Focus on Antarctic architecture

Sam Patterson, of Architecture and Design, Scotland, admires images of the British Antarctic...
Sam Patterson, of Architecture and Design, Scotland, admires images of the British Antarctic Survey's Halley VI research station, part of the Ice Lab: New Architecture and Science in Antarctica exhibition, at Otago Museum. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD
The development of Antarctic architecture, from purely functional to futuristic, imaginative and speculative design, is highlighted in an international touring exhibition now showing at Otago Museum.

''Ice Lab: New Architecture and Science in Antarctica'' showcases five major projects, some in existence and others purely speculative, which are pushing the boundaries of design in extreme environments.

The free exhibition, which was commissioned by the British Council and curated by the Arts Catalyst, highlights the constant interplay between art and science in Antarctic architecture and provides a glimpse of the future of both.

In Dunedin recently to help set up the exhibition, Sam Patterson, of Architecture and Design, in Scotland, said the designs were remarkable in their scope.

''We have everything from concept ideas on how we could inhabit Antarctica with as little impact as possible, to science elements exploring the relationship between Antarctica and outer space,'' Mr Patterson said.

Until recently, Antarctic architecture was based purely on function, allowing scientists to live and work in the extreme environment. Now it was at the forefront of design, technology and engineering innovation.

Five imaginative designs for Antarctic stations feature in the exhibition - the British Antarctic Survey's relocatable Halley VI Research Station; the continent's first zero-emission station, Belgium's Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station; India's Bharati Research Station - made entirely of prefabricated shipping containers; Korea's Jang Bogo - one of the largest year-round bases on the continent; and the speculative Iceberg Living Station from Denmark - made entirely of compacted snow.

''Antarctica is vital to scientific research in a number of fields, from astronomy and geology to climate change,'' Otago Museum director Dr Ian Griffin said.

''Ice Lab looks at the incredible advances in architecture that are allowing scientists not only to continue their work, but to expand on it in one of the world's most extreme environments.''

Ice Lab continues at Otago Museum's 1877 Gallery until March 1, 2015.

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