Initial Considerations
While seeking for the challenge of building in an extreme environment, we decided to propose a project that would inspire the future development of the city while at the same time keep the landscape untouched.
Longyearbyen is located at 78º latitude, at an exceptional location near the sea-front, which looks towards Adventforden and the arctic mountains (Moskushamn). People of Longyearbyen will eventually need more housing as some of the old houses located in avalanche areas are to be torn down. It is challenging to propose new architectural solutions in the Arctic as they challenge not only the geophysical conditions but also they disturb the biodiversity and the natural environment. Finding a solution that questions the real need of humans to inhabit such a destination has been tough. To give a valid solution to all challenges and connect all concepts, our attitude looks towards leaving the least possible foot-print on the site, being positive than in a near future, Svalbard will be using renewable energy for the inhabitants in it.
Therefore, we decided to propose a project that would inspire the future that needs the community of Longyearbyen: Create an extension of the actual university of UNIS, another “arm” that will ofer accommodation for students and researches leaving most of the site untouched as we concentrate all the suggested program in one building. The materiality of the project will be selected according to the carbon neutral parameters. The majority of the angled roof will be covered with PV panels to meet the needs of electricity in the summer. Biogas will be generated, by mixing the organic waste and the brownwater collected from the vacuum toilets, to meet some of the electricity requirements in the winter. Even though the philosophy of the project was based upon the thought that the land should be left untouched, following environmentally friendly solutions could help improve the future development of Arctic regions.
