“ („From an Idea to Reality“). Íslensk stórborg conference of SÍ (SFFÍ). March 1 2001. 5 pp.
- Valsson T., „Skipulag byggdar á Íslandi“. University of Iceland Press, 2002. 480 pp.
- Valsson T., „Hardlínustefna í menntum á Íslandi“ („Hard Core Policy in Education in Iceland“). Mbl. March 22, 2002. (2 p. in A4)
- Valsson T., „Er hagkvæmara ad byggja borg thétt?“ („Is it more Profitable to build Densely?“). Mbl. May 22, 2002. (1 p. in A4)
- Valsson T., „Gerd skipulags fyrir hafsvaedi, strönd og hafsbotn“ („Planning for Sea Areas, Coast and Ocean Bed“). …upp í vindinn. 21. year 2002. 2 pp.
- Valsson T., „Hálendivegirnir eru komnir á dagskrá á ný“ („The Highland Roads are on the Agenda again. Taeknivísir. 26. year 2002. 2 pp.
- Valsson T., „Planning in Iceland“. University of Iceland Press, 2003. 480 pp..
- Valsson T., „Skipulag byggdar á Íslandi“. (“Planning in Iceland”) Borgarbrot. Conference of Borgarfraedasetur og Sagnfraedingafélag Íslands: Hvad er borg? Borgarfraedasetur og Háskólaútgáfan 2003.
Hallgrímsson H.M., Trausti Valsson, Birgir Jónsson: Natural Hazards in Iceland… 5th Nordic Conference on Environmental Impact Assessment. Reykjavík, 24. og 25. ágúst 2003. www.skipulag.is - Valsson T., „Almenningur taki thátt í mótun framtídarinnar“. (“The Public should Participate in Shaping the Future”) Mbl. 6/5. 2003. (1 p. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Skipulag byggdar á Íslandi – Frá landnámi til lídandi stundar” (“Planning in Iceland – From the Settlement to Present Times”), Háskólaútgáfan, 2002. (480 pp.)
- Valsson T., “Hardlínustefna í menntum á Íslandi” (“A Hardline Policy in Education in Iceland”), Mbl., 22/3. 2002. (2 pp. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Er hagkvaemara ad byggja borg thétt?” (“Are Dense Cities More Economical”) Reply for Vísindavefur HÍ, Mbl., 23/5 2002. (1 pp. in A4).
- Valsson T., “Gerd skipulags fyrir hafsvaedi, strönd og hafsbotn” (“Making of Plans for Ocean Areas, Coasts and Seabed”), …. upp í vindinn, 21st year. 2002.
- Valsson T., “Hálendisvegirnir eru komnir á dagskrá á ný” (“The Highland Roads are on the Agenda Again”), Taeknivísir, 26th year. 2002.
- Valsson T., “Framtídarsýn á hálendi” (“Future Vision for the Central Highlands”), the conference „Áfram veginn í vagninum ek ég”, Hótel Geysir, 19/4, 2002.
- Valsson T., “Stefnur og straumar í skipulagsgerd sídustu ára” (“Trends and Developments in Plan-making of Late”), Skipulagsthing 2002. Hótel Saga, 8/11 2002.
- Valsson T., “Skipulag byggdar á Íslandi. Hvad er borg?” (“Planning in Iceland. What is a City?”), Sagnfraedingafélagid og Borgarfraedasetur, Norraena húsid, 19/11 2002.
- Valsson T., “Planning in Iceland – From the Settlement to Present Times”, Háskólaútgáfan, 2003. (480 pp.).
- Valsson T., “Skipulag byggdar á Íslandi” (“Planning in Iceland”), published in the book „Hvad er borg“? Borgarfraedasetur og Háskólaútgáfan, 2003.
- Valsson T., Assistance in the making of the documentary film „Ísland í ödru ljósi“ (“Iceland in a Different Light”) by Hrafn Gunnlaugsson. Aired in Sjónvarpid TV on the 2nd day of Easter 2003.
- Valsson T., “Framtídarsýn vatnsnýtingar” (“A Vision on the Use of Fresh Water”). At the conference „Fólk og ferskvatn”. Íslenska vatnafraedinefndin. Rádhús Reykjavíkur 22/3 2003. www.vatn.is.
- Valsson T., “Frá bae í borg – hvert leidir thróunin?” (“From a Town to a City – Where Does the Development Go?”) Kirkjuritid, 70th year, 1st volume, 2004, Prestafélag Íslands, page 16-19.
- Valsson T., “Reading Reykjavík from Maps”. Technology in Society, Society in Technology.” University of Iceland, March 19, 2004. www.hi.is.
- Valsson T., “Planning Rights and Environment as Public Good in Iceland”. NORDREGIO Workshop “Environment as a Public Good”. University of Milano-Bicocca, May 14, 2004.
- Valsson T., “Planning in Iceland – A Model for Studying Planning in one Country”. BSP/ICS Joint Research Seminar at the Bartlett School of Planning. London, May 19, 2004.
- Valsson T., “Planning in Iceland: A Model to Follow?” Colloquium in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning”. University of California, Berkeley, Sept. 15, 2004.
- Valsson T., Birgir Jónsson, “Drög ad landsskipulagi fyrir ferskvatn” (“A Draft for a Country Plan for Fresh Water”). Árbók VFÍ TFÍ 2005. VFÍ TFÍ. Pages 45-53. 50 %.
- Valsson T., “Reading Reykjavík from Maps”. Technology in Society – Society in Technology. 2005. Technology in Society – Society in Technology. University of Iceland, March 19, 2004. University of Iceland Press, 2005.
- Valsson T., “Áhrif sjávarstödubreytinga á skipulag vid strönd” (“Impact of Changes in Sea Level on Planning at Coasts”). Ísland og nordurslódir. Utanríkisráduneytid. Grand Hotel, February 25, 2005. www.utanrikisraduneytid.is
- Valsson T., “Helstu áhrif sjávarstödubreytinga á skipulag” (“The Main Impact of Changing Sea Levels on Planning ”). At the conference “Áhrif sjóflóda og haekkunar sjávarstödu á skipulag”. Verkfraedideild HÍ, April 28, 2005. www.hi.is/page/flod
- Valsson T., “Sustainability Issues in Urban Planning”. European Network for Housing Research International Housing Conference. Reykjavík, July 3, 2005. www.hi.is.
- Valsson T., “The North: The New European Frontier with Global Warming”. At the conference of ESOP “The Dream of Greater Europe”, Vienna, July 17, 2005.
- Valsson T., “Thrjú verkefnasvid sem gefa nýjan grunn fyrir skipulag og bygdarthróun á Íslandi” (“Three Project Areas That Give a New Foundation for Planning and Regional Development in Iceland”). A seminar of RANNÍS: “Ísland og nordurslódir – Atvinnulíf, skipulag og byggdathróun”. Grand Hotel, October 4, 2005. www.rannis.is
- Valsson T., “Geschichte und Zukunft Islands aus planerischer Sicht”, in Cologne, November 19, 2005. 32. Kölner Island-Kolloquium, November 19, 2005, Museum fuer Andewandte Kunst. Published in the yearbook “Island – Zeitschrift”, 2006.
- Valsson T., “The North: The New European Frontier with Global Warming”. Workshop “Reflections on ESPON”, Maison des Universités, Paris, November 25, 2005. www.nordregio.se.
”How the World will Change – with Global Warming” (2006). University of Iceland Press. 168 bls.
”Geschichte und Zukunft Islands aus planerischer Sicht”. Island – Zeitschrift der Deutsch-Islaendischen Gesellschaft e.V. Koeln und der Geschellschaft der Freunde Islands e.V. Hamburg. 12. year, 1. issue, May 2006. P. 33-39.
”Hnattræn hlýnun – Áhrif á skipulag og mannvirkjagerd” (”Global Warming – Impact on Planning and Construction”). …upp í vindinn, Blad umhverfis-og byggingarverkfraedinema. 25. year 2006. P. 42-44.
”Hversvegna það er hagkvaemara að byggja þétt” (”Why it is more Advantageous to Build Densely”). AT – Tímarit Arkitektafélags Íslands og Félags íslenskra landslagsarkitekta. 2. issue. November 2006. P. 36.
”Hvernig byggdarmynstur heimsins breytist með hnattraenni hlýnun” („How the Settlement Structur of the world Changes with Global Warming”). Ísland í thjódleið – Siglingar á nordurslóðum og taekifaeri Íslands. A conference of the University of Akureyri, Hótel KEA . June 14 2006. Special Issue. August 2006. P. 32-35.
”Áhrif loftlagsbreytinga á skipulag í Reykjavík” (”Impact of Climate Change on Planning in Reykjavík”). Samgönguvika: Hvada áhrif geta loftlagsbreytingar haft á Reykjavík? Conference at the City Hall of Reykjavík. September 22 2006. Reykjavík. www.rvk.is. 5 p.
Valsson T., “Challenges and Opportunities in the High North – with Global Warming” at the Nordic Council of Ministers/Nordregio conference; Planning for Climate Change: The Adaptation Challenge – A Nordic perspective. September 11, 2007, Helsinki, Finland. - Valsson, T., and G. F. Ulfarsson, 2009: Adaptation and change with global warming: The emerging spatial world-structure and transportation impacts. The 88th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., U.S.A., January 11–15.
- Valsson, T., G. F. Ulfarsson, and S. M. Gardarsson, 2012: Climate and Other Drivers of Settlement Change in Iceland—The Past used to Predict about the Future. Northern Mists: Understanding the Past, Predicting the Future—Icelandic and Norwegian Contributions to Arctic Research. University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland, November 12–13.
- Eliasson, K., T. Valsson, G. F. Ulfarsson, and S. M. Gardarsson, 2013: Historic overview and a mapping system to help introduce sustainable planning in the Arctic. The 6th Nordic Planning Research Symposium (PLANNORD), Reykjavik, Iceland, August 18–21.
- Valsson, T., G. F. Ulfarsson, S. M. Gardarsson, and K. Eliasson, 2013: Mapping of Positive and Negative Features for Future Development in the Arctic. Climate Change in Northern Territories Conference, ENECON, Northern Research Forum, Akureyri, Íslandi, 22.–23. ágúst, 2013.
- Valsson, T., and G. F. Ulfarsson, 2013: Adaptation and change with global warming: The emerging spatial world-structure and transportation. (Presented by student K. Eliasson†), Arctic Circle Conference, Reykjavik, Iceland, October 12–14.
- Valsson, T., and G. F. Ulfarsson, 2013: Future changes in activity structures of the globe under a receding arctic ice scenario. Arctic Circle Conference, Reykjavik, Iceland, October 12–14.
- Valsson, T., G. F. Ulfarsson, 2013: Megapatterns of global settlement: Typology and drivers in a warming world. Arctic Circle Conference, Reykjavik, Iceland, October 12–14.
- Valsson, T., G. F. Ulfarsson, and S. M. Gardarsson, 2013: Theory of the evolution of settlement structures based on identification and use of patterns: Iceland as a case study. Arctic Circle Conference, Reykjavik, Iceland, October 12–14
- K. Eliasson, T. Valsson, G. F. Ulfarsson, and S. M. Gardarsson, 2013: Mapping features of the Arctic. Arctic Circle Conference, Reykjavik, Iceland, October 12–14.
- Valsson, T., and G. F. Ulfarsson, 2014: Future settlement and activity changes in the Arctic. Arctic Circle, Reykjavik, Iceland, October 31–November 2
- Valsson, T., and G. F. Ulfarsson, 2009: Adaptation and change with global warming: The emerging spatial world-structure and transportation impacts. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2139, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C., U.S.A., pp. 117–124. DOI: 10.3141/2139-14.
- Valsson, T., and G. F. Ulfarsson, 2011: Future changes in activity structures of the globe under a receding Arctic ice scenario. Futures, 43(4):450-459. DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2010.12.002.
- Valsson, T., and G. F. Ulfarsson, 2012: Megapatterns of global settlement: Typology and drivers in a warming world. Futures, 44(1):91–104. DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2011.09.001.
- Valsson, T., G. F. Ulfarsson, and S. M. Gardarsson, 2013: A theory of the evolution of settlement structures based on identification and use of patterns: Iceland as a case study. Futures. 54:19–32. DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2013.09.008.
- Ulfarsson, G. F., A. Steinbrenner, T. Valsson, and S. Kim, 2015: Urban household travel behavior in a time of economic crisis: Changes in trip making and transit importance. Journal of Transport Geography. 49:68–75. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2015.10.012
- Elíasson, K., G. F. Ulfarsson, T. Valsson, and S. M. Gardarsson, 2017: Identification of development areas in a warming Arctic with respect to natural resources, transportation, protected areas, and geography. Futures, 85:14–29. DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2016.11.005
- T. Valsson: Mótun framtíðar, 2015.
- T. Valsson: Shaping the Future, 2016.
9. Scientific and professional sociaties.
Member, Association of Icelandic Architects, 1973-1987.
Member, Association of Icelandic Planners, 1987-present.
10. Honours and awards. (Updated till 1990)
„Wilmersdorferstrasse“. (Competion on the first pedertrian street in W-Berlin). A 3rd prize, 1971.
„Playgrounds for the Reykjavík-Area“. Competion. 1st prize, 1974.
„Playground-equipment for the Reykjavík-Area“. Competion. 3rd prize, 1974.
„Living in Urban Areas“. Competion. 1st prize, 1986.
„The Future of the Videy-Island“. Competion. With Kristinsson V., and Mogensen K. 1st bought entryl, 1988.
„Restoration of the Fossvogur-Church“. Competion. With Jónsson K., 1989.
2. Research and a Plan for Research-Work in the Years to Come (A statement from 1995)
2.1 Transportation and its Influence on Life and Work in the Country
The year 1977 can be regarding as the starting year in this particular line of research by the applicant, because this year he published the articles „Reykjavik a Center of Transportation in the Country“ and „A Historical Overview of Reykjavik as a Center of Transportation in the Country“. Here for the first time the idea of a network of roads crossing the Central Highlands was published. Numerous articles and papers at conferences, have followed.
The main project of the applicant that is now underway in this field of research, is „Demands on RoadNetwork in the building up of the Tourism-Industry in Iceland“.
The project is sponsored by the Directory of Roads. It started April 1, 1995 and will be finished by December, 1996.
The project will result in a report of about 100 pages, and if an opportunity is given, the applicant is interested in developing this work further into book on a necessary outline on the developing of a tourism-industry in Iceland. The research-proposal of the roads/tourism project is in Icelandic and is included in the Icelandic version of the application like other research-proposals.
2.2 Regional Development and Settlement-Patterns
The scientific foundations of the applicant’s study of settlement-patterns were formed in his dissertation at the University of California, Berkeley in 1987. (App. 1). A conference paper from Sigtuna, Sweden („Dynamic Forces that Shape Settlement-Patterns“, 1993), describes basic types of such patterns (App. 2).
These theoretical inquiries into the laws at work in the developing of settlement-patterns, in addition to, as well as the comparition to historical developments, has been the groundwork which has supported proposals and ideas on an advisable development of settlement-patterns in Iceland.
Before the applicant started to write specific articles and books on this subject he published the book „Planning History of Reykjavik“ in 1986, which was based on years of research into the regional development of the Capital-Areas as well as of the country as a whole.
Another basic text (published as a photocopy in 1987), was „Ideas on the First Iceland-Plan. Based on Environmental Features in Iceland“. The primary features for a country-development, that were mapped and interpreted here, were basic resources like areas of geothermal energy and construction materials. Constraint maps, on the other land, show areas of flooding, earthquakes etc. An eight month’s grant had been given to this project in 1979 by CCMS in Brussels. Further work, and the writing of these two books took place along with the writing of the dissertation in Berkeley from 1980 to 1987.
In the fall of 1988 the applicant got a temporary vacant 37% docent position at the Faculty of Engineering at the U&I. His research at that time into developments of road-networks, transportation and settlement-patterns did fit rather well to the teaching. Additional support for his research were given by two grants from the National Science Fund.
In these years the applicant published numerous articles and a few conferences were hold on his topics and a number of reports and interviews were published in the media. The applicant also published two books on these subjects: „A Vision for Iceland in the 21 at Century“ in 1991, and „Land as Resource. On the Development of Settlement-Patterns in the Southwest of Iceland, in the Past, Present and Future“, in 1993. (See App. 4).
A project the applicant started in 1994 was „Development-Paths into the Future“. Here five alternative paths, or directions in the occupational development of the country are outlined. Each path is sketched on an Iceland-map and clarified in a report. The Development-Paths studied are:
1.) A country of energy-production and energy-consuming industries, 2.) A country of industrialized fishing-industry, 3.) A country of „green“ industries, 4.) A country of high-tech industries and 5.) A country of mass-tourism. To establish extreme types like these is a good research method, but the future is sure to be a mixture of these five and more paths.
The last chapters of the book „At the Turn of the Century“, written in collaboration with political scientist A. Jónsson in 1995, give some account of the findings of this research.
Explorations into the „path of mass-tourism“ is the main subject of the applicants research for the time being as described in chapter 3.1. Continued work on the other paths and the publishing of the findings in 1998, would be possible if the opportunity of a full time research-position would be given.
2.3 Regional Development in Europe and the World
In 1993 the applicant started systematically to study how productive the methods, that had proven to be so successful in the studying of Icelandic regional development would be in parallel studies on Europe and the World.
A first introduction to the method was given at the Sigtuna Conference in 1993
(App. —). It was very well revived. In the winter of 1993-’94 the cooperation with A. Jónsson, the advisor to the Prime-Minister on foreign matters, on a book on changes in world developments, and the influence of these changes on Iceland’s position.
In the spring of 1994 the Government of Iceland gave a grant for the project. The book, called „At the Turn of the Century. Iceland’s Position in a Changing World“, was published in March 1995. Many of the interpretations in the map-material, are based on the methods developed by the applicant in the studying of settlement-patterns.
The applicant has the dream to crystalize the kernel of this methodology, and to publish the findings it articles abroad, and maybe also as a book. The Univ. Research Fund gave a first small grant to develop the book-idea. It’s preliminary title: „Megapatterns. The Shape of the Future in Europe and the World“.
3. Accrediations of TV’s Research-Work (Updated till 1995)
3.1 Grants
Fellow, Committee of the Challenges of the Modern Society (CCMS), Bruxelles. 10. 1979 8. 1980.
The Thor Thors Grant 198081.
A waver from tuition at the Univ. of California, Berkeley, 1982, ’83 and ’84.
The Farrand-Grant for a research-journey to SE-Asia in 1985.
„Environmental Features Constraining Transport and The Influence of Road-Transport on Settlements“ Nat. Research Fund, 1988.
„The Historic Development of Settlement-Patterns until our Times“. Nat. Research Fund, 1992.
On the Forming of Settlement-Patterns in Europe. Univ. Research Fund, 1994.
A grant given by the Government of Iceland for writing the book „At the Turn of the Century“, 1994.
A grant on the concept-work of the book „Megapatterns“. Univ. Research Fund, 1995.
A grant by the Research-Board of the Directory of Roads for the Roads/Tourism project, 1995.
3.2 Credits (Examples)
The interest of magazines and editors to publish the work of the applicant.
The interest of newspapers, radio and television to take up the topics on which the applicant does his research. (E.g. four newspaper-editorials). Book reviews.
The interest of association to organize conferences on the research topics. Invitations to give lectures at may clubs and associations.
Two articles by dr. Manuela Campanini in Italian research-journals.
The invitation of the State Television to write the script for the TV-program „The Unknown“, on the Central Highlands in Iceland. Produced in 1992, aired on prime-time in March 1993.
The decision of the State Television to have a TV-program made on the applicant: „Icelandic Thinkers – The Future has to be Conceived“. Produced in 1994, aired on Prime-time in February 1995.
Prime-Minister Davíd Oddsson’s writing of the preface to the book „Land as Resource“ in 1993.
Minister of Culture and Education Björn Bjarnason’s writing of the preface to the book „At the Turn of the Century“ in 1995.
Nomination for the Nordic Environmental Prize in 2001.
Invitation from LAEP at UC Berkeley to come to teach as Farrand Visiting Professor in the fall of 2004.
The decision of Channel 2 to have a TV-program made on Valsson in the series „Independent People“. Produced in 2004, aired on Prime-time in January 2005.
A TV interview with Valsson on BBC Scotland on the subject Global Warming and Arctic sea routes, aired in April 1, 2007.
Invitation to give a speech: „Policy making on Climate Change“. Directorate of Environment and Nature, Nuuk, Greenland. Oct 1, 2007.
Cover Story in TIME: “Who Owns the Arctic?” (Oct 1, ’07), two quotes on TV in the cover story.
The first to be awarded the Honorary Prize of the Association of Icelandic Planners, 2016.
Awarded THE ORDER OF THE FALCON by Jóhannesson, The President of Iceland, for “Planning Theory and Contribution to Public Discourse” in 2021.
