Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #131:Analyzing the effects of spatial configuration on human movement and social interaction in Canadian Arctic Communities.  (Analyzing the effects of spatial configuration on human movement and social interaction in Canadian Arctic Communities.)

Outline
The creation of permanent nucleated settlements in the Canadian Arctic during the 1950s and 1960s introduced Inuit families to settled community life almost overnight. The spatial layout of these new arctic towns was based upon Euro-Canadian concepts of community structure, administrative control, and social cooperation. Roads, utility hook-ups and building codes replaced cultural values, familial ties, and the requirements of traditional activities in determining the placement of roads and homes within settlements. Recent innovative research in space syntax analysis has demonstrated that the spatial configuration of streets within towns and cities exerts a powerful influence on human movement (Hillier, 1996; Hillier, 2001). Overall, we expect to find good correlations between spatial configuration and pedestrian/vehicular movement in urban areas where the land use pattern has been shaped over time by the natural movement pattern – for example, shops have tended to go to locations where the grid has created natural movement. In implanted developments where this has not happened, and where land uses have been assigned on different criteria, we do not expect to find a strong natural movement pattern. In these situations, other factors need to be modelled to understand the movement patterns observed. Arctic communities such as Arviat, Nunavut, are examples of imbedded developments, and recent fieldwork indicates that there is an absence of correlation between the natural movement patterns of Inuit residents and the layout of the community itself. The objective of this research project is to understand the underlying factors that are generating their unique patterns of movement. The results of this project may have important implications for northern community planning.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project I am proposing falls within two of the 6 IPT themes. Change and Human Dimension: The lives of Inuit peoples of the Canadian Arctic have undergone dramatic changes over the last 50 years. Arguably one of the most important changes to occur was the settlement of Inuit families into communities modelled after those in southern Canada. By understanding how the social processes that shape circumpolar societies are, in turn, shaped by the spatial configuration of the communities in which they currently live, future communities can be designed which better sustain the cultural values and lifestyles of Inuit.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Professor Bill Hillier, Alan Penn. University College London, England.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
A sample of 5 communities in Nunavut Territory. Actual communities yet to be determined due to the need for community consultations.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 05/2007 – 09/2007      05/2008 – 09/2008      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Travel to and from communities in Nunavut is available through regular and charter air service. Accommodation will involve billeting with local families, renting teachers houses, etc. As a result, no special logistical support or facilities will be required.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The modelling and data collected should be useful in guiding future land use patterns and road locations in the communities that participate in this study.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Commercial operator
Own support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: Healthy and Sustainable Communities: Social Context of Research

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Calgary, and the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education, outreach, and communication of project results will be addressed through community talks, participation in data collection by Inuit assistants, the construction of a web page, and the dissemination of progress reports written for both academic and non-academic audiences. Significant training opportunities will be provided to undergraduate and graduate students during the data collection and analysis phases of the project. Inuit students will also be involved in the collection and interpretation of data.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data will be managed jointly between the University of Calgary and University College London.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
In addition to IPY, Funding for the project may be obtained through SSHRC Standard and Strategic Research Grants.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This research project represents a unique opportunity for an international group of researchers to work collaboratively with circumpolar peoples on an issue of critical importance to cultural sustainability and quality of life. It will also provide significant training opportunities for both graduate students and Inuit, who will be working side by side in various aspects of the project.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Peter Dawson
2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB


T2N 1N4
Canada

Tel: 403 220-4855
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation