Ice Lab: New Architecture and Science in Antarctica

Commissioned by the British Council and curated by The Arts Catalyst, Ice Lab: New Architecture and Science in Antarctica is a new international touring exhibition that illustrates how innovative contemporary architecture is enabling scientists to live and work in one of the most extreme environments on our planet.

Designed by London-based collective We Made That with graphics by design studio OK-RM, the exhibition features five intriguing proposals for Antarctic research stations. Ranging in scale, Ice Lab includes International Polar Foundation’s Princess Elisabeth Antarctica (Belgium), Hugh Broughton Architects’ British Antarctic Survey’s Halley VI (UK), bof architekten’s Bharati Research Station (India), Space Group’s Jang Bogo (South Korea) and the speculative subterranean, compacted snow Iceberg Living Station by David A. Garcia / MAP Architects (Denmark). 

The exhibition showcases architectural drawings, models, photographs and films, offering visitors a unique insight into architecture alongside pioneering scientific developments, from drilling ice cores whose bubbles of ancient air reveal the earth’s climate history to studying its Dry Valleys. Archigram’s Walking City and two new light and audio commissions, Whistlers and Ice Diamond, by Glasgow-based visual artist Torsten Lauschmann form a body of inspirational and imaginative work.

Ice Lab’s cross-disciplinary, international focus is captured in an accompanying publication ­– which can be downloaded as an e-book – and extensive events programme.