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Master Plan for the South Pole Redevelopment Project

by Joseph J. Ferraro, AIA

1. Abstract

The existing Amundsen-Scott research station at the geographic South Pole is approaching the end of its design life due to functional and structural inadequacies in the existing facility. The buildings and infrastructure was dedicated in January 1975 for a population of 33 scientists and operations staff.  For the past several years, the summer population at the station has reached a level of 200 people.

The existing on-surface structures are annually covered with snow, which necessitates extensive snow maintenance at the beginning of each summer season.  Snow that has not been removed has led to structural problems in those structures.

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Office of Polar Programs (OPP) must provide major modifications to the existing station through rehabilitation and replacement of the station facilities.

This paper describes the master plan and concept design for the replacement South Pole Station that provides architectural and engineering solutions to these problems.

Proceed to next section: 2. Background

Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Background
3. Design Process:
    3.1. Information Gathering
    3.2. Review and Consideration of Previous Concepts
    3.3. Functional Analysis
    3.4. Conceptual Building Design
    3.5. Siting the Station
4. Conclusion/Reference

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Latest.Revision.12.27.2010

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