Dean Peiniger

Immaka is a Greenlandic word meaning “maybe,” “perhaps,” or “possibly.”

It conveys uncertainty, potential, or a form of polite hesitation. Often used instead of a direct affirmative answer, immaka offers a subtle yet deeply rooted cultural way to acknowledge something without suggesting that one has control over the outcome.

The starting point for this research is the complex existential crisis faced by the Inuit, particularly among young people in Tasiilaq. The preliminary phase involved an in-depth analysis of Greenland’s historical, economic, cultural and social context. This included examining the impact of colonisation, the consequences of centralisation policies and the challenges of modernisation. Traditional Inuit building principles and place-based practices were also studied to gain deeper insight into their relationship with the landscape.

From this, the central research question emerged:
“What might a place designed to strengthen Inuit identity and community look like?”

The location of Tasiilaq was chosen because the issues outlined above converge visibly here and offer potential for a targeted architectural intervention. The key findings show that Greenland’s current societal challenges stem from a clash between traditional Inuit values and Western policy-making. The emphasis on efficiency and profitability conflicts with Inuit concepts of interconnectedness and community.

To address this, an architectural approach that is both culturally sensitive and participatory is essential, as it can strengthen the resilience and wellbeing of the users. This research concludes that, in restoring the connection between the Inuit and their living environment, architecture must create space for their identity to be expressed. In this context, this requires a design that adapts to the seasons and moves with local materials and vernacular building traditions.

The project Immaka proposes a place that can serve as a hub for celebrating the collective memory and identity of the Ammassalik Inuit. The recommendations include creating spaces that facilitate gathering, embracing the generative potential of impermanence and reuse, and fostering a sense of ownership. In this way, architecture offers not only shelter but also a social connective tissue that can contribute to collective wellbeing.