Abstract

This article examines the process of analyzing the Arctic indigenous village Shishmaref and evaluates the applicability of Western planning analysis methods for the interpretation of the living environment. The analysis approach is partly phenomenological, i.e., the analysis of the village is based on the researcher’s own observations. At the same time, the aspect of the community and its views on the environment are examined. The framework studies the role of the architect from the perspective of participatory design. Based on this research, Western design models do not seem suitable for indigenous village planning, but a genuine participatory approach is needed from the beginning of the planning process, i.e., also in the analysis phase. This requires enough time and working on-site; therefore, a slow planning process is needed. Accepting the importance of traditional knowledge as part of the planning gives a new direction to the design of Arctic indigenous villages, especially to their relocation.