Designing a facility with a cohesive blend of aesthetic and technical contextualization

McMurdo Station Vehicle Equipment Operations Center (VEOC)

Located in one of the coldest places on earth, McMurdo Station is found on the south tip of Ross Island in Antarctica. With the research station supporting up to 1,200 residents year-round, having sound vehicle infrastructure is crucial. We designed the Vehicle Equipment Operations Center (VEOC), the first of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) three-part redevelopment of the station through the Antarctic Support Contract.

The VEOC will house departments that maintain, operate, and support McMurdo station. Administration space, vehicle maintenance bays, a materials warehouse, vehicle wash, and associated support spaces are housed in a cohesive blend of aesthetic and technical contextualization. Our design concept for the massing and façade of the facility is inspired by the Ross Ice Shelf. The organization and orientation of the building allows efficient work and vehicle circulation, protection from climatic elements such as wind, snow, and volcanic debris, and provides unparalleled views of the landscape.

Modular, technical building assemblies and systems are designed for ease of transportation to and erection on the site, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance. With the VEOC in place, the Antarctic Support Contract’s efficiency and quality of service will increase the ability of the NSF to meet their strategic goals in Antarctica.