Introducing Home Memories Installation by balbek bureau

Kyiv-based studio balbek bureau embarked on an extraordinary art project for the Vernadsky Research Base in Antarctica, infusing the icy landscape with a touch of Ukrainian culture. Inspired by the traditional Ukrainian house, the ‘Home. Memories’ installation, situated on the Galindez Island, stands as a symbol of warmth and nostalgia amidst the frigid surroundings.

Project Overview

Commissioned by the National Antarctic Research Center and supported by the Silpo retail chain, the installation was brought to life in collaboration with the Wonder Workshop bureau. The aim was to repurpose a defunct fuel tank at the Ukrainian Vernadsky research base into a visually captivating structure that could withstand harsh weather conditions while ensuring the safety of the island’s inhabitants, including over 3,500 penguins.

Design Concept

Conceiving the research station as a sanctuary for polar researchers, the architects envisioned an installation evocative of a Ukrainian rural house. The design featured a delicate frame encircling the tank, resembling a nostalgic pencil sketch of a childhood home, symbolizing comfort and familiarity in an unfamiliar environment.

Creative Elements

Accompanying the installation was a mini exposition curated by balbek bureau, showcasing souvenirs from Ukraine such as samples of UNESCO-listed Kosiv painted ceramics and coal from the Donetsk region. This exhibition, further enriched with contributions from the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, served to deepen the cultural connection between the station and its visitors.

Project Completion

While the disassembled structure was delivered to the Vernadsky base in the spring of 2022, mounting was delayed due to geopolitical circumstances. However, in February 2023, balbek bureau’s CEO, architect Slava Balbek, along with Wonder Workshop’s head Dmytro Zinoviev, journeyed to Antarctica to complete the installation, bringing the vision of ‘Home. Memories’ to life in the remote polar landscape.