Die neue indische Antarktis-Forschungsstation

New Indian Research Station at Larsemann Hills, Antarctica

The first challenge of this extraordinary project was the integration of all involved parties: The Indian client, the Norwegian and German construction companies and the authors as general planners and site supervisors being head of a team with two sub-consultants for architecture and building services. The second challenge was Antarctica. Planning bases usually taken from standards had to be ascertained, e.g. wind loads, snow and ice conditions. All materials needed to be suitable for Antarctic climate conditions. A third challenge was the logistics. All components had to fit into 20-foot containers, which in turn required being light enough for helicopter transport. The time frame for construction during the Antarctic summer is short. All boundary conditions are reflected in the building; form and material are suited for the location, climate and logistics. The three-storey container building, which is 52 m long and 30 m wide, can accommodate 47 people and contains laboratories, a garage, workshop, living and office areas, a cinema, fitness room, library, dining hall and lounge with a view of the ocean. The Indian government initiated this state-of-the-art project, which was successfully completed through the co-operation of international participants with passion, faith and respect for each other and nature.