Reykjavík University (RU) and the Technical University (TU) of Iceland, occupying two separate sites in Reykjavík, Iceland, identified short- and long-term benefits that would accrue from merging. At the time, RU offered degrees in Business, Law, and Engineering (Education has since been added) while TU had degree programs in Engineering and Information Technology.

RA helped frame the vision of a unified future campus, including strategic direction and programmatic requirements, and then prepared detailed site selection criteria. Following the site selection, RA was given the task of creating a flexibly designed, state-of-the-art university that respected its unique Icelandic heritage while embracing a future that emphasized technology and international collaboration.

RA went through various iterations of a detailed space program with the University's planning committee, and ultimately reached consensus on the near-term construction of 36,000 gross square meters. Additional space will be required in the future as enrollment grows to an anticipated 4,500 headcount students.

The program incorporated a mix of formal instructional spaces, various research spaces and laboratories, academic and administrative offices, and informal student-oriented spaces. This space program was then used to solicit architectural submissions as part of an international design competition. (2005)