Sheds for Antarctica: the environment for architectural design and practice

This work frames the architectural practice of Antarctica; a young practice environment characterised by loose collaboration and participation in diverse design activities.<br><br>The architectural projects forming this research have surfaced three central propositions; about a mode of design practice, a type of architectural space, and an ethical position towards architecture. Each of these share the impulse to be immersed environmental influences affecting architecture. <br><br>This document reflects on these ideas through the lens of a series of themes: noise, junk, longevity, and participation. Each of these themes describes the environment and context in which architectural design takes place. Through these designs, the architectural model of the shed is examined; a form which is characterised by loose and robust space. Together these reflections form a position towards sustainability that is applicable to architecture. That position foregrounds participation in the breadth of the imperfect environment for building; accommodation of change in that environment, and an open robust design process. In doing this it seeks to contribute to debates which span between architectural composition and the social forces on architecture, re-engaging the two with each other. <br><br>The design projects, and the position elaborated through them, set out a territory for Antarctica’s ongoing design research and collaborative methods.<br><p></p>