Abstract
High altitude artificial environments refer to all anthropic built elements enabling human presence over the limit of natural permanent living. The limit varies, considering the characteristics of the geographical position, from circa 3.000m in temperate zones, to 5.000m in tropical and subtropical zones. The death zone, where survival chances are restricted, starts over 7.900m. The interest in high altitude territories was motivated, at the beginning, by scientific research, heroic mountaineering and utopic architecture. From the Enlightenment with Mont Blanc’s first ascent in 1786, Everest’s conquest in 1953, famous high altitude summits have been slowly revealed and offered to the public. Mountaineering and exploration were initially reserved to those who would accept the severe and life endangering conditions. The first objects built at high altitudes were primitive shelters, placed in strategic positions, with minimal protection, using local, natural materials. The development of materials and technologies changed the paradigm: high altitude zones became significantly safe and accessible to everyone. During the first decade of the XXIst century, tourism at high altitudes started to develop intensively. Consequently, building and urbanization on the highest and most famous mountains unprecedentedly intensified. The relationship between humans and high altitudes fundamentally changed. The mountains were transformed into global brands and entertainment products. Artificial environments became real playgrounds at high altitudes, offering safe and controlled adventures, fundamentally modifying the character of extreme territories. This research explores the built environments at high altitudes and the related conceptual mutations in human attitude towards wild and remote areas.
Presenters
Ana Maria MachedonAssociate Professor, Synthesis of Architectural Design, University of Architecture and Urbanism "Ion Mincu", Bucharest, Bucuresti, Romania
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
High Altitude, Extreme Environments, Artificial Environments
Digital Media
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