When Nature Becomes an Ally: Architecture in Extreme Conditions / By Anna Kulikova

Integrating urban development with the natural environment is becoming a leading trend in contemporary design. Architects around the world are advancing the concept of "natural urbanism." The goal here is not so much to resist extreme conditions but to leverage their advantages. Temperature fluctuations, seismic activity, heavy precipitation—these factors are being transformed from problems into key project elements.

Heat and Light in the Polar Night

Architects in Northern Europe have had to find answers to the challenges of a harsh climate: long, cold winters and short daylight hours. Their approach is based on retaining heat and using available light efficiently. In Reykjavik, for example, compact building forms and facades minimize surface area exposed to the elements. This external restraint contrasts with interior spaces that are bright and open, featuring large windows that face inward toward wind-protected courtyards.

This principle is beautifully illustrated by the Harpa concert hall. Its southern facade is composed of glass multiplications that not only create a play of light but serve a practical purpose—they channel natural light deep into the interior. At the same time, a massive concrete structure provides wind protection and seismic stability.

The Norwegian city of Trondheim has taken a different path, developing a "warm city heart" concept. For public spaces, they chose dark granite, which absorbs and stores solar heat, alongside wooden elements with excellent insulating properties. Buildings are equipped with passive solar heating systems, reducing energy consumption by 30% compared to conventional solutions.

Levitation as Earthquake Protection

In Japan, which experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, engineers and designers have developed a philosophy opposite to the Western approach. Instead of creating rigid structures that resist natural forces, they design buildings that can adapt to the earth's movements. For high-rises, Japanese engineers use the Seishin system: special shock absorbers—hydraulic or viscoelastic dampers—are integrated into the building frame, absorbing up to 80% of seismic energy. In another technology, Menshin, the building is completely separated from its foundation by isolators made of alternating layers of lead, steel, and rubber. During an earthquake, the foundation moves with the ground, but the building remains relatively stationary.

Furthermore, Japanese innovators have developed and implemented a system of "levitating buildings." In this system, at the first sign of an earthquake, special detectors activate powerful compressors. In a fraction of a second, they force air between the foundation and the building's base, literally lifting it 2-3 centimeters off the ground. This air layer prevents vibrations from transferring to the structure. After the tremors subside, the building gently settles back down. The developer, Air Danshin, has already installed this system in over 100 homes across Japan, at a cost 20% lower than traditional seismic protection methods.

The approach of Japanese designers is conceptually close to the ideas of "natural urbanism" that Russian urban planners are now applying in projects for regions with complex natural conditions.

Between Volcano and Ocean

The architectural firm FANTALIS Architects has developed a master plan for the historic center of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, grounded in the concept of "natural urbanism." This approach doesn't fight the elements but integrates them into the urban fabric. Kamchatka presents unique challenges for architects: seismic activity, strong winds, complex topography, and a rugged landscape. Instead of battling these factors, the bureau's specialists turned them into project assets. The master plan preserves view corridors to Avacha Bay, and key structures are integrated into the existing landscape.

For example, the National Museum of Nature Conservation is embedded into the slope of Nikolskaya Hill. According to the project, its roof is designed as an observation deck with a panoramic view of the ocean—a prime example of multifunctional design. To protect against gale-force winds, a system of multi-level terraces and amphitheaters was developed. These not only block the wind but also create microclimatic zones comfortable for different seasons. The concept for the Central Square includes specially designed canopies: in winter, they block snow and wind, while in summer, they provide shade.

The architects also prioritized the use of local materials, such as regional wood species resistant to the humid maritime climate. This choice not only reduces the project's carbon footprint but also enhances the visual integration of the buildings into their surroundings. To address seismic activity, a modular principle was applied. Buildings are designed with reinforced foundations incorporating dampers, and in some structures, blocks can shift slightly during tremors without compromising overall integrity. This approach echoes the Japanese Menshin system, but adapted to the local context.

Snow as a Resource

Canadian urban planners have moved away from the traditional battle against the cold, integrating winter into the urban environment. Snow, ice, and low temperatures are viewed as resources, not problems. In Vancouver, the concept of "Vancouverism" is built on preserving the natural landscape. For instance, slender, high-rise towers occupy a minimal footprint, preserving public spaces with natural landscaping between them. This helps maintain natural water cycles and reduces flood risks.

To manage snow, Canadian designers have developed "retentive roofing" systems. Instead of removing snow, it's kept on roofs as insulation. The meltwater is then used for building graywater systems and irrigation. This system is used in cities like Edmonton and Calgary, where winter temperatures regularly drop to -30°C. In Edmonton, an indoor pedestrian network spanning over 13 kilometers connects 40 buildings, providing shelter from the cold. The walkways feature panoramic glazing, allowing people to observe the winter landscape from a comfortable environment. Up to 350,000 people use this network daily during the cold months.

Desert Technologies for Urban Jungles

Australian designers, in contrast, harness heat as an energy resource, creating buildings that operate in rhythm with natural cycles. At the Wanangkura sports complex in Port Hedland, a double facade works on the thermoregulation principle seen in desert animals. An outer perforated metal screen shields the walls from direct sun, and a ventilated space is created between the screen and the wall. Hot air rises and is exhausted through vents, reducing interior temperatures by 15-20°C without air conditioning. This system is highly effective in regions where summer temperatures frequently exceed +40°C.

In central Australia, another innovation draws inspiration from natural rock formations, which absorb heat during the day and release it at night. In this part of the continent, daily temperature swings can reach 20°C, so urban planners utilize thermal mass. This involves using massive building elements made of concrete or stone that smooth out temperature fluctuations, creating a stable indoor microclimate. Contemporary Australian architecture also incorporates elements from traditional Aboriginal shelters. For example, in the Desert House project in Alice Springs, architect Greg Burgess applied an airflow system based on the principles of local indigenous structures. Even at temperatures above +35°C, such a design can eliminate the need for air conditioning.

Future Trends: Integration Over Resistance

Current architectural trends point to a global paradigm shift in urban planning—from fighting nature to cooperating with it. This trend, which emerged over the last two decades, is rapidly gaining momentum. This is supported by forecasts from experts at the World Green Building Council. They estimate that by 2030, up to 65% of new projects in extreme climate zones will utilize principles of integration with the natural environment, rather than traditional defensive approaches. The next step in the evolution of natural urbanism will be the development of "self-tuning" buildings capable of dynamically adapting to changing conditions. Scientists are currently testing facades that alter their properties based on temperature and light, and structures that automatically redistribute loads during seismic activity.

Source: https://locusmagazine.ru/online/texts/tpost/czotid54l1-stihiya-kak-soyuznik-arhitektura-v-ekstr