FERREL PERIPHERY - THE JET STREAM ARCHIVES

Arctic amplification, linked to the weakening and fragmentation of the polar jet stream, has resulted in more frequent, stationary high-pressure weather systems responsible for heatwaves, droughts and frosts. Situated at the most North-Westerly location in the UK, the Outer Hebrides are exposed to the harsh fronts of the polar jet stream, and have historically experienced some of the most extreme of national pressure recordings. The lifestyle of the local community is intricately intertwined with the weather, extending beyond physical experience to encompass local customs and a deep attachment to the place. Understanding this relationship has guided the development of an architecture that is both resilient and climate-responsive. At the periphery of the Ferrel Cell, the Jet Stream Archives will provide a facility for climate forecasting, adaptation planning and political stratification. The proposal seeks to communicate both long-term climate patterns through data representation, and the potential impact of global warming on localised, short-term weather systems. Paying homage to the Hebridean Neolithic stone circles, plinths of gneiss rock are cut to size according to pressure recordings using local, traditional skills; whilst other elements of the building engage with ground level weather conditions to amplify the tangible experience of the jet stream.