Climate change, policies and pandemics contribute to challenge the idea of the globally networked place, and to revive the idea of the local. 

This course is founded in an idea of circular resource networks and their role in future place-based practices. It builds knowledge on both local and global cyclic systems - past, present and future.

Based in theories of innovative place development and transition design, the course discusses how local resources may contribute in future circular economies and practices. 

Leaning on the cross-institute research project Circular, Balanced and Shared - Strategies for stewardship in the Norwegian Arctic , this course takes the Varanger peninsula as a case, and locates, analyzes and describes found resources in the Varanger territory, marine as well as terrestrial. 

Aim is to make a comprehensive archive of local resources that can be of use for local entrepreneurs and the Vardø municipality for years to come. Resources in this context encompass found building material such as driftwood, local plants, seafood, reindeer, landscape features and landscape types such as national parkland, peatland and arable soil. All territorial resources will be considered objects to be catalogued. 

Phase 1: collection ad representation

The course archives by studying earlier landscape analyses, archive material and maps in order to collect information of traditional uses of local resources. Preparation of Illustrator maps. 

Phase 2: Documentation

Supplemental landscape analyses. In-field registrations by digital tools, strategic walks and visits to local reindeer herder. The course documents by digital registration of data, photography, drawing and writing. Registration takes place during (part of) the field trip week 41. (Will be coordinated with studios).

Phase 3: projection

We project our archive onto future practices. Geodata and environmental data will be used.

Activity: Fieldtrip to Vardø and the nearby mainland region.

Dates: Ideally the second half of the excursion week, week 41.

This excursion will be coordinated with studio courses.

Means of transportation: Flight to Kirkenes, minibus from Kirkenes to Vardø.

The course will be affilieted with Tine Hegli’s In Balance / Arctic Cycles II studio course. Archives and some resources will be shared.