1/19a Hunter Street Hobart TAS 7000 GPO Box 1139 Hobart TAS 7001 T +613 6214 1500 F +613 6214 1519 [email protected] 29 September 2017 architecture.com.au

Committee Secretary Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories

Dear Committee Secretary,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide further information to our initial submission to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories inquiry into Australia’s infrastructure assets and capability in Antarctica.

The Australian Institute of Architects (the Institute) is the peak body for the architectural profession in Australia, representing 11,000 members. The Institute works to improve our built environment by promoting quality, responsible, sustainable design. Through its members, the Institute plays a major role in shaping Australia’s future. The Institute’s recommendations relate broadly to all of the Terms of Reference (ToR), but, more specifically, to ToR 2 and Tor 4.

As stated in our previous correspondence, the inclusion of a modernisation program in the 20 Year Action Plan of the Australian Antarctic Strategy requires innovative solutions to the unique challenges presented by the inhospitable Antarctic environment. As well as the freezing temperatures, extreme wind velocity and fluctuating seasonal populations, construction methods need to take into account the remote location, and minimise any effects on the pristine environment.

At the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale, Antarctica became the first continent to be represented, with the Antarctic Pavilion bringing together leading international architects and artists to explore present and future models of living in Antarctica. Curated by Nadim Samman, the Antarctic Pavilion initially focused on the lack of architecturally designed infrastructure on the frozen continent. Samman noted that ‘…almost without exception, Antarctic stations are designed by engineers with minimal aesthetic regard for living conditions,’ and expressed the hope that in the longer term, the pavilion would have an impact on the design of real stations.

The Institute believes that in order to best serve Australia’s scientific program into the future (ToR 2) whilst taking into account the region’s environmental considerations (ToR 4), Australian stations must be subject to cutting-edge design and construction methods to ensure laboratories and residences that can both withstand the extreme conditions and provide the best planned and highest quality habitable environment possible for researchers and support staff. We believe this requires a collaborative effort involving architects and engineers.

The Institute notes that, increasingly, other nations with a presence in Antarctica are reaping the benefits of using architects to design suitable and sustainable accommodation, including:

 Halley VI, Brunt Ice Shelf (British Antarctic Survey) – designed by Hugh Broughton Architects – a relocatable, modular research station, comprising individual pods, sitting on skis, which can be uncoupled and towed across the ice. Designed specifically to cope with the movement of the ice shelf towards the sea, the station was successfully relocated earlier this year and is ready for reoccupation at the end of the Antarctic winter in November 2017.  Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, on Utsteinen Nunatak in Queen Maud Land – a Belgian scientific polar research station that combines eco-friendly construction materials, clean and efficient energy use, optimisation of the station’s energy consumption and clever waste-management

The Royal Australian Institute of Architects Ltd trading as Australian Institute of Architects ABN 72 000 023 012 techniques, making it the only zero-emission base in Antarctica. Belgian architect Philippe Samyn was involved in designing the shell and underlying structure.  McMurdo Station, Ross Island (United States Antarctic Program) Comprising more than 100 buildings spread over 164 acres, the US-based OZ Architecture recently unveiled a new master plan for McMurdo, which will condense the current sprawl into a compact 28,000 square metres, comprising six building. In particular, the master plan addresses the previous lack of strategic planning, thereby reducing reliance on vehicle transportation, unnecessary exposure to the elements, energy usage, carbon emissions, and inefficient use of time, as well as providing health and wellbeing amenities for residents.

These types of innovative solutions are a part of architects’ training and, as well as addressing ToR 2 and ToR 4, would also contribute to ToR 1, ToR 3 and ToR 5 by providing the most effective, efficient and productive environment for Australia’s Antarctic science program to flourish alongside other international programs and amid a changing and uncertain environment.

The Institute recommends that existing and new infrastructure in Australia’s Antarctic territories be fully funded to support the modernisation program and strongly recommends the use of Australian architects in the design of future infrastructure, to ensure Australia’s high standing in Antarctic science and research programs and ongoing influence in the region.

We would be happy to provide further evidence at any hearings into this issue. If we can be of any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

Yvette Breytenbach RAIA President, Tasmanian Chapter, Australian Institute of Architects

The Royal Australian Institute of Architects Ltd trading as Australian Institute of Architects ABN 72 000 023 012