The project task will be to develop a housing typology fitted for an artic climate and based on a zero emission building methodology.

The Arctic region represents a unique area among Earth´s ecosystems, and is the area where the ongoing climate change is most prominent. With the ice melting follows new opportunities as well as severe challenges, and the region has these days got global attention. The settlements at Svalbard – the Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean – has a strong international character due to the Svalbard Treaty. The coal industry is now decided phased out, while well-established academic research institutions as well as a tourism continue to grow. The increasing interest in the region has led to a need for general modernization of infrastructure, service institutions and housing/accommodation and a lot of planning activity is ongoing both in Svalbard and on a national level. 

In response to the observed changes in the vulnerable ecosystem, and the up-coming transition from fossil to renewable energy sources, the time is right to exemplify how we can plan for the zero emission society, using Svalbard as a case. Relating to buildings, the target of a zero emission is reached by balancing the total emissions counted for during the buildings lifespan (lifecycle perspective of 60 years), by production of renewable energy integrated in the building itself. The lifecycle includes all phases, from production and transportation of building materials, through energy used for operation of the building to re-use/re-cycle scenarios eliminating waste when the building is being demolished (end of life). This methodology is in use by the research center ZEN Research Center on Zero Emission Neighborhoods in Smart Cities hosted by NTNU, and is the established methodology for national guidelines and standards (ex FutureBuilt).

The studio encourages both qualitative and quantitative evaluations and investigations during the form-finding-process. 3D printing and computer-aided design are paired with sketches and manual models. An idealistic and innovative approach merges with a commercial scenario, on a real site at Svalbard. The site/sites will be visited during the study trip to Svalbard in week 10.

Pedagogy

The learning approach is project-based. The students develop architectural projects, with tasks given and advised by the staff. Lectures and workshops focusing on selected themes will contribute to knowledge and skills relevant for the project.

The studio will focus on bringing in the following topics and connected competence:

• Previous and ongoing research at AHO in regard to infrastructure and architecture in the artic region (in collaboration with UNIS)
• Previous and ongoing research at NMBU in regard to technology for harvesting renewable energy in the artic region (in collaboration with UNIS).
• Previous and ongoing research at NMBU in regard to the use of wood in the artic region.
• Previous and ongoing research at NMBU in regard to climatic simulations (CFD)
• Ongoing research at NTNU in regard to relevant energy sources and related emissions (ZEN The Research Center on Zero Emission Neighborhoods in Smart Cities)
• Consultancy within the building industry working on geo- and solar energy applicable for the arctic region  
• Local politicians and stakeholders for test of relevance in choice of site/typology and building technique