A Biomorphic Approach to Designing Special-Purpose Vehicles for Arctic Conditions

Abstract

The paper explores the potential of the biomorphic approach to context-based design with a focus on special-purpose mobility in the Arctic. The study seeks to contribute to the analytical and conceptual basis for developing the transport component of the Arctic life-support system, i.e., a set of objects and technologies, and knowledge and skills for handling them, allowing a person to survive and comfortably exist in severe environmental conditions. The central argument is that the system should incorporate structural components that possess not only technical but also artistic and emotional characteristics that align with the geographic (environmental and climatic), socio-cultural, and psychological peculiarities of use. This can be achieved by drawing inspiration from local nature. We probe the visual image of “soft military presence” using two case studies in different parts of the Russian Arctic: the Yamal and Chukchi peninsulas.

Keywords

• extreme environment
• context-based design
• vehicle design
• biomimetics
• biomorphic approach