The UNCOVER THE ARCTICexhibition stages backgrounds and possibili-ties for circumpolar communities. Built upon four independent case studies the entry defines a chain of tipping points that are affected by global systems and looks upon how these changes affects the people of the north. The defined natures of the tipping points lift the site specific into general applicability for the circumpolar region.

Case 1 / Expectations: Maniitsoq - industrializing the pristine.

The arctic is opening up to the world as a reservoir of natural resources. The wealth that is possessed can possibly be transformed into economical values with benefits for forming communities. Undoubtedly this also has significant impact on the vulnerable possibilities that lies in the unaltered landscapes.

Case 2 / Recovery: Reykjavik - overcoming the financial crisis.

Society’s focus has been changing with modern technology and the arctic periphery has been connected to the global markets. The people of the north are used to adapting quickly to weather and winds and now smaller communities suddenly have the possibil-ity to test out new territo-ries. Going too far too fast can cause total collapse in a community, but going just far enough can bring great prosperity.

Case 3 / Prospects: Vardø - from peripheral to central mentality.

The changing climate is evident. Satellite images show that the Arctic ice is melting dramatically. The economic interest in future opened shipping- and touris-troutes over the Arctic are being explored. The people of the north are experienc-ing a mental transition. From living in the periph-ery to living centrally in an area of future investment and along what can become one of Europe’s major shipping routes.

Case 4 / Post effect: Nikel - retrieving position.

The exploitation of natural resources in the north has given rise to new towns and populations already for a century. From the creations of the mono towns with a solely purpose to fulfill its mission, to the ghost towns of today. Were these towns not for people, but for mere exploitation of the resources? The inhabitants of these towns have created a self around the value to their town, and their identity is tightly connected to their position in the north.

Informed by these four case studies the exhibition aims to discover and empower the people of the north. In each case there has been found identities that benefits and prepares for an open understanding of future dynamics. The general hypothesis is that the ability to form a future based on the values signif-icant to developing a meaningful sense of place is a key to cultural survival and human well being.

UNCOVER THE ARCTICUncover the arctic is a project that is based on 4 diplomaworks from Bergen School of Architecture(NO). We saw the potential in the seperate projects, and have combined them to form the basis of a bigger project around the arctic situation. We want to continue to work with and develop this project. See full project and more information on blogsite.

www.detgulekontoret.wordpress.comTone M. Berge – Architect, Yellow Office and Bakkar & Berg Arkitekter Ina Bakka Sem-Olsen – Architect, Yellow Office and Bakkar & Berg Arkitekter Olafia Zoega – Architect, Tippetue Arkitekter Anette M. Basso – Architect, Freelance