QUESTIONING PERMANENCE
LYR—201222




DATE: Fall, 2022
LOCATION: Longyearbyen
TYPE: Research (pre-diploma)
︎︎︎ Read Questioning Permanence HERE
LOCATION: Longyearbyen
TYPE: Research (pre-diploma)
︎︎︎ Read Questioning Permanence HERE
Given the significance of permafrosts scale and distribution across the Arctic, landscape architects working in these areas will address frozen ground at some time or another. With rising temperatures rapidly increasing the visible fluidity of “permanently frozen ground” across the Arctic, a deeper reading of these conditions and their temporal-material-spatial impacts is needed. Landscape architect Leena Cho, echoes this call within landscape architect given permafrosts agency and ability to shape spatial, temporal, and cultural landscapes above and below ground.
As part of my initial diploma research, I worked to expand the literacy of Svalbard’s underground permafrost through drawings, texts, and images. My approach looked to understand frozen ground beyond the surface and instead to the cryospheres deeper strata, the way materials interact with one another. I then translated this research into a series of drawings depicting some of Longyearbyen’s underground permafrost conditions to communicate its hidden influence.
This research revealed the fluidity of the cryosphere which would go on to serve as the basis for my final diploma project A Palliative Design for the (After)Life of Mine #7.
As part of my initial diploma research, I worked to expand the literacy of Svalbard’s underground permafrost through drawings, texts, and images. My approach looked to understand frozen ground beyond the surface and instead to the cryospheres deeper strata, the way materials interact with one another. I then translated this research into a series of drawings depicting some of Longyearbyen’s underground permafrost conditions to communicate its hidden influence.
This research revealed the fluidity of the cryosphere which would go on to serve as the basis for my final diploma project A Palliative Design for the (After)Life of Mine #7.







