...<N To achieve high levels of consolidation the build- ings were designed as welded, single-piece, stressed skin steel structures ("Ship On Land [S.O.L.) SystEm" - Patent pending). To absolutely minimise the problems of on-site construction (refer 2.32), prefabrication of the buildings was ,taken to its logical extent; virtual total pre-construction elsewhere. That is, they are built in a shipyard, floated to the site, slid across ice and land and fixed Into position. This SystEm is readily rerrovable alleviating prob- lems of refurbishment, unforeseen environmental or econanic problems, or the conclUSion of sCientific programres. The cost advantages of engineering the construction of Project Oasis over current practices, including all consultants, fabrication, transport, placement, logistic support and other costs is seen in the following oanparison wi th a typical medium sized station (1989 Current Station - using pre-fabrication and techniques and industrial approxUnate cost: on-site assembly type finishes: 2 lE$12-16,000/m PrOject Oasis - using the SOL System (with high quality office and accommodation finishes): approximate cost: lE$2-4,000/m2 This price difference also Includes far superior finishes and quality of construction than is possible with current systems. The difference In on-site construction time for both methods is as follows: Current Stat ion (pre-fabrication and on-site assembly) 2.0 - 3.5 years Project OaSIS (SOL System) 6.0 months The SOL System IS approximately 33-580'/0 more effi- cient in on-site construction time than current pre- fabrication and on-site assembly techniques. By translating the planning econanles of scale, minimisation of construction costs and the services systems efficiences of Project Oasis, the econanlcs of providing on-site logistiCS for scientific personnel IS seen in the following Indlcativfl cost canparison per scientist year. Current stat ion Project OaSIS 8 Scientists cost lE$13.6 million/year that is, lE$1.7 million per scientist year 5 SCientists per research unit cost approximately lE$1.5 million per year that is, lE$0.3 million per sCientist year It is approximately 560'/o1lDre cost-effective to facilitate a scientist per year at Project OasIs than at a current station. 4.142 WII'O AN) S\OI\£RIFTINJ The Project addresse's the problems of Wind and snowdrifting (refer 2.33) by subtly accommodating and harneSSing the Wind (refer3.7). Project Oasis is designed to nUnlmise air resIs- tance so as to withstand Winds exceeding 300 kllanetres per hour with a mlnlmLm of structure. The shape of the bUildings also utllise5 Wind to scour snow away fran entries and operational areas, ~lile selectively creating snowdrifts to entrap a sign- ificant proportion of freshwater requirements, and to produce clean airflow regions for hovercraft operat- ions. 35 In recognizing the problems of current energy/ water/waste system philosophies (refer 2.4), the engin- eering of Project Oasis strives for integrated services and management systems wi th maxirrnm eff iciency, minimal fuel-oil useage and waste generation. The key to achieVIng this is: the econanies of scale through the planning of the Project; the highly consolidated volume to surface ratios of the buildings; 'super' insulation; a latent energy storage system; and a computer model which recognizes the link between energy, water and waste generation, while actively monitoring their balance relative to the number of people, actiVities and seasons. The Project's engineering enables the utilisation of alternative energy sources such as recycled body heat, sewage, mechanical heat and wincini lis. It also uses preselected, high energy, low environmental Impact packaging, whiCh, when burnt, allows energy to be re- used for space heating and water production. Unusable waste IS to be returned to the country of origin. Energy consumption and waste generation per person are calcuated to be 2~m that of current stations. 4.16 ENVIlUMNfAL DvPPCr ASSESSvfNT Given the ultra-fragility of Antarctica and the lack of base line env Jromlental data (refer 2.5) , PrOject OasIs envisages Its research and design and a canprehensive environmental study being undertaken Interrelatedly (refer 3.7). The environmental study would Include: -establishing the eXisting natural, scientifiC and social environments and their value; -assessing the potential short and long tenn affects on these environments and the means for ongoing lIDnltorlng and contlDued Project refinement; -establishing a code of conduct and regulation for the Project, lDcludlng insurance against enViron- mental accidents and/or the possible need to remove the Project In the event of econanlc failure; and, -ensuring that the Project compiles with the Anta- rct Ic Treaty and Its Recarrnendat ions, Agreed Neasures and Conventions. 4.17 Hlvw-J SICNIFlCAt-(E 4.171 PS\UrxcGIO\L ASPECfS The engineering of Project OaSIS addresses the psychological problems that Antarctica poses (refer 2.6 It takes Into account the effects of long stays on personnel. Privacy has been well prOVided for. Hydroponic gardens and an articulated interior deSign give Visual stimulation, together WI th large thermally paned Windows offering panoramic views. The bUildings' rigidity eliminates the Vibrations often caused by Inclement weather, that in sane other statIOn deSigns has been so exaggerated as to make occupants anxious about going outSide. 4. 172 INiPIAATICN Inspiration Is viewed as essential to the engineering philosophy of Project Oasis (refer 2.6 and 3.7). For example the central theme of Project IS "AntarctIc Conservation Through Education". The ProJ- ect's engineering Is not only practical and economical but a symbol of Antarctica. It is a teaching machine for conservation and Treatyobjectlves to both public and personnel. For example, evident in the building's shapes and colours is an imagery associated with many of the fOnTIS and forces of Antarctica, including whales, penguins, glacial hills and icebergs. The buildings present a cocoon of wannth and security huddled against the stonn and savagery of the hostile elements. 4. 18 OIHER l.SES Given the problems of harshness, isolation and environmental fragility that Antarctica presents, many of the concepts and technologies researched and devel- oped for Project Oasis have application elsewhere, albeit in fonTIS appropriate to other sites and prob- lems. For example, the Ship On Land System developed for Project Oasis is suitable for any sites with unobst- ructed access by ship. The S.O.L. System can have sig- ni ficant cost, environmental, aesthetic and safety advantages over conventional on-site large-scale build- ing techniques. This applies Internationally to all types' of Industrial, commercial, institutional and dom- estic pr{)jets, in all climatic conditions. The S.O.L. System would also revitalise ailing shipbuilding Industries. 4.2 LQI\F Mll.UR BJIlDIIIG S\'SI1M The "Loaf M>dular Bui Iding System" has been designed on the same engineering concerns for environ- ment, functionality, cost-effectiveness and Inspiration as Project Oasis. The Loaf is particularly suited for on-ice stations, which do not conflict with wildlife donains. 4. 21 (I}.RNNI'S The Loaf System comprises...