Space-age architecture in the coldest place on earth

The Antarctic explorers of the heroic era will be turning in their graves: Scott, Amundsen and Shackleton had to make do with wooden huts. And they were the lucky ones. Others survived the brutal polar winter with only upturned boats for shelter. Now, a century later a touring exhibition opening in Glasgow, UK, this week shows just how different conditions are today.

Commissioned by the British Council and curated by The Arts Catalyst, Ice Lab: New Architecture and Science in Antarctica is at Architecture and Design Scotland at The Lighthouse until 2 October 2013 and then at the Museum of Science & Industry as part of the Manchester Science Festival between 21 October and 6 January before it tours internationally. 

Alison George – who spent an Antarctic winter in a far-from-space-age wooden hut – explores some of the futuristic designs.