ARC Arctic: A Vision for Modular and Sustainable Arctic Architecture

Project by Azamat Rakhimbirdiev

Shortlisted entry of EHC - Arctic

In the face of extreme environments and escalating climate challenges, "ARC Arctic" presents a pioneering vision of Arctic architecture that is as resilient as it is innovative. Designed to establish a habitable and adaptable urban ecosystem on Ellesmere Island, the project integrates modular construction, renewable energy systems, and a flexible infrastructure to ensure long-term survival in polar territories.

A Modular Urban Strategy

At the heart of ARC Arctic lies a section-based masterplan, where each unit functions independently and collectively. These modular sections are strategically designed to:

• Be reconfigurable in arbitrary numbers and arrangements
• Sustain themselves through solar, wind, and geothermal energy
• Protect inhabitants from aggressive polar conditions

The result is a scalable arctic city that can adapt to shifting population needs and territorial expansion without compromising on livability.

Functional Zoning & Hyperloop Integration

The general plan includes:

• Residential complexes with internal courtyards
• Research, administrative, and municipal hubs
• Leisure and sports facilities
• Shopping, catering, and entertainment centers
• Educational zones (schools and kindergartens)
• Artificial ponds and green infrastructure

To enhance interconnectivity, ARC Arctic incorporates a hyperloop transit system capable of transporting both goods and people across sections. Underground pedestrian networks and metro lines link vital areas while accommodating those with limited mobility via segway-friendly paths.

Resilient Dome Design and Environmental Control

Each module is encapsulated in a dome-shaped multilayer membrane, engineered to withstand precipitation and severe weather. This cover:

• Retains heat and prevents cold penetration
• Hosts internal solar panels for lighting during polar nights
• Supports covered gardens and greenhouses in underground levels to sustain food production

Geothermal energy systems work alongside artificial reservoirs and renewable sources to provide self-sustaining power to every sector, ensuring environmental harmony and energy efficiency.

A Blueprint for Future Arctic Settlements

Positioned strategically on a protected flat terrain, the ARC Arctic settlement is not just a theoretical proposition but a prototype for future arctic habitats. Its seamless integration of mobility, sustainability, and modular growth is a call to reimagine how architecture can respond to climate adversity.

With this design, Azamat Rakhimbirdiev's proposal stands as a benchmark in extreme climate urbanism and Arctic architectural innovation, pointing the way toward autonomous, adaptive living environments in Earth's most unforgiving regions.