I. Introduction 1.1 The Analysis The Built Environment at Scott Base, Antarctica has evolved over time from a series of fairly rudimentary sheltering enclosures in 1957 to the present day sophisticated yet simple building designs, incorporating technologically advanced structural and mechanical systems. This analysis focusses on the built environment in terms of the following themes: • Contextualising the challenges of building at Scott Base • Evolution of the Construction Techniques • Evolution of the Construction Technologies Evolution of Statutory Compliance for buildings at Scott Base The analysis has involved, researching existing literature and documentary evidence, discussions with design consultants and operational personnel ( in their official capacities) familiar with the Scott Base projects so that an evaluative Summary could be effected. 1.2 Scott Base — the starting point The idea Of a third Polar Year (previously 1882 and 1932) to coincide with maximum sunspot activity, evolved in 1950 in the USA at a private function. In effect an International Geophysical year ( IGY) extending to stations worldwide, and focussing on geophysical observations. Hence 'Bases' would form important components of this network. • 1953 the New Zealand Antarctic Society made continued submissions to the Ministry of External Affairs for the establishment of a New Zealand station in the Ross Dependency, followed by letters to Prime Minister Sid Holland to ask for "very serious consideration to a station being operational in 1957 for the IGY." • 1955 (February) Britain gave approval for a Trans Antarctic Expedition (TAE). In May the New Zealand Government promised 50,000 to the expedition and the Ross Sea Committee was formed. This in effect was a cofimitment to the IGY and to the Commonwealth TAE. Further New Zealand agreed to lay depots for the British Expedition on the Ross Sea side. The cost to I. Introduction 1.1 The Analysis The Built Environment at Scott Base, Antarctica has evolved over time from a series of fairly rudimentary sheltering enclosures in 1957 to the present day sophisticated yet simple building designs, incorporating technologically advanced structural and mechanical systems. This analysis focusses on the built environment in terms of the following themes: • Contextualising the challenges of building at Scott Base • Evolution of the Construction Techniques • Evolution of the Construction Technologies Evolution of Statutory Compliance for buildings at Scott Base The analysis has involved, researching existing literature and documentary evidence, discussions with design consultants and operational personnel ( in their official capacities) familiar with the Scott Base projects so that an evaluative Summary could be effected. 1.2 Scott Base — the starting point The idea Of a third Polar Year (previously 1882 and 1932) to coincide with maximum sunspot activity, evolved in 1950 in the USA at a private function. In effect an International Geophysical year ( IGY) extending to stations worldwide, and focussing on geophysical observations. Hence 'Bases' would form important components of this network. • 1953 the New Zealand Antarctic Society made continued submissions to the Ministry of External Affairs for the establishment of a New Zealand station in the Ross Dependency, followed by letters to Prime Minister Sid Holland to ask for "very serious consideration to a station being operational in 1957 for the IGY." • 1955 (February) Britain gave approval for a Trans Antarctic Expedition (TAE). In May the New Zealand Government promised 50,000 to the expedition and the Ross Sea Committee was formed. This in effect was a cofimitment to the IGY and to the Commonwealth TAE. Further New Zealand agreed to lay depots for the British Expedition on the Ross Sea side. The cost to