Human Settlements in the Arctic

Human Settlements in the Arctic is an account of the ECE Symposium on Human Settlements Planning and Development held in the Arctic Godthab, Greenland, on 18-25 August 1978. The text focuses on the dynamics of human settlements in the Arctic regions, taking into consideration the severe climate, permafrost and other hazards, and remoteness from services and sources of supply. The book first offers information on human settlement objectives in the Arctic, including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, and the USSR. The manuscript then takes a look at community planning and the provision of infrastructure. Topics include community planning in relation to economic development; water and sanitation service levels in the Northwest Territories, Canada; and sewerage and other waste disposal. The text ponders on the construction of housing and other buildings, including heating systems, permafrost, prefabrication, and behavioral aspects and public participation in housing design and improvement. The manuscript also discusses physical planning and layout of settlements and programming, design, and construction of engineering infrastructure facilities, housing, and related social service facilities. The book is a fine reference for readers wanting to explore the dynamics of human settlements in the Artic regions.