1 Architectural Engineering Approach to Developing a Matrix for Planning in Extreme Environments Olga Bannova 1 and Maria Nystrom 2 1 School of Architecture, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden and University of Houston., 122 College of Architecture bldg.., University of Houston, Houston TX 77204, USA, obannova@central.uh.edu 2 School of Design and Crafts HDK, University of Gothenburg, Box 131, SE 405 30 Göteborg and School of Architecture, Chalmers University of Technology, SE 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden, maria.nystrom@chalmers.se ABSTRACT Extreme environments on Earth share similar facilities and operations, design and planning challenges. Each environment presents special lessons regarding housing design, crew/staff operations and training, and equipment and logistical requirements for human activities. The paper discusses these challenges and lessons. Recurrent and specific to environment and conditions events are outlined and categorized based on case studies reviews and literature summary. Understanding of relationships and influences between different facets of human society and architecture can help to find a design approach which would optimize needs and requirements for various types of people living in different environments, societies and cultures. Environmental conditions affecting architectural requirements include form developing factors, site orientation and circulation, and budget considerations. They have to be addressed at the programming design stage in order to avoid costly adjustments at later development stages. It is even more critical in case of designing for challenging environments. INTRODUCTION There are certain similarities between cold and hot deserts, permafrost and other polar regions: extreme temperatures, foundation problems, high standards for insulation materials, resources limitations (including people); but they differ depending on local cultural and social traditions and climate challenges specific to particular region. Environmental hardships create structural and infrastructural challenges and can be reflected in sets of architectural requirements. Today life conditions and environment itself are changing rapidly and it becomes essential to respond to that in design and planning just as fast. It is also critical for successful practice in extreme environments and disaster areas to be able to proceed with construction almost immediately after the disaster happened or a decision to start exploration or other development is made and personnel and crew has to be moved to a remote location within limited timeframe.