HALLEY 6: Antarctic base station

2.4 INFERENCES:

• The purpose of an Antarctic base goes farther than mere survival of its crew; it is a comprehensive habitat.
• The main purpose of the base is scientific research; to sustain the crew the base also contains facilities of habitat (living
area, sleeping quarters,…) and recreation facilities (bar n games, TV Lounge, …). There are also facilities like
communication, medicine, exercise, etc…
• Communications facilities are needed in order to keep in contact with the outer world also interact with family and friends.
Medical facilities will cater to the emergencies and also the periodic medical needs of the crew. Especially in winter when
going out in the open becomes lesser the exercise facilities will provide the residents their daily dose of physical activity.
• In order to counter SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) there is a necessity for introducing elements like green rooms.
• The quality of spaces is important for the crew; vibrant spaces with carefully chosen color schemes will enhance social
interaction and result in a vibrant close knit community.

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Architectural Thesis 2006-07
 HALLEY 6: Antarctic base station

3.6 INFERENCES

• There is no demarcated site area nor is there any frontage or a fixed road. Hence conventional site planning and
landscaping notions do not apply any more. An approach without any preconceived notions is required.
• The brunt ice shelf is moving 500m per annum; the base has to be relocated once every 5 years so that it can be
repositioned in the same geographic location whilst the ice shelf moves towards the sea.
• The base has to cope up with sub zero temperatures all around the year.
• The base has to restrict its heat loss while trying to maximize solar gain.
• Wind becomes a major factor in the design of the base. Heavy winds not only pose a threat due to their velocity but also
because they deposit snow. Aerodynamic shapes need to be used to counter the snow accumulation.
• Logistics play a major factor in determining the scale and also the type of base that can be set-up. At present a modular
approach works the best. This way there is a minimum effort on site to assemble the structure; also maintenance is easier
because of fewer spare parts and repetitive details.

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 HALLEY 6: Antarctic base station

4.6 INFERENCES:

• Buildings in Antarctica have to survive a host of problems

• Many of these problems can be tackled by careful planning at the inception stage design of the base station
• Materials and methods will depend a lot on the logistic possibilities and the feasibility in such extreme conditions. Such
decisions will not only influence the look, outcome of the building but also the lifetime and the performance of the
building; it will also effect the environment respectively
• Sustainability is a determining factor in the design, otherwise mundane aspects like waste management, water supply,
etc… become determining factors in the design.

• Steel is a favorable material to be used in construction. It can be used in tubular form, trussed form, etc… Steel can
provide the basic structure and the framework while composite panels can act as cladding material. Steel structures also
ensure easy assembly on site.
• Vapor barriers are a must in Antarctic conditions; windows and other opening will have to specially detailed out to
maintain the vapor levels and prevent fogging
• At the current technological threshold prefabrication provides a feasible solution both in terms of constructing and
maintenance of base station in Antarctica

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 HALLEY 6: Antarctic base station

• Alternate sources of energy like wind and solar power will to some extent fulfill the stations electricity and heating
requirements. This will result in a reduction of fuel transport and storage.
• Passive methods of heating coupled with heat loss reduction techniques will result in a system where no extra resources
are needed to keep the station warm at least during the non-dark months. The period of maximum number of users and
as a resultant maximum power usage coincides with the period of maximum sunshine.
• The above practices will not only ease the logistics and maintenance of the base but will also help in maintaining the
environmental integrity of Antarctica
• Fire safety is mandatory. Fire safety should be incorporated in the design stage itself, physical isolation of components
and alternate components in case of a catastrophe need to be taken care of. Fire exists (opening inwards) are to be
provided
• Central monitoring system for the base. This system will take care of the energy management and power distribution
resulting in economic use of resources. This system can also act as a fire warning system.

• The scientists and the crew are of utmost importance

• In order to sustain them it is not enough if mere scientific and residential facilities are provided
• In order for them to cope up with the extreme climate and remoteness a lot of auxiliary facilities like exercise areas, plant
rooms, etc… are required.
• Spaces have to be designed in a manner where they encourage social interaction, which is very important to maintain a
friendly ambience inside the base station.
• Even things like internal spaces, the color of the wall, etc… matter when it comes to maintaining the morale of the crew

53 Architectural Thesis 2006-07

 HALLEY 6: Antarctic base station

Inferences:

• Integrated approach to the design; Aerodynamic to counter the catabaltic winds; elevated to counter snow drift; minimum
surface area to minimize surface heat loss.
• It is possible and preferable to sustain an Antarctic base on non-renewable sources of energy both from an economic and
environmental point of view.
• The Belgian base is an Austral base; hence it can completely rely on non-renewable sources. For a year round base like
Halley VI a backup system is necessary
• Passive building principles applied; especially for the heat requirements
• Ample glazing provided to improve the quality of spaces
• Water treatment plant to minimize daily requirements of fresh water.

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 HALLEY 6: Antarctic base station

Inferences:

• Elevated base station design; uses Venturi effect to its advantage to clear snow around the base
• The modular design of the base makes it possible to winter out parts of the base when not required
• The Amundsen Scott base is an example of a consolidated base complete in itself; it has all the facilities to comfortably
sustain the crew members through the harsh terrain
• NASA plant growth chamber acts to boost the morale of the crew; in addition to proving fresh vegetables
• Common spaces like gymnasium and dining area in addition to their functional use can also be utilized as a place for social
interaction

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 HALLEY 6: Antarctic base station

Inferences:

• Though not constructed till date; though its feasibility is questioned by some, the APT presents a comprehensive solution.
• However, the pneumatic structure incorporated in the design to sustain plants is not sustainable due to fact that a structure
of that shape and size will get buried under snow due to snow drift.
• The APT identifies key issues that are common to Antarctic bases and interplanetary bases (conceptual). Ex: logistics,
construction, international cooperation, remote technology etc…
• The APT takes care of the food requirements of the crew; a move towards independence and economy
• The proposed base has hydraulic leveling jack legs which minimize the effort to elevate the base
• The technological and architectural advances in Antarctica have a far reaching effect

83 Architectural Thesis 2006-07