The fourth meeting in the Gdańsk Urban Talks open lecture series is ahead of us. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the event will feature Pálmi Freyr Randversson – an Icelandic urban planner and spatial development expert, who will talk about one of the largest urban projects currently being implemented in Iceland.
The main theme of the fourth Gdańsk Urban Talks will be the development of strategic areas around transport infrastructure, using one of the largest urban projects in Iceland as an example. There will also be a broader look at how new urban areas are created, how infrastructure influences city development, and how to translate an ambitious vision into real actions.
During the lecture, participants will learn about the background of the K64 plan – a comprehensive concept for the development of areas around Keflavík Airport. The project envisages the creation of a new, multifunctional area combining workplaces, spaces for innovative companies, services, housing, and public areas.
The speaker will also talk about contemporary Iceland, the challenges associated with its development, and how local geography, the country's scale, and culture influence the way projects are designed and implemented.
"The development history of the area around Keflavík Airport shows that infrastructure can be more than just a transport support element. It can become an impetus for the creation of entirely new places to live, work, and develop businesses." – says Michał Jamroż, project manager of Gdańsk Nowe Południe (InvestGDA / Pomeranian Development Agency). – It is precisely the process of moving from an ambitious vision to its consistent implementation that will be one of the topics of our meeting. At the same time, it will be an opportunity to learn about the Icelandic approach to spatial planning, which largely stems from the country's unique geographical and social conditions.
About the speaker
Pálmi Freyr Randversson is an Icelandic urban planner and manager with many years of experience in the aviation sector and municipal administration. He has worked, among others, at Isavia, the Icelandic airport operator, and in the administration of Reykjavík. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Kadeco, where he oversees the transformation project of the areas around Keflavík Airport.
In his work, he focuses on creating integrated and sustainable spatial development models that combine economic growth with environmental protection and the active participation of local communities. The key project implemented under his leadership is the K64 plan, which envisages the comprehensive transformation of the area around Keflavík Airport into a modern center for trade, innovation, and life.
About the Gdańsk Urban Talks series
Gdańsk Urban Talks is a series of open meetings dedicated to contemporary cities, urban planning, and mobility. The events are jointly organized by Gdańsk Nowe Południe (InvestGDA and Pomeranian Development Agency) and Airport City Gdańsk (Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport) in cooperation with the Architect of the City of Gdańsk, as a continuation of the „Open Lectures” format.
The series introduces residents to contemporary challenges related to spatial planning, public transport development, and designing cities that are more livable.
Event Information
- How to Create a New Part of the City? Lessons from Iceland – Pálmi Freyr Randversson
- date: Thursday, June 18, 6:00 PM
- location: HUBA, 100cznia, intersection of Narzędziowców and Niterów streets
- free admission
- the lecture will be held in English
