Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Architectural Inventory of Arctic Research Stations  (AI-ARS)

Outline
Arctic Research Stations are a legacy of the Human Being’s drive to conquer harsh and extreme environments. Their lifetime is often short and they are usually not considered as valuable architectural pieces. In the dawn of a Human Mars Mission, Arctic Research Stations offer valuable analogue material. Our multidisciplinary team consisting of space architects and psychologists want to record the still existing Research Stations in Greenland and analyse them architecturally and psychologically. The stations would have to be measured and photographed. A comparable set of architectural, measured drawings will be made. 3-D CAD Models will not just illustrate the space, but may be of valuable use for later remote controlled use of the stations. Interviews with researchers will investigate the functional use of the stations and the relation of crew psychology and layout.The result will be recorded in a published architectural book, which will not only be a valuable record of the building heritage of arctic research in Greenland, but also offer valuable information to everybody involved into the design, operation and use of extreme environment architecture. An exhibition with drawings, photographs and models will acompany the book publication.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The National Agencies will get a valuable documentary of the building heritage in Greenland, which will be accessible for future studies. The operators of the research stations will have access to standard measured drawings and 3-D CAD Files. Through the visualisation and architectural recording, models can be build and make the legacy of the arctic research stations accessible to a larger public by a touring exhibition.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Currently our team is Danish and Swiss with base in Germany. Since the Summit station is run by the US, such a collaboration would be of interest. On selection we will contact the operating nations to contribute to the project.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
All existing research stations in Greenland.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 05/07-09/07            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Transportation to and from existing field stations. Stay and food in station. Only use of existing facilities.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Envisaged is a cooperation with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture in Copenhagen and the Design Center Copenhagen.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
YES

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be self-managed by the investigation team.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Students of Architecture will be integrated in the production of the plans and models. The book will be publicly available in bookshops and an exhibition will be organized.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
National agencies, former contractors of stations, foundations

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Andreas Vogler
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture
Philip de Langes Allee 10
1435
Denmark

Tel:
Mobile: +49-173-357 08 33
Fax: +49-941-5992-85137
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation