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heart of antarctica
"design a dwelling" worksheet
(by Carol McMillan, Enid, OK)
It is many years in the future. You have grown up and become a scientist. As part of an important research team, you will be traveling to Antarctica to spend the long days of the summer months working on a project of strategic importance to the United States. As a member of the team you will be sharing living quarters with one other team member whose interest in the project and tasks to perform will be similar to your own.
Since it is many years in the future, great progress has been made in constructing buildings and shelters for those who travel to Antarctica to spend months studying and exploring. New materials have been developed which are sturdy and quite able to withstand the extreme temperatures and wind conditions. New methods of construction have been discovered which make the buildings and shelters safer and more comfortable for those who work and live in them.
This is a floor diagram of the home you will be sharing with your research team friend in Antarctica:
The dwelling is a five-sided (pentagon) dome dwelling. The framework is made of very strong metal which has recently been developed for this purpose. The side walls and roof sections are triangular-shaped and are made of new materials, too. Some of the side walls are solid while others are transparent and resemble glass. These synthetic wall and roof materials have made the harsh climate much more bearable for those who live there for even a short while.
The sides of your home measure approximately 14 feet. The distance across the widest points (corners to corners) measure approximately 22 feet. This is adequate living space for two team members if it is designed efficiently.
Your job is to design the inside of this unusual living quarters so that you and your teammate can work and live comfortably and harmoniously. You must provide for all of life’s necessities as well as provide some space for privacy and recreation. You may want to include some provisions for health and hygiene and some provision for darkening the area, or parts of it, since the days will be very long. (Darkness will be some relief and may help your rest).
Use the pentagon below for your floor plan. You may determine the height of the walls that you will require. Since the building is a dome, the ceiling’s center will be higher.
Use the pentagon below for your floor plan. You may determine the height of the walls that you will require. Since the building is a dome, the ceiling’s center will be higher.
