LIFE IN AN ISOLATED AND CONFINED ENVIRONMENT - A QUALITATIVE STUDY OFTHE ROLE OF THE DESIGNED ENVIRONMENT

The present study examines design elements that influence the habitabi lity of an isolated and confined environment (ICE) of a research stati on in Antarctica during an austral winter season. Self-report measures and video records are used to examine the patterns of use of the ICE, the modifications to the habitat by the winter crew, the residents' p erceptions of the ICE, and their feedback about design elements that a re critical to long-term stays in ICEs. Four basis trends in the data emerged. First, people chose to spend considerable time alone. The abi lity to regulate the level of social interaction engaged in was a high ly valued design element. Second, the physical setting of an ICE must be flexible enough to accommodate a range of work and leisure activiti es. Rooms at the station that were flexible were preferred by station residents. Third, personalization of the station to reflect both indiv idual's as well as the collective team's identity was prevalent. Final ly, evaluation of the station's environmental qualities remained neutr al over the course of the winter.