Exactly a quarter of a century has passed since Great Britain handed over the polar station named "Akademik Vernadskyi" to Ukraine. In addition to being a center for scientific research, before the pandemic crisis it was also an attractive tourist attraction, thanks to which, by the way, some foreigners learned about Ukraine for the first time. Currently, this important function of hers is gradually being restored.
At the Ukrainian polar station "Akademik Vernadskyi". Photo: National Academy of Sciences
National Antarctic Center of Ukraine (NASC) is currently carrying out powerful modernization and repair of "Vernadskyi" buildings. In particular, it is planned to transform the former fuel tank into a modern art object, which, according to the plan, should become a decoration of the station. It is for this reason that the competition "Ukrainian face of Antarctica - the beginning" was announced. Its purpose is to choose the best creative solution for the appearance of this architectural unit (painting, graffiti, drawing, etc.). The organizers want to popularize our country with the help of design language.
The same fuel tank (in the foreground) under reconstruction at our Akademik Vernadsky polar station. Photo: National Academy of Sciences
Anyone who wants to can send their proposals - architects, designers, graphic artists, illustrators, professional and non-professional artists who are citizens of Ukraine. The best project will be implemented, and the TOP 20 best participants will receive honorary diplomas and unique polar gifts.
Material for sheathing the competition object. Photo: National Academy of Sciences
A few details. The building will be sheathed on the outside with SIP panels, so relief and cornice in the middle of the building should not be taken into account. Building size: width — 3,6 m, length — 6 m, height — 2,5 m. Also remember that the project will be operated in polar conditions: constant low temperature (from +5 to -30 C⁰), rapid variability weather, gusty winds (up to 40 m/s), and almost 300 days of precipitation per year (snow, snow with rain).
View of the ocean from the side of our station. In the foreground is an old fuel tank that is going to be turned into an attractive art object. Photo: National Academy of Sciences
The competition was launched together with experts from the Agency for the Development of Ukrainian Design "Property Design". The works will be evaluated by an expert jury, which will include employees of the National Academy of Sciences, famous designers and artists, as well as experienced Ukrainian polar explorers.
Deadline for submitting proposals: August 31, 2021. Don't delay!
You can find out more about the terms of the competition here. And to see more photos and videos — here.
