ICE LAB
Using color as a measurement tool, color studies aim to analyze and learn what forms the Arctic unique climate in order to identify strategies that could help engage Architectural projects in such extreme context. Where light, wind and temperature are primary elements to consider, the arctic major color constraint is derived from three monochromatic arctic ecosystems undergoing rapid transformation: The Arctic Ocean, the Boreal Forest, and the Cryosphere.
This project uses color first as a analytical measurement tool and then translates that data into drawings, sketches or models. It is located in Greenland in the Arctic, and is mainly an ice core research facility that has its own ice storage, research lab and whatever facilities needed to keep it operable 24/7. Greenland is site where one can find very old ice that date from the Emian period. Therefore it is a very interesting site for drilling ice cores. Scientists need these ice cores to look at the layer formation to understand the history of the earth as well as decode the complexities in the weather and the consequences of climate change.
The conception of this research facility relied on color and light to study the efficiency of the building in such arctic context. Color therefore show the alteration in temperature for each area of the project. It also examines the sources of light and the propagation of light towards the interior. The project in these conditions adapts by locating some of its programs, ones that need to stay cold, at an underground level imbedded within the ice. Whereas the ones that needs heat are elevated to a level higher than the ground floor so that it doesn't suffer from any heat loss. the facility is also oriented based on wind circulation. While entrances are located in areas where wind is reduced or diverged; other areas such as the snow dump take advantage of the existing wind and use it to accumulate snow for future studies.
