This session invites various disciplines to meet with Inuit traditional knowledge and resourcefulness in order to reflect on a crucial challenge for the development and well-being of Nordic populations, that is culturally appropriate, safe, affordable and resilient living environments. It is widely recognized that actual environments, built without communities participation, do not meet their aspirations. There is a pressing need to shift from the current development paradigm (based on economic agenda) to a sustainable process (based on social agenda and design quality) in order to better address local aspirations. In this context, presentations will address the following questions: 1) what are the best opportunities for Northern communities to develop culturally adapted living environments, and 2) what are the most useful actions and tools to allow for such developments, and for greater community engagement and decision-making. New and emerging practices, as well as "utopian" reflections are welcome.

Myriam Blais, Samuel Boudreault, Geneviève Vachon