PERMAFROST ARCHITECTURE EXPLORING RAISED STRUCTURES TO DEVELOP A DESIGN METHOD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ARTS CENTRE ON SVALBARD’S FAST-MELTING PERMAFROST Anton Andreev Tutors: Ulrika Knagenhielm-Karlsson / Erik Swahn Masters of Architecture Thesis, 2022 KTH School of Architecture
CONTENTS
PART 1 - INITIAL RESEARCH PART 2 - UNDERSTANDING SVALBARD PART 3 - CATALOGUING THE RAISED PART 4 - EXPERIENCING SVALBARD (1/2) PART 5 - THE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE PART 6 - DEVELOPING THE SYSTEM PART 7 - THE PROPOSAL PART 8 - EXPERIENCING SVALBARD (2/2)
PART 1
INITIAL RESEARCH A STUDY OF HOW THE LOSS OF ARCTIC SEA ICE COVER BROUGHT ABOUT BY CLIMATE CHANGE IS AFFECTING THE GLOBAL SHIPPING INDUSTRY, SOON FAVOURING THE FASTER TRANS-POLAR ROUTES. SVALBARD, A NORWEGIAN ARCHIPELAGO IN THE HIGH ARCTIC, IS IN A PRIME POSITION TO BENEFIT DUE TO ITS STRATEGIC LOCATION.
ARCTIC ICE EXTENT
LEGEND Maximum Ice Extent
1990 2020 2030 2050 2100 8 5O N 8
N
. . . O O N8 5 N 8. 855O N . N
80OONN80 As of 2035, it is 5estimated 80 that the North Pole will be 80O N consistently ice-free, Oallowing 80 N O for trans-polar shipping to occur.7755OONN75 N O
O
75O N 75O N
ARCTIC SHIPPING ROUTES
TRANS-POLAR ROUTE SHANGHAI - ROTTERDAM, TPR DISTANCE: ~13,300KM DAYS AT SEA AT 17 KNOT/H: 17.6
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI - ROTTERDAM, SUEZ CANAL
ROTTERDAM
DISTANCE: ~19,500KM DAYS AT SEA AT 17 KNOT/H: 25.8
LEGEND Arctic Shipping Routes
North-West Passage [CA & US] Northern Sea Route [RU] Trans-Polar Route (TPR) [INT]
. . . . Arctic shipping routes can offer substantial distance and time savings for journeys from Asia to Europe, compared to the standard route via the Suez Canal.
LEGEND Shipping Routes
Trans-Polar Route Standard Route via Suez Canal
. . . For a ship sailing from Shanghai to Rotterdam, using the Trans-Polar Route yields a 32% reduction in distance.
The Arctic is the world’s fastest warming region, with recent years seeing unprecedented temperature extremes and changes in its landscape, including the melting of icecaps and permafrost. The resource-heavy region has long been a point of conflict between several Northern countries, and the increasingly disappearing ocean ice is making the Arctic more accessible than ever before in the history of human exploration.
ARCTIC OIL RESERVES
Whilst resource exploitation in this delicate region is subject to geopolitical and environmental concerns, the global shipping industry is already taking advantage of the diminishing sea ice by trialling several new shipping routes between Asia and Europe, that are faster than their Southern counterparts. The fastest and most politically-neutral of these is the Trans-Polar Route, passing within a few degrees of the North Pole and avoiding the territorial waters of Russia and Canada.
LEGEND BILLION BARRELS OF OIL EQUIVALENT (BBOE)
0 - 1 1 - 5 5 - 10 10 +
. . . .
An estimated 90BBOE falls within the Arctic Circle, equalling 13% of the Earth’s Reserves. Retreating seasonal ice and increased trans-polar routes will result in increased interest in Arctic oil operations, bringing further investment to the region.
Svalbard, a Norwegian territory halfway between the North Pole and the Northern tip of Norway, lies directly along the Trans-Polar Route, and already has a history of industry, making it a prime location for the establishment of a shipping hub and any further developments that will accompany these investments into the archipelago. The thesis is thus set in the capital of Svalbard, Longyearbyen, the world’s Northernmost town, and one of the most dynamic settlements in the Arctic.
WORLDWIDE SHIPPING DENSITIES / PROJECTED 2050
SVALBARD SHIPPING | TRANS-POLAR FUTURE
PART 2
UNDERSTANDING SVALBARD SVALBARD IS A UNIQUE TERRITORY WITH MANY DIFFERENT FACETS TO CONSIDER. DESPITE A RELATIVELY RECENT DISCOVERY, THE ARCHIPELAGO HAS DRAWN MANY PEOPLE, AND INDEED COUNTRIES, TO ITS SHORES IN ORDER TO EXPLOIT ITS LUCRATIVE NATURAL RESOURCES, LEADING TO RICHES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS, AND GEOPOLITICAL ISSUES. ITS CAPITAL, LONGYEARBYEN, IS ENTERING A NEW POST-MINING AGE, SEEKING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TRANS-POLAR ROUTE, ITS SCIENTIFIC PRESENCE, AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY DRAWN TO THE RAW, YET ACCESSIBLE, HIGH-ARCTIC BEAUTY. HOWEVER, ARCTIC CONDITIONS, PERMAFROST, AND THE REMOTENESS MAKE CONSTRUCTION ON THE ARCHIPELAGO VERY DIFFICULT.
1596 - 1800s FEUDS AND INDUSTRIES
1900s - 1970 POLITICS AND WAR
1970 NORMALISATION
1194 | Disputed discovery by Norse seamen.
1907 | Norwegian government begins negotiations for thee territorial status of Spitsbergen.
1970s | ‘Normalisation’ - transformation of Longyearbyen from a company town to a regular community. Local democracy established alongside introduction of public services.
1400s | Disputed discovery by Russian Pomors. 1596 | First official discovery of ‘Spitsbergen’ by Dutch mariner Willem Barentsz. 1604 | First walrus hunting expedition by the English Muscovy Company.
1610 | First whale expedition by the English Muscovy Company. 1610-13 | Dutch, Spanish, and French vessels join English whaling, leading to conflict, and results in English army ships expelling the other parties.
1614 | Dutch and English partitioning of the island. Late 1600s | Up to 300 ships and 10,000 sailors around the archipelago. 1770 | Dutch whaling ceases, English continue until the start of the 19th century.
1764 - 1766 | First scientific expedition - Russian Čičagov Expedition. Scientific exploration increased until the end of the 19th century. Late 1800s | Russian Pomor activity is at its highest, hunting reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, walrus and polar bears; an estimated 100-150 overwintered. Pomor activity was sustainable, they alternated stations between seasons and did not deplete the natural resources. 1872 | First permanent settlement established as a base for phosphorite mining, but this was not carried out and the settlement was abandoned. 1897 | First use of Spitsbergen as a starting base for North Pole expedition 1899 | First commercial mining of coal, however, insufficient capital growth resulted in closure.
1910s | John Longyear establishes the first commercially-viable coal industry, forming Long Year City. By 1910, 200 men were working in the mines. Coal is determined to be the only valuable mining activity on Spitsbergen. 1920 | The Spitsbergen Treaty is signed, granting Norway full sovereignty of Spitsbergen. Dutch investors establish Barentsburg. 1925 | Legislation of Svalbard Treaty takes place; Spitsbergen renamed Svalbard. Long Year City renamed to Longyearbyen. The USSR was skeptical of signing the treaty, however, agreed in exchange for Norway’s recognition of the Soviet Regime. 1925 - 28 | Four attempts to reach the North Pole started from Ny-Ålesund. 1920 - 1930s | Mining production fell into a slump, and by the 1930s, only Storre Norske (NO) and Arktikugol (USSR) mining companies were left, leading to a bilaterisation of politics, and an increase of large-scale mining. Arktikugol buys Barentsburg from the Dutch in 1932. 1940 | Norway occupied by Germany, Svalbard initially unaffected. Its strategic location became a risk, and Svalbard was evacuated in August of 1941. Longyearbyen was swiftly occupied by the Germans thereafter. 1942 | German outpost abandoned following a Norwegian expedition to liberate the archipelago. 1943 | German raid on Spitsbergen. Barentsburg, Grumant and Longyearbyen were destroyed. Sveagruva was bombed in an air raid in 1944. 1945 - 46 | Reconstruction starts on Norwegian and Soviet settlements; populations stabilise at 1000 and 2000, respectively. Both nations build infrastructure independently from each other. 1949 | Norway joins NATO, increasing tensions with the USSR. 1961 | Drilling for oil revealed no viable wells.
1971 | Following many years of disputes between Norway and the USSR, a Norwegian civilian airport is granted permission to be built. Construction ends in 1975. 1990 - | Reduction in Russian population and increase in Norwegian population. Establishment of several research and hi-tech institutes. 1993 | Establishment Svalbard.
of
the
University
Centre
in
1995 | Tourism becomes viable following the construction of hotels. 2002 | Establishment of National Parks and protected zones. 2006 | The new Svalbard Science Centre, designed by Jarmund / Vigsnæs architects, officially opened. 2008 | Arctic Seed Vault completed. 2013 | Approximately one-third of the genera diversity stored in gene banks globally was represented at the Seed Vault. 2016 | In October 2016, the seed vault experienced an unusually large degree of water intrusion due to higher than average temperatures and heavy rainfall. No damage was recorded. 2019 | Climate report states the Svalbard has experienced a 7C winter warming since 1971. By 2100, a further 7-10C warming is expected. 2020 - 2022 | The final coal mines are being shut down. The coal-fired power plant is decommissioned, to be replaced by a greener solution. The tourism industry is hit by Covid19, but steadily recovers thereafter.
2025 - | Parts of the inner-city’s industrial quarter are demolished and a new chapter in Longyearbyen’s urban development begins. At the forefront of this is the new Svalbard Arts Centre, a resilient building paying homage to the industrial past of Svalbard, and welcoming a new future.
SVALBARD TREATY | 1920
TERMS OF THE TREATY [46 SIGNATORIES] • Norwegian sovereignty over the archipelago • Demilitarisation of archipelago • Signatories given equal rights to engage in commercial activities •
Entirely visa-free zone, unique in the world
LEGEND Ratification of the Svalbard Treaty
SVALBARD SIGNATORY NON-SIGNATORY
. . .
View from Nybyen towards Longyearbyen Centre and the 925m tall Hiorthfjellet.
Longyearbyen and the Advent Fjord
Photo: Sigurd Andreas Rasmussen (ca. 1924), Svalbard Museum
With the closures of the coal mines and future plans for a shipping hub, the government of Svalbard understands the important transition and employment changes that Longyearbyen faces, and as such is looking to diversify. This includes expanding on its current remaining major sources of income: the science community and growing tourism industry. The forthcoming shipping industry will create jobs, but will otherwise have little impact on the urban fabric of Longyearbyen. As part of this transition, the council has drawn up plans for a greener urban centre. This will see a large portion of the semi-formal industrial quarter (highlighted) demolished, to be replaced with a welcoming and resilient neighbourhood.
Inspired by the romance of the High Arctic, the beauty of its snow-covered landscapes and the ever-changing skies above it, the thesis proposes an arts centre that will allow visitors and locals alike to experience Svalbard from the perspective of an artist, and perhaps offer a new look at this fragile and fast-changing region of the world. The proposal for the arts centre will be located by the waterfront, in the area where the old coal shipping harbour used to be.
550 525 LONGYEARBYEN
500 475 450 425 400 375
BARENTSBURG
350 325 300 275 250 225 200 175 150 125 100 75 50 25 0m Simulated Depth of Permafrost on Central Spitzbergen, Svalbard (Farnsworth, 2013)
The vast majority of Svalbard is covered in permafrost, posing severe challenges to construction. As Svalbard is one of the fastest warming regions in the world, it is expected that its permafrost will become increasingly unstable in the coming decades, threatening most of the existing buildings. Any new construction must be carefully designed to survive on the permafrost and avoid damaging it further.
active layer (thaw+freeze)
generally 1-2m deep, but climate change pushes it deeper
Buildings built directly on the ground will seep heat into the permafrost, accelerating its thaw. permafrost
(2+ years of <0oC ground temperature)
Foundations that do not extend past the active layer have no stable reinforcement during the thaw stage.
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR CONSTRUCTION ON PERMAFROST
The ground beneath poorly-designed buildings will eventually give away, resulting in partial or full collapse of the structure.
The building is raised above the ground; the air gap allows for ventilation that draws the heat away from the ground. In the winter, the cold air can refreeze the active layer.
Piles extend past the active layer into the stable permafrost.
PART 3
CATALOGUING THE RAISED A THREE WEEK REFERENCE STUDY OF RAISED ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH A TOTAL OF 58 BUILDINGS ACROSS A VARIETY OF LOCATIONS AND FUNCTIONS WERE MODELLED AND STUDIED TO UNDERSTAND HOW THEY RESPOND TO THEIR ENVIRONMENT.
CATALOGUE OF RAISED ARCHITECTURE POLAR AND PERMAFROST (1/2)
LY | LONGYEARBYEN
LY1
LY2
LY3
Architect | JVA (2005) Location | Longyearbyen, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | University Facilities
Architect | N/A (1956) Location | Longyearbyen, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Industry, Transport of Coal
Architect | JVA (1998) Location | Longyearbyen, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Multi-purpose including offices, housing, prison
LY4
LY5
LY6
Location | Longyearbyen, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Housing
Location | Longyearbyen, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Housing
Location | Longyearbyen, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Housing
SVALBARD SCIENCE CENTER
APARTMENT BUILDING
TAUBANESENTRALE
PRIVATE HOUSE COMPLEX
SVALBARD GOVERNOR’S ADMINISTRATION
PRIVATE HOUSE COMPLEX
PY | PYRAMIDEN
PY1
PY2
PY3
Location | Pyramiden, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Services (abandonded)
Location | Pyramiden, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Civic (functioning)
Location | Pyramiden, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Storage (abandonded)
HOUSE OF CULTURE
BATH AND LAUNDRY HOUSE
VEGETABLE STORAGE
PY4
PY5
PY6
PY7
Location | Pyramiden, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Services (abandonded)
Location | Pyramiden, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Housing (abandoned)
Location | Pyramiden, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Housing (abandoned)
Location | Pyramiden, Svalbard Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Hotel (functioning)
CAFETERIA
APARTMENT BUILDING
APARTMENT BUILDING
HOTEL
CA | CANADA
CA1
CA2
CA3
Architect | Guy Gérin-Lajoie (1975) Location | Igloolik, Canada Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Research Center
Architect | Lateral Office (2020-2023) Location | Iqaluit, Canada Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Community / Health Center
Architect | Guy Gérin-Lajoie (1976) Location | Iqaluit, Canada Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Elementary School
IGLOOLIK RESEARCH CENTER
INUUSIRVIK COMMUNITY WELLNESS HUB
NAKASUK SCHOOL
CA4
CA5
CA6
Architect | Lateral Office (2016) Location | Iqaluit, Canada Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Eldercare Center
Architect | Ronald Thom (1970) Location | Iqaluit, Canada Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Cathedral
Architect | Lateral Office (2011-2012) Location | Baffin Island, Canada Environment | Arctic Permafrost Function | Research and Accommodation Station
SAILIVIK ELDERCARE CENTER
ST JUDE’S CATHEDRAL
ARCTIC FOOD NETWORK
AN | ANTARCTICA
AN1
AN2
AN3
AN4
Architect | Estudio 41, Brasil (2013) Location | King George Island, Antarctica Environment | Antarctic Permafrost Function | Research Station
Architect | Kurylowicz & Associates (2019) Location | King George Island, Antarctica Environment | Antarctic Permafrost Function | Research Station
Architect | Hugh Broughton Architects (2018) Location | Livingstone Island, Antarctica Environment | Antarctic Permafrost Function | Research Station
Architect | Hugh Broughton Architects (2013) Location | Brunt Ice Shelf, Antarctica Environment | Antarctic Ice Sheet Function | Research Station
COMMANDER FERRAZ ANTARCTIC STATION
HENRY ARCTOWSKI ANTARCTIC STATION
JUAN CARLOS 1 SPANISH ANTARCTIC BASE
HALLEY VI BRITISH ANTARCTIC STATION
AN5
AN6A
AN6B
AN7
AN8
Architect | Hugh Broughton Architects (2017-2028) Location | Pram Point, Ross Island, Antarctica Environment | Antarctic Permafrost Function | Research Station
Architect | Space Group (2014) Location | Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica Environment | Antarctic Permafrost Function | Research Station
Architect | Hugh Broughton Architects (2010) Location | Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica Environment | Antarctic Permafrost Function | Research Station
Architect | Philippe SAMYN and PARTNERS (2008) Location | Sør Rondane Mountains, Antarctica Environment | Antarctic Bedrock and Permafrost Function | Research Station
Architect | BOF Architekten (2013) Location | Larsmann Hills, Antarctica Environment | Antarctic Permafrost Function | Research Station
SCOTT BASE REDEVELOPMENT
JONG BOGO KOREAN RESEARCH STATION
JONG BOGO KOREAN RESEARCH STATION
BELGIAN ANTARCTIC BASE: PRINCESS ELISABETH
INDIAN RESEARCH BASE
AU | AUSTRIA
G | GREENLAND
RU | RUSSIA
AU1
GL1
Architect | Obermoser Arch-Omo (2014) Location | Solden, Austria Environment | Alpine Permafrost Function | Ski Bar/Restaurant
Architect | Hugh Broughton Architects (2012) Location | Summit Station, Central Greenland Environment | Greenlandic Ice Sheet Function | Research and Accommodation Station
GL2
RU1
Architect | Dorte Mandrup (2021) Location | Ilulissat, Greenland Environment | Greenlandic Bedrock Function | Research Station and Museum
Architect | Lesser Architects (2007) Location | Yakutsk, Russia Environment | Continental Permafrost Function | Museum
RESTAURANT ICE-Q
ICEFJORD CENTER
ATMOSPHERIC WATCH OBSERVATORY
MAMMOTH MUSEUM
CATALOGUE OF RAISED ARCHITECTURE WIDER CONTEXTS (2/2)
CS | CHALLENGING SITE
CS1
CS2
CS3
CS4
CS5
Architect | Saunders Architecture (2013) Location | Fogo Island, Canada Environment | Rocky Slope Function | Hotel
Location | Lofoten, Norway Environment | Rocky Coast, Tidal Function | Residential
Architect | network of architecture (2020) Location | Seis am Schlern, Italy Environment | Alpine Hill Function | Hotel
Architect | Benoit Challand (2014, concept) Location | Scottish Highlands, United Kindgom Environment | Cliffy Slope Function | Residential
Architect | Guillermo Acuña Arquitectos Associados (2021) Location | Chiloe, Chile Environment | Rocky Island Function | Residential
FOGO ISLAND INN
FISHING HOUSES
FLORIS HOTEL
FANTASY HOUSE
PUNTA CHILEN
CS6
CS7
CS8
CS9
CS10
Architect | Peter Zumthor (2016) Location | Sauda, Norway Environment | Cliff Side Function | Museum
Architect | SAA Arquitectura + Territorio (2019) Location | Pichicuy, Chile Environment | Coastal Slope Function | Residential
Architect | Delordinaire (2017) Location | Quebec City, Canada Environment | Bedrock Function | Residential
Architect | Santos Bolivar (2017) Location | Guadalupe, Mexico Environment | Desert Rocky Slope Function | Residential
Architect | Arrhov Frick Arkitektkontor (2016) Location | Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden Environment | Rocky Slope Function | Residentialtt
ALLMANNAJUVET ZINC MINE MUSEUM
DOCK HOUSE
HIGH HOUSE
MEDIA PERRA HOUSE
CABIN
FP | FLOODPLAIN
FP1
FP2
FP3
Architect | Low Design Office (2017) Location | New Braunfels, United States Environment | River Floodplain Function | Residential
Architect | John Pardey Architects (2020) Location | Wargrave, United Kingdom Environment | River Flood Plain Function | Residential
Location | Galveston, United States Environment | Coastal Floodplain Function | Residential
FP4
FP5
FP6
Architect | Bates Masi Architects (2013) Location | East Hampton, United States Environment | River Floodplain Function | Residential
Architect | Lisa Redshank (2017) Location | Lee Over Sands, United Kingdom Environment | Marsh, Floodplain Function | Temporary Residence/Studio
Architect | B.Houssais Architecture (2020) Location | Plemeur-Bodou, France Environment | River Floodplain Function | Residential
GUADALUPE RIVER HOUSE
NORTHWEST HARBOR
NARULA HOUSE
ARTIST’S STUDIO
GALVESTON HOUSES
STILT HOUSE
TH | ‘TREEHOUSE’
TH1
THE TREEHOUSE Architect | Baumraum (2012) Location | Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium Environment | Forest Function | Residential
TH2
TH3
Architect | Espen Survenik (2019) Location | Finnskogen, Norway Environment | Forest Function | Hotel
Architect | Snøhetta (2016) Location | Norbottens Län, Sweden Environment | Forest Function | Hotel
PAN TREETOP CABINS
THE 7TH ROOM
UR | URBAN
UR1
THE OCTOSPIDER Architect | Exposure Architects (2004) Location | Bangkok, Thailand Environment | Artificial Lake Function | Restaurant
UR5
INFOBOX VIENNA CENTRAL STATION Architect | Michael Wallraff (2011, Competition) Location | Vienna, Austria Environment | Urban Function | Tourist Information
UR2
UR3
UR4
Architect | Dorte Mandrup (2020, Competition) Location | Aarhus, Denmark Environment | Urban Function | Commerical and Offices
Architect | Renzo Piano (2017) Location | Santander, Spain Environment | Coastal Embankment, Urban Function | Museum
Architect | aLL Design (2004) Location | Toronto, Canada Environment | Urban Function | Educational
UR6
UR7
Architect | Dorte Mandrup (2021) Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Environment | Urban Function | Cultural Center
Architect | dRMM (2017) Location | Oldham, United Kingdom Environment | Urban Function | Healthcare
THE HINGE
NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTER
CENTRO BOTIN
OLDHAM MAGGIE’S CENTER
SHARP CENTRE FOR DESIGN
CATALOGUE PART 1
CATALOGUE PART 2
PART 4
EXPERIENCING SVALBARD (1/2) A COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHY FROM A FIVE DAY VISIT TO LONGYEARBYEN AND BARENTSBURG IN THE MIDDLE OF FEBRUARY, DURING THE WEEK OF THE FIRST SUNRISE AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF POLAR NIGHT.
air temperature FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB
13 14 15 16 17
sun does not rise sun does not rise sunrise 12:01 sunset 12:24 daylength 22.46 sunrise 11:14 sunset 13.10 daylength 1:55:20 sunrise 10.51 sunset 13.33 daylength 2:42:09
min
max (oC)
-16 -16 -15 -17 -18
-12 -11 -11 -15 -17
Nybyen, Longyearbyen
Residential Neighbourhood
Single House
Row Houses
Sports Centre + Swimming Pool
pipes on stilts
Boiler House
Global Seed Vault Cooling Facility
University Centre In Svalbard
Governor’s Building
COAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
PART 5
THE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE REMNANTS OF THE COAL MINING OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN LARGELY KEPT IN-TACT AND FORM AN IRREPLACEABLE BACKBONE TO LONGYEARBYEN. THE INDUSTRIAL AESTHETIC AND COMPOSITION OF THESE OBJECTS BECAME A CENTRAL FOCUS WITHIN THE THESIS.
TAUBANESENTRALE [CABLE CAR CENTRE]
Reference projects sharing similar raised proportions.
Reference projects sharing similar structural compositions.
The final selection of photos offers a snapshot of the industries in transition. The coal mining industry is at the end of its life, followed shortly by the coal-fired power plant. These will soon join the rest of the abandoned infrastructures, scattered throughout the landscape. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault and various space-related research stations will soon be the only large-scale objects still operational amidst the mountains and valleys.
Short section where the cable cars were kept.
Longyearbyen Coal Plant, due to be decommissioned 2022
Decommissioned Coal Mine, Advent Valley
Decommissioned Coal Mine above Nybyen, nicknamed ‘Christmas Mine’
Barentsburg Coal Elevator
Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Operational Mining Infrastructure
Entrance to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Remnants of a Cable Car Sorting Station
Aurora Sky Satellite
PART 6
DEVELOPING THE SYSTEM THE ADDITIVE COMPOSITION AND MODULARITY OF THE CABLE CAR TOWERS BECAME THE STARTING POINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE THESIS. THE GOAL WAS TO DESIGN A LIGHTWEIGHT, YET WELLBRACED STRUCTURE WITH A STRONG REFERENCE TO THE INDUSTRIAL ELEMENTS IN LONGYEARBYEN.
First studies of modelling additive language.
with
an
The left-most model is a close replica of the one of the existing cable car towers, the other two are further explorations. Explorations of more random forms that retain their stability upon rotation onto any of their four sides. This theme was not continued, however, it was provided valuable insight into bracing systems.
EARLY ITERATIONS OF THE MODULES Similar to the reference towers, a modular approach to the structure was taken. In addition to facilitating a larger design, the modularity would make the logistics of material transport and construction easier, a vital element in Arctic construction. Early studies involved developing the composition, bracing, rhythm, and angles of the components, as well as how the modules may be arranged relative to each other.
Introduction of a modular shift.
Introduction of an angular intersection.
DIFFERENT MODULES IN ONE STRUCTURE Whereas the initial studies involved the repetition of a singular module, the next phase involved the design of three modules of 1, 2, and 3 storeys (+ the external raised structure). Several massing studies exploring the effects of the different heights and rhythms were carried, the most developed of which are shown here.
6 m
Modules in two directions and varying rhythms for maximum strength. EXPLODED ISOMETRIC < a new vernacular for longyearbyen > ANTON ANDREEV
THE FINAL ITERATIONS OF THE MODULES The modules, designed in glulam (columns and beams) and CLT panels (floors), follow a similar additive disposition of the reference towers. They consist of a series of A/V trusses spanning the full height of the module, and are primarily braced in one direction allowing for a reduction in overall weight. A lightweight cable system offers bracing, where required, in the opposite direction. This will be supplemented with CLT cores and walls in the final proposal. Four variants provide a dynamic and flexible base for the final proposal.
MODULE A A two-storey, linear module suited for exhibition galleries or transition spaces.
850
4315+
400
4100
650
4000
3000
6000
MODULE A
MODULE B A single-storey version of Module A with a higher ceiling height.
850
4100+
650 1800
3000
6000
MODULE B
1:10 Model of the Column - Beam connection with a dowel joint system.
MODULE C The largest module, designed as a communal hall or large performance space.
850
8000+
650
4000
3000
6000
MODULE C
MODULE D A scaled-down version of Module C.
850
8000+
650 1800
3000
6000
MODULE D
1:5 model of the column - ground connection. Steel plate ground joint. 1:50 section model of Module A.
Following the completion of the four modules, their manipulation was explored in a series of experiments to better understand how they might be used and configured in the context of an arts centre. Based on a 3 metre base unit, the modules may be seamlessly arrayed in a variety of manners.
STUDY OF ROOF INCLINATION The columns remain fixed at a pivot point at the ground connection; pitching the roof results in an inclination of the columns along the length of the slope. This effect is clearer seen across larger spans and results in a dynamic feeling to the structure.
10o 7o 5o 0o
Excerpt of window studies / placement relative to structure
FURTHER MANIPULATIONS -
introduction of double-height spaces angling of facade addition/subtraction of structure thickening of structure where loads are larger
linear arrangement
EARLY MASSING STUDIES Key considerations were: -
orienting the modules in two directions for maximum strength inclination of roofs and appropriate precipitation flow creation of an open entrance hall with several adjacent gallery wings galleries oriented towards views of landscape and/or key points in Longyearbyen effect of wind and daylight; solid versus open facade
central hall and semi-radial/lin
near transition through building
central hall and independent wings
PART 7
THE PROPOSAL 2025 - | PARTS OF THE INNER-CITY’S INDUSTRIAL QUARTER ARE DEMOLISHED AND A NEW CHAPTER IN LONGYEARBYEN’S URBAN DEVELOPMENT BEGINS. AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS IS THE NEW SVALBARD ARTS CENTRE, A RESILIENT BUILDING PAYING HOMAGE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PAST OF SVALBARD, AND WELCOMING A NEW FUTURE.
A SEAFARER’S FIRST SIGHTING OF THE SVALBARD ARTS CENTRE
The massing and language of the Svalbard Arts Centre is a direct reference to the taubanesentrale and its network of cable car towers. The proposal aims to respect the historical heritage of Longyearbyen and welcome its new chapters.
Two buildings from different eras; one, a facilitator for Longyearbyen’s mining growth, the second - embracing and referencing this heritage, looking towards the town’s future.
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
14m/s
10m/s
0m/s
Simulation tested at 5.0m altitude above ground level with a wind speed of 10m/s from the SE. Real speeds are generally lower. Minimal wind is expected at the entrances and most glazed surfaces. Where strong wind forces are direct on glazing, the facade has been angled to lessen the effect of snow build-up.
Based on the wind simulation, the structural modules are oriented with their stronger directions facing the predominant winds. The lesser-braced direction is reinforced with CLT cores and walls in strategic locations, resulting in an overall lighterweight and efficient structure.
Further wind tests were carried out to study the effect of using landscape elements at the perimeter of the building to lessen the impact of wind streams underneath the building, especially around the entrance. These were found to be successful in creating a calm environment at the entrance, whilst retaining a healthy airflow through the raised structure, necessary to cool the permafrost ground.
Textured copper sheeting was chosen as the facade material due to it being very lightweight and retaining its malleability at low temperatures allowing for easy repairs. In addition, the arts centre’s location by the coast ensures it will experience a variety of lighting conditions, which will greatly affect the appearance of the copper. The salty winds will contribute to an uneven distribution of the patination over the decades.
Copper patination after some decades by the sea.
The windows were designed and arranged in a way that maximises daylight and views where they are required, and completely omitted on the faces where the opposite is true. The floor-to-ceiling windows also offer a full-scale view of the structural system, promoting a visual continuity between the internal and external structure. Aside from some of the larger, sculptural corner windows, the majority follow a 1.5m module for ease of replacement as well as allowing a select number of modules to be kept on-site in case of immediate repairs.
Entrance / Lobby
Main Hall / Aula
Aula / Main Hall
Gallery, 1st Floor
Restaurant South Hall
Restaurant North Hall
Entrance into Galleries / Left Side
Entrance into Galleries / Right Side
Gallery, 1st Floor
Gallery, 2nd FLoor
Gallery, 2nd FLoor
Gallery, 2nd FLoor
The concluding three photos/renders place the arts centre in the backdrop of ‘tourist photos’, becoming as much a part of Longyearbyen as the warehouses or resident wildlife.
PART 8 (bonus)
EXPERIENCING SVALBARD (2/2) A COLLECTION OF FURTHER PHOTOGRAPHY TO SHOWCASE THE BEAUTY AND ODDITY OF SVALBARD.
Polar Bear Warning Sign (trans. ‘applies to all of svalbard’) There is a requirement to carry a rifle when leaving Longyearbyen.
Svalbard (Old Norse: Cold Coast)
February 15th. The sun sets 24 minutes after it rose. Mountains surrounding Longyearbyen will prevent direct sun rays from reaching the town for another 3 weeks.
Possibly the world’s northernmost hanging pair of shoes.
The world’s northernmost exotic bird and IKEA rat, presumably.
Idyllic landscapes en route to Barentsburg, a Russian/Ukranian mining town 37km West of Longyearbyen, accessible only by snowmobile during the long winter.
At the edge of Barentsburg, the coal mine in full operation. A bust of Lenin overlooks the fjords.
A quiet moment before the approaching snowstorm.