Exploring Arctic housing and village planning based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Abstract

This article examines northern communities undergoing environmental and cultural change that might affect communal identity, well-being and cultural viability. Many Arctic communities are vulnerable to climate change impacts. In some areas, the changes are fast, and some villages have even faced the need to relocate or change their village structure. Village planning has focused on practical issues such as energy efficiency, infrastructure, construction methods and material choices, and funding challenges. This article uses Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory to examine how local communities’ social and cultural needs have been taken into account in the implemented village relocation in the 1950s, an existing village, and a recent planning project. The aim is to highlight needs that do not necessarily rise to the centre of design and planning and to justify the need for place-based planning.