 Poster: A snowHead
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This thread has been updated, with news of investment in the ski-mounted research base below. Scroll down for the update.
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The winning design for the new Halley VI base for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) will be moveable, thanks to sets of skis beneath each of its modules.
The concept by Faber Maunsell and Hugh Broughton Architects has won a competition jointly staged by the BAS and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The design enables the base to be raised above the estimated 150cm snowfall each year, and for it to be towed to new locations.
This report from BBC Online.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 24-10-05 14:12; edited 2 times in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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At least one of the designs for this base was on show (in the form of a model and pics, obviously) at the RA summer exhibition. I can't remember whether or not it was this one; it certainly had some of the features, and I think that it could move under its own power, by 'walking' its legs. The idea was that it would move itself up onto accumulated snow to avoid burial, the fate of its predecessor.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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richmond, yes there was a brief mention of a 'walking' base on BBC Radio this morning. It would be interesting to know the reason this was rejected.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Nice. Looks like fun!
Julia
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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More detail on the Halley VI design from New Scientist.
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| The legs can be periodically raised, pair by pair, as the snow builds up, allowing the entire pod to then be lifted so that it does not get buried – the fate of the first four Halley stations. To move the station along, the legs must be fully lowered, crampons that grip the skis to the ice loosened, and the whole building can then be pulled along the ice by bulldozers. |
This animation video on Nature.com explains the design in 3 dimensions.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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The distinguised architectural commentator Jonathan Glancey has his own take on the Halley base in today's Guardian.
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| Composed of 12 detachable and highly insulated plywood and aluminium modules, the whole caboodle stands on a stainless steel frame with legs booted with heatable skis. |
Heatable skis?
There's obviously more we need to know!
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Three months on, and UK Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Sainsbury, has today announced a £20 million investment in the Halley VI Research Station above. He explains:
"The new station is essential to continue the long-running research on global change at the site. Antarctic discoveries, such as the ozone hole and the disintegration of ice shelves, are of vital importance if we are to protect our fragile planet Earth."
This press release provides more details.
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if the ice shelf is retreating rapidly, hope they build in a sprint mode.
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