Curated by Spela Videcnik, Rok Oman, and John T. Dunlop (Design Critic in Housing and Urban Development), the "Habitation in Extreme Environments: Alpine Shelter" exhibition currently at the Harvard GSD presents a prototypical alpine shelter that students designed in an option studio this past fall. A public lecture and discussion by Spela Videcnik will formally introduce the topic this Friday, February 13 at Gund Hall. The exhibition and lecture are free and open to the public.
Guided by instructors Spela Videcnik and Rok Oman of Ljubljana-based OFIS arhitekti, the studio focused on investigating architectural solutions and responses to extreme climatic conditions, specifically referring to the ongoing heavy wintry conditions that ravage the North region of the U.S. The students researched traditional European alpine settlements in an effort to find new architectural solutions fit for a North American context.
The prototype shelter that will be presented at this Friday's lecture provides cooking and sleeping space for up to eight people. This summer, the shelter will be constructed at a site 2,118 meters above sea level near Triglav, the tallest mountain in Slovenia.
More info about the project below:
"...Responding to environmental conditions is not only a protective measure, but also benefits future generations. In the midst of dramatic climate shifts, housing design translates into a matter of immediate life safety for existing populations."
"In response to these deficiencies, the design of remote settlements in the North must be constructed in accordance with ideas of self-sufficiency and supplementary back-up energy systems."
"Many vernacular building traditions can serve as a reference for designing environments that are holistically sustainable within the extreme climatic conditions, challenging comfortable human habitation in the North."
Studio Tutors: Rok Oman, Spela Videcnik
Technology advisor: Hanif Kara
Teaching Associate: Josh Schecter
Workshop Instructors:
Hanif Kara, Structure
Klaus Mayer, Environmental Context
Wolfgang Rieder, Intelligent Skins
Students: Myrna Ayoub, Oliver Bucklin, Zheng Cui, Frederick Kim, Katie MacDonald, Lauren McClellan, Michael Meo, Erin Pellegrino, Nadia Perlepe, Elizabeth Pipal, Tianhang Ren, Xin Su, Elizabeth Wu
3 Comments
Frigid!
This exhibit proves that the NAAB programs in the United States of America are excellent.
The European elevation of the construction site is about 6,500 feet. Aspen sits at 8,000 feet, Vail at 8,150, and Telluride at 8,750. Many already existing hiking cabins in Colorado and elsewhere are situated at 11,000 and above. It is unclear what is being proved here. Shouldn't they have looked how how existing cabins already sited in a much higher elevation with much harsher weather conditions have coped? Looks like a boondoggle to me.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.