Svalbard is big, desolate and vulnerable, with a unique landscape that it is difficult to remain neutral about. I have studied life at 78 degrees north while visiting Svalbard, and taken a closer look at the development and function of Longyearbyen’s town centre. I feel that the impression it gives stands in contrast to the spectacular scenery – the outdoor areas are not well utilised , zones are unclear and there is little outdoor seating.
In my master’s project, I have researched the population’s relationship to outdoor areas in the town centre and offered them an opportunity to address issues that go beyond outdoor environment, local history and identity. I am interested in how people's lives, choices and chance interact in a furniture and spatial design perspective.
Svalbard is an exciting universe to work in, and I approached the task with humility. My process has been very interesting. Going to Svalbard to collect impressions has been educational, having to trust my own instincts has proved to be a very broadening experience. I achieved a direct and genuine communication with the place and the people, and I found it very interesting to study the social structures of this community.
I have studied the island’s identity and style. The driftwood found on Svalbard comes from Siberia, carried across the Arctic Ocean by the currents. You can use the driftwood to light a fire on the beach where you find it, but you are not allowed to move it or take it with you. This makes random formations when driftwood hits land, and I have explored this further in my master’s project. My goal is to transfer this to spatial components that can gain a real and constructive foothold in Longyearbyen without losing contact with the town’s character.
My experience of the area forms the background to the project. My father has worked in Longyearbyen for several years, which is one of the reasons why I have developed a strong relationship with the place. As a designer, I consider it important to highlight hidden qualities of urban spaces, as this can give rise to completely new functions in an urban space. It is also important to push the boundaries for what can be done with furniture design, and see how some elements do not just add something, but really make the space.