2024 Skyscraper Competition
Honorable Mention
Taigyoun Cho, Yejin Hwang, Subin Lee, Seoyoon Jang, Seungyeon Kim
South Korea
Have you heard of Ice Stupas? It’s a method developed by the residents of Ladakh, nestled near the Himalayas, to combat water scarcity stemming from the gradual melting of Himalayan glaciers. They gather small snowballs and stack them into cone-shaped towers in their villages, allowing water to trickle out slowly as needed. When water is required, they carefully chip away at these towers to access the stored ice. However, projections indicate that the complete melting of the Himalayas could occur by 2100, rendering these small ice towers insufficient to prevent such a scenario and ensure a reliable water supply. Moreover, these ice structures easily melt during the summer months. In response to this challenge and to safeguard Ladakhi culture and livelihoods, the concept of ‘Skycrafted Glacier Pinnacle’ has been developed.
Additionally, sudden glacier melting leads to flooding, resulting in subsequent water scarcity and a decrease in grain production, ultimately threatening peace. Despite mountain dwellers’ minimal contribution to global warming and climate change, they find themselves as the primary victims. To assist those living in perennial snow regions, Skycrafted Glacier Pinnacle will be constructed along the Alpine-Himalayan mountain ranges.
The construction industry emits vast amounts of waste. Recognizing this issue, the Himalaya Glacier Pinnacle is built using eco-friendly materials extracted using renewable energy and eventually returns to nature over time. Drones utilizing solar energy-powered 3D printers melt Himalayan sand to obtain glass fiber for constructing the overall shape of the building. Unlike traditional ice stupas that preserved ice for shorter durations, the pinnacle naturally decomposes back into sand, once again becoming part of the Himalayas.
Ultimately, the ‘Skycrafted Glacier Pinnacle’ is set to be constructed along the Himalayan-Alpine mountain ranges. Once a sufficient number of these towers are erected in one area, drones will move on to construct in other regions. The project will proceed in this manner. As these towers accumulate in one area, the ice formations within them contribute to further cooling of the region, gradually delaying the melting of perennial snow.
This tower doesn’t just impact the lives of Ladakhi residents. The pinnacle provides water resources, safeguarding individuals’ livelihoods and rescuing them from the crisis of climate refugees. Moreover, inheriting the traditional role of ancestral towers, it enhances social cohesion among residents and preserves the perennial snow of the Himalayas, often referred to as the third pole. The sand and other materials necessary for constructing the Himalayas are gathered through community participation, fostering natural village activities that help preserve their heritage. Furthermore, even as the Himalayan snow continues to melt, Ladakhi people, by constructing these towers extensively, will acquire the knowledge to secure water resources without having to leave their villages. Thus, these towers have a profound impact, encompassing closely connected individuals, society, and the environment.
