Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Design, development, prototyping and testing of a Polar One Man Tent  (PO-TENT)

Outline
Polar researchers on field trip often sleep in tents and sleeping bags. The high wind is demanding low and light-weight structures and the cold temperatures often lead to a long winded dressing and undressing procedure in the low tent or sleeping bag. An aerodynamically shaped one person tent structure will be developed using pre-shaped foam material with shape-memory effect, allowing a soft, but stable structure. This ‘cocoon’ shall allow upright entrance and undressing and then serve as wind and cold protecting while sleeping. Pockets inside would allow storage of cloths and small personal hygiene equipment.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
New tent/sleeping bag structure developed and tested. Higher comfort for researchers. New materials testing in extreme environment. The researchers form their own societies in the extreme environment. The theme fits into “Man, nature and arctic societies”

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Currently our team is Danish and Swiss. International contractors will be searched.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
At the ‘tent city’ at summit station

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/07-07/07            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Transportation to and from summit station. Food and logistics.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The prototype can be left for further testing.

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

Further detailsEnvisaged is a cooperation with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture in Copenhagen and private contractors

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
NO

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 design 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 tent will be offered to exhibitions.

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, private contractors, foundations

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
There is the need for sleeping bags/tent, which can be entered standing up in polar conditions. Modern foam materials could provide interesting solution for that, which need to be tested in the environment.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Andreas Vogler
SpaceArch Copenhagen/Architecture and Vision
Hohenstaufenstrasse 10
80801 München
Germany

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

Other project members and their affiliation