The Antarctic Walkway follows an axis from Christchurch Airport to the International Antarctic Centre, passing the airport apron used by aircraft making the long trip to Scott and McMurdo Bases. Complementing the narrative of the ITB Plaza design, the form of the structure takes design cues from Antarctic pack ice and the Ellsworth Mountains. The Antarctic Walkway is not just infrastructure, but also a creative, delighting, interactive art installation which reacts to the movement, speed, and direction of its users .

Six frame modules make up the walkway, each with a different angle and height. These modules are stacked and flipped along the length of the walkway to create the superstructure from which the glass walls and roof are attached. The shifting angular forms give a rhythm that reflects the peaks and valleys of the Ellsworth Mountains. The walkway senses visitor movement and transfers it into sound and light. The speed and direction of the pulses are triggered by the visitor. Like ripples in the Southern Ocean, patterns form as multiple ‘echoes’ cross each other, providing a unique experience for each user.

To ensure the experience of the Walkway remains interesting and fresh, the light and sound elements are programmable and can be changed. This was a key consideration in the design development – with the intention that the colours could be changed to reflect different times of the year or events such as Winter Fest, Chinese New Year, or major sport fixtures.

Working with a multi-disciplinary team, Boffa Miskell led the project from concept to completion, seeking to provide a memorable welcome and an innovative design solution within the tight constraints of an airport environment. Structural engineers, lighting engineers, and light and sound specialists helped realise the vision of creating an immersive experience that is much more than a functional covered walkway.