HOT+COLD : physical and atmospheric phenomena in the Antarctic

Abstract

Utopias have historically been perceived as instruments of societal change, while prior manifestations have normally been attributed to emerging cultural conditions or evolving ethical views, however one of the most pertinent agendas relevant to our field would be the rapidly shifting state of our environment. Human environmental impact is frequently looked at a local or regional scale, with large international protocol, remaining largely ineffective and mired through process. The summation of this altered climate includes effects like rising surface and atmospheric temperatures, rising sea levels, ozone depletion, and reduced cloud formation. And nowhere are these environmental consequences more seen than in Antarctica. Claimed as a global commons, Antarctica is ungoverned, yet under the international protection and afforded the combined preservatory efforts of these bodies of power. Despite our concerted efforts, its current deterioration is due directly to an individual and universal, detrimental contribution. This thesis aims to generate an awareness and visibility to the oscillating physical and atmospheric ephemera of this continent, while using the internal and external extrema of a research installation as a performative bridge between architecture and environment. Through granting a variety of sensorial experiences, this station will help instill strong desires to change decision making processes of individuals and other political bodies, while raising questions of personal and institutional responsibility