Back in February 2012, Brazil’s Antarctic base was nearly destroyed by fire. The damage was so extensive that the Brazilian government decided to create a new station.
Since then, several architecture firms have developed designs for a new facility. Recently the Brazilian Navy announced that Estúdio 41 had won the competition.
According to Flávio Ferreira one of the competition’s jurors, “The project features a beautiful formal composition that favors horizontality and is strengthened by the rhythm of the support
structures. It offers good spatial organization, specialized sectors and smart use of space”.
The architects also added that a block on the same level gathers people for social interaction. In this area are positioned a video room/auditorium, a cyber cafe, a meeting/video conferencing, and the library.
Similar to a the Hugh Broughton Architects’ solution for Brittan’s new Halley VI Antarctic complex, Brazil’s Comandante Ferraz station will be built upon adjustable pillars to accommodate “temperature fluctuations” and defrosting. Additionally, the station will be much greener than its predecessor as it will burn ethanol fuel to generate electricity while also using solar panels and wind turbines to meet the station’s energy consumption.
Currently, Estudio 41’s vision for the new Comandante Ferraz is still in the preliminary study stage, but a complete plan for the station is expected by the end of the year. The fully functional station is scheduled to open by March 2015.
Images Courtesy of Studio 41
Source: Gizmag