NSW prides itself on moving to the forefront of “environmental design and sustainable architecture, focusing on environmental issues and implementations at all levels of the design process”, while Haptic cites a dedication to leaving “a light touch on the planet”. Still, with no information on sustainability provided within their Nordland project feasibility report, it remains to be seen how they will execute this commitment for a structure located within the extreme climate of the Arctic.
     Ruth Slavid’s book, Extreme Architecture: Building for Challenging Environments, demonstrates that severe conditions sometimes dictate a departure from modern design and an emphasis on practicality. A recent Wired article on the research bases of the Antarctic highlights this no-frills approach to building construction, citing innovations like a prioritized energy management mechanism and plumbing system that recycles sinkwater as significant steps toward the goal of completely self-sustaining structures.
     According to NSW’s firm profile, “There is a real focus in all levels of the design process to acquire in-depth knowledge of environmental design aspects, including products that respond to environmental concerns.” Fortunately, other structures that occupy a similarly extreme climate provide inspiration for NSW and Haptic to create an airport that is both aesthetically and environmentally integrated into a landscape that is home to such natural wonders as the midnight sun and northern lights.