Esta semana comenzó a funcionar la estación de investigación británica Halley VI en la Antártica, una estructura bastante particular que puede «levantar los pies» y «esquiar».
Diseñada por Hugh Broughton Architects, la idea de la estación es enfrentar el alza de la nieve en la zona de Brunt Ice Shelf. La primera estación Halley se instaló en 1956, y con el tiempo cuatro de sus pilares quedaron enterrados en el hielo, con posibilidades de romperse en caso de movimiento del mismo. Por esta razón, Halley VI está instalada sobre «piernas» hidráulicas extensibles. Las piernas son retráctiles, de modo que se puede levantar una, apilar nieve debajo, y volverla a bajar, y luego hacer lo mismo con las demás. De esta manera la estación se levanta sobre el hielo y no queda enterrada en él.
El diseño también considera algo más: la masa de hielo de este lugar está al borde del océano y se desplaza hacia él unos 400 metros por año, por lo que los edificios instalados allí se vuelven inutilizables en 10 años – de hecho, varias estaciones anteriores fueron abandonadas. Para evitar esto, Halley VI incluye esquís gigantes, de modo que es posible relocalizar la estación con la ayuda de un bulldozer que la arrastre hasta su nueva ubicación cuando sea necesario.
La estación está compuesta de ocho módulos con piernas (el primero fue instalado hace dos años), que están unidos por corredores flexibles. Por dentro incluyen dormitorios, laboratorios, un jardín hidropónico, un muro de escalada y otras entretenciones para los cerca de 50 científicos que lo habitarán.
Instagram Photosport Shutterstock LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Whatsapp app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Links:
– A future Antarctic research station that can walk over ice (io9)
– Making a Home in Antarctica (Architectural Record)
– Halley Antarctic research station up and running (BBC)
