HARVARD UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Arctic Futures: Designing Circular Systems
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS STU-1507
At a glance
1 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 50% online, 50% in-personAttendance Mode
- Includes a study trip to Nuuk, GreenlandField Trip
- Focuses on geological science, urban design, and environmental ethicsInterdisciplinary Approach
- Contributes to the 'City as Resource' initiativeResearch Focus
- Projects conducted in pairsCollaboration
This studio course focuses on designing circular systems for the Arctic, specifically exploring the potential of Greenlandic rock flour (gletsjermel) as a sustainable resource. You will investigate how this byproduct of glacial erosion, rich in essential minerals, can address global soil degradation and CO2 binding while also considering its impact on urban development in Greenland, particularly in Nuuk and Nuuk Fjord. The studio bridges geological science, urban design, and environmental ethics to reimagine regenerative relationships between cities and resource landscapes.
Curriculum
This studio course is designed for students with a background in design. Projects will be conducted in pairs and will explore different scales across urban design, landscape architecture, and architecture.
- Spring 2026
- Arctic Futures: Designing Circular SystemsSTU-1507
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Arctic Futures: Designing Circular Systems programme about?
- This studio course focuses on designing circular systems for the Arctic, specifically exploring Greenlandic rock flour as a sustainable resource. It bridges geological science, urban design, and environmental ethics to reimagine regenerative relationships between cities and resource landscapes.
- What are the entry requirements for this programme?
- To participate, students must have a design background. The studio also involves a study trip to Nuuk, Greenland, requiring students to be prepared for potentially extreme weather conditions.
- What is the duration and structure of the programme?
- The programme is a studio course for Spring 2026, consisting of one module, STU-1507, worth 8 credits. Projects are conducted in pairs and the course is 50% online and 50% in-person.
- What are the tuition and payment options?
- Tuition and fees are due by the payment deadline. Payment options include e-checks, paper checks (drawn on a US bank), credit/debit cards, and international payments via TransferMate.
- Are there any specific deadlines I should be aware of?
- Tuition and fees are due by the payment deadline. Please refer to the Harvard Summer School calendar for the specific payment deadline.
- Does the programme include any travel or field trips?
- Yes, the programme includes a study trip to Nuuk, Greenland, which is a key component of the course.
Entry requirements
Design backgroundStudents must have a design background to participate.
The studio involves a study trip to Nuuk, Greenland, which requires traveling to possibly extreme conditions. Students are responsible for bringing appropriate clothing and gear to safely withstand the weather conditions and cold temperatures.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fees are due by the payment deadline. Payment options include e-checks, paper checks (drawn on a US bank), credit/debit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover), and international payments via TransferMate. Domestic bank wires are also accepted through TransferMate.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fees are due by the payment deadline. Payment options include e-checks, paper checks (drawn on a US bank), credit/debit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover), and international payments via TransferMate. Domestic bank wires are also accepted through TransferMate.
LivingNot specified.
Harvard Summer School accepts e-checks and paper checks drawn on a US bank. For credit/debit cards, be aware of potential fluctuations in international exchange rates or interest charges. TransferMate is recommended for international payments, which can take a few weeks to arrive. Domestic wires may incur a $20 fee through TransferMate. Authorized users can view account details and submit payments online.
How to apply
1. Enroll in the CourseRegister for the course 'Arctic Futures: Designing Circular Systems' (STU-1507) for Spring 2026. Be aware of payment deadlines for tuition and fees.
2. Prepare for Field TripIf you enroll, you will participate in a study trip to Nuuk, Greenland. Ensure you have appropriate clothing and gear to safely withstand extreme weather conditions and cold temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Arctic Futures: Designing Circular Systems programme about?
+
This studio course focuses on designing circular systems for the Arctic, specifically exploring Greenlandic rock flour as a sustainable resource. It bridges geological science, urban design, and environmental ethics to reimagine regenerative relationships between cities and resource landscapes.
What are the entry requirements for this programme?
+
To participate, students must have a design background. The studio also involves a study trip to Nuuk, Greenland, requiring students to be prepared for potentially extreme weather conditions.
What is the duration and structure of the programme?
+
The programme is a studio course for Spring 2026, consisting of one module, STU-1507, worth 8 credits. Projects are conducted in pairs and the course is 50% online and 50% in-person.
What are the tuition and payment options?
+
Tuition and fees are due by the payment deadline. Payment options include e-checks, paper checks (drawn on a US bank), credit/debit cards, and international payments via TransferMate.
Are there any specific deadlines I should be aware of?
+
Tuition and fees are due by the payment deadline. Please refer to the Harvard Summer School calendar for the specific payment deadline.
Does the programme include any travel or field trips?
+
Yes, the programme includes a study trip to Nuuk, Greenland, which is a key component of the course.