Balbek Bureau creates Ukrainian "home away from home" in Antarctica

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https://www.dezeen.com/2023/03/14/ukrainian-home-memories-antarctic-balbek-bureau/









Kyiv-based studio Balbek Bureau has converted a defunct fuel tank into a depiction of a typical Ukrainian home at the country's research base in Antarctica. Named Home Memories, the installation at the Vernadsky research base on Galindez Island in Antarctica was designed to evoke memories of home for those stationed at the base and tourists visiting.









Balbek Bureau was commissioned by Ukraine's National Antarctic Research Center to reimagine a defunct fuel tank in a prominent position on the site, which is one of the first things the 4,000 tourists visiting each year see. The studio chose to wrap it in the outline of a typical Ukrainian house as a "home away from home".







"Our installation was inspired by a typical Ukrainian house – one associated with warmth, comfort and grandmotherly cosiness," explained the studio. "For our researchers, it is an evergreen memory of home – a daily reminder about something simple, warm, and dear. For tourists – an inspiration to start planning their trip to Ukraine itself."







The installation was designed before Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, but Balbek Bureau believes it has more meaning now many Ukrainians have fled their homes. "The art installation, designed a year before the invasion, took on a new meaning," said Balbek Bureau CEO Slava Balbek. "For millions of people forced to flee their hometowns and villages due to Russian aggression, returning home became their biggest dream."

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1. more Balbek Bureau work, they are incedible

https://www.balbek.com/