Patron: President of Austria, Dr. Heinz Fischer

KCTOS: Knowledge, Creativity and
Transformations of Societies

Vienna, 6 to 9 December 2007

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A Master of Architecture at Bergen Architectural School

  • Adapted Arctic Architecture
  • translating natural surfaces into materiality applied in architecture
  • adapted – transformed – belonging and situated in longyear city – at spitsbergen – svalbard

Gerd S. Seehuus (Hammerfest) [BIO]

Email: gerd@seehuus.no

 

 

 


ABSTRACT:

contrapunctus cantus fractibilis” – “transit tundra architectura”

Svalbard offers demanding climatic conditions, as premises for life and living.

The permafrost in tundra and geology is challenging to infrastructure and buildings.
The landscape is vulnerable and human impact leaves permanent traces in the surface if not careful.
This aspect is reflected in legislations and leads to a number of restrictions as to where you can go outside the settlements to several protected areas.
The arctic is the land of the polar bear, and we humans have to behave on the premises of nature itself.

By searching for small clues and marks on surface both in landscape, climatic conditions, flora and fauna, I wanted to get closer to an arctic identity that could possibly be translated into an architectural language.

  • Can architecture evolve from nature?
  • Can identity of flora and fauna be translated into applied materiality in Architecture?
  • Can architecture make use of the climate and seasonal variations to give better conditions?
  • Can architecture store and utilize natural energy resources the same way as vegetation and adapted mammals do?
  • Can architecture communicate with historical protected remains to give a new understanding of the relationship with history and yet underline continuity in a future direction?

I have chosen a part of Longyear City at Spitsbergen, Svalbard as my scientific area.
It stretches from the airport towards the city centre. I have focused on the Burma Road along the cultural historical remains of the elevated cable car between the sorting plant and the shifting station.

My focus is the permanent residents of Longyear City, – human vs landscape.

  • How can Architecture reflect and emphasize their surroundings and everyday life as adapted to the Arctic?
  • Can Architecture be placed and integrated in the middle of cultural historical protected areas?

 

 

 

Patron: President of Austria, Dr. Heinz Fischer

KCTOS: Knowledge, Creativity and
Transformations of Societies

Vienna, 6 to 9 December 2007