From Melting to Mending

Brief:

“From Melting to Mending” is an innovative and ambitious architectural proposal aimed at addressing the pressing issue of rising sea levels.

Rising sea levels have profound consequences for coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Low-lying coastal areas and small island nations are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks of flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion. Displacement of populations, loss of habitable land, and damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and water supply systems are some of the far-reaching consequences.

The primary driver of this rise is the melting of glaciers and ice sheets in polar regions, coupled with the thermal expansion of seawater as it absorbs heat.

Therefore, the project aims to regenerate the ice in the doomsday Glacier as a solution to this crisis. !

1. Architectural Solution : At the heart of the design is a remarkable building that have tubes functions as a catalyst for ice generation, working in harmony with the natural environment. The key to its success lies in the utilization of INA bacteria (Ice-Nucleating Active bacteria) within a controlled environment, which initiates the formation of ice crystals. These pipes then pump the ice onto the surface of the sea so that it begins to gather together and form larger and larger hexagonal ice crystals, finally reaching the Thwaites Glacier. This building seeks to create ice equal to the loss that occurs in the Thwaites glacier, to preserve it from completely melting.

2. Integrated Architecture with Environment : The project is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Antarctic landscape. Its sleek and minimalist form draws inspiration Through the way it adapts to the harsh environment conditions in the Antarctic, where the extreme cold above the surface of the sea and the high pressure under the surface of the sea.

2.1 Above the sea : Where the outer shell of the building came above the surface of the water, simulating the hair of the Otter animal, in the form of containers containing ice, as it is a strong insulating material. following the method of building in the polar regions as in The Igloo.

2.2 Under the sea : the outer skin under the surface of the sea came in the form of fish scales due to its ability to withstand water pressure.

2.3 Self-Sustainable : The building is self-sustainable, powered by renewable energy sources, Such as producing electricity through the movement of waves and incorporates advanced water filtration systems that ensure minimal impact on the fragile ecosystem.

3. Architecture proposal :
This architectural solution offers an approach to be replicated and thus The Thwaites Glacier is constantly re-frozen to ensure its preservation and avoid the risk of it melting.

3.1 Programme :
Firstly, it provides a dedicated space for cutting-edge scientific research, allowing scientists to study the behaviour and growth patterns of INA bacteria. By understanding these bacteria’s properties, researchers can optimize their effectiveness in ice generation.
Furthermore, the building serves as a collaborative hub, encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation among scientists, architects, and engineers. This collaboration fosters the exploration of innovative techniques for ice generation, bringing together expertise from various fields to tackle the complex challenges posed by melting ice in Antarctica.
It also includes spaces for preparing, producing, and preserving the bacteria used in ice formation, in addition to spaces for scientists and researchers, whether living or recreational spaces.