Winner of the 2024 Nordic Council Environment Prize

Arnhildur Pálmadóttir is a versatile specialist with a passion for inspiring changes in urban planning, architecture, and the construction of buildings. 

In her work as an architect, Pálmadóttir is involved in all stages of building projects including the urban planning, design, and construction process of buildings. With her range of interests and abilities, she is driving change and finding sustainable solutions in an industry that is responsible for emitting about 40% of global CO2 emissions. 
 

Her designs, whether single houses or urban zoning plans, have a strong emphasis on using sustainably-sourced materials, reusing materials, reducing energy and resource use, climate-neutral solutions, and creating a more sustainable lifestyle, such as by facilitating the use of public transport and encouraging a sharing economy.
 

In addition to heading her own practice, s.ap-arkitektar, she has recently been appointed the head of the Icelandic branch of the Danish architecture and innovation company Lendager, which specialises in sustainability and circularity in construction. In addition to her work as a practicing architect, Pálmadóttir is also active in academia and public engagement, including at the design department at the Iceland Academy of the Arts. She has written articles and texts relating to innovation, technology, and sustainability in design and construction, and is a popular lecturer on the subject. 
 

Pálmadóttir is currently investigating the possibilities of controlling active lava flows into forms to create buildings. She will display her work on this topic at the 19th Biennale Architettura 2025 in Venice.