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

• Published in: Biomimetics
• Main Authors: Klyusov, N., Garin, N., Usenyuk-Kravchuk, S., Vasilieva, E., Ustinov, K.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) 2023
• Subjects: BIOMIMETICS; BIOMORPHIC APPROACH; CONTEXT-BASED DESIGN; EXTREME ENVIRONMENT; VEHICLE DESIGN; Arctic; Chukchi; Chukotka
• Online Access: http://elar.urfu.ru/handle/10995/130747; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85169055221&doi=10.3390%2fbiomimetics8040360&partnerID=40&md5=924209a8f2b7451949184fb27612097b; https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/4/360/pdf?version=1691763615; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8040360

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. © 2023 by the authors. Ella ja Georg Ehrnroothin Säätiö; Russian Science Foundation, RSF: 14-18-01882; Ural Federal University, UrFU The choice of the Yamal and Chukchi peninsulas was based on a combination of existing and potential military arrangements within Russia’s northern territories, as well as the availability of firsthand data. Accessing the Arctic is a challenging task that requires significant preparation and resources for fieldwork. Prior to the projects described in this paper, several field trips were conducted to Yamal and Chukotka, funded by the Ella and Georg Ehrnrooth Foundation and the Russian Science Foundation. These expeditions provided a wealth of qualitative and visual data on the working conditions, transportation needs, and existing transportation systems. Nikita Klyusov acknowledges funding from the Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University, “My first grant” program 2022. Nikolai Garin and Svetlana Usenyuk-Kravchuk acknowledge funding from the Russian Science Foundation, grant No. 14-18-01882. Also, Svetlana Usenyuk-Kravchuk ...