Episode 6: Pioneering Polar Architecture with Justin Sargenti

In this episode of 'The Greatest Classroom on Earth,' host Geoff Green, founder of Students on Ice, talks with Justin Sargenti, an alum of the 2015 Arctic Expedition and a PhD student in architecture, with a focus on polar and extreme environments. 

Geoff and Justin talk about that SOI journey to Greenland and the Northwest Passage and how it inspired Justin to focus his architecture studies on developing eco-friendly buildings in hostile environments. Their discussion covers how Justin earned a spot on that 2015 expedition after winning a photo contest in Monaco sponsored by Prince Albert II, and his subsequent expeditions to study several international research stations in the Antarctic. They highlight the negative environmental impacts that many of these scientific bases have and the importance of sustainable design. Justin shares his mission to inspire the development of a more environmentally-conscious approach in polar research facilities.

Our theme song is Lancaster Sound by Juno award-winning musician and SOI Alum, Sarah Harmer.

Greatest Classroom on Earth is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

00:00 Introduction: The Generation of Today

00:42 Meet Justin Sargenti: From SOI Alumni to PhD Student

01:20 The Birth of Students on Ice

02:03 Reflecting on 25 Years of SOI Expeditions

02:52 Justin's Journey: From Contest Winner to Arctic Explorer

06:53 The Impact of SOI: Personal and Professional Growth

10:22 Current Challenges and Future Aspirations

11:50 Innovations in Polar Architecture

14:28 The Environmental Impact of Antarctic Stations

19:37 The Role of Youth in Global Environmental Leadership

22:07 Conclusion: A Message of Hope and Action