More than a shelter: a study of indigenous dwellings and contemporary, affordable housing in rural Alaska

• Main Author: Combs, Esther Marcell
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2003
• Subjects: Arctic; Fairbanks; Subarctic; Alaska
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11122/6913

Thesis (M.A.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2003 The purpose of this study was to pursue an innovative idea to address the need for safe, affordable housing in the rural, subarctic area of the State of Alaska. A three pronged approach for data gathering included an extensive historical review of early indigenous cultures and dwelling design; a review of the roles of federal and state governments and their impact on the political economy and lifestyles of rural indigenous people; and interviews of homeowners to obtain their comments, preferences, and suggestions for design features in a home. The conclusions drawn from the findings indicated that the most important feature for a modern house in rural, subarctic Alaska is an enlarged Arctic entry way which was a feature of nearly all of the early indigenous dwellings albeit the simplistic, tunneled entry. Secondly, installation of a standby heat source or a backup, wood stove in homes; and, finally that planning, design and construction of a smaller, simplified house be pursued.