Project 06 — Ergonomics · 2024

Artic Weddell

Navigating the cold waters of the Argentine Antarctica
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Thirteen people, fourteen meters, below zero waters. The Artic Weddell is a tourist submarine designed for the Argentine Antarctic Peninsula. The project started from a real constraint: how do you make a cramped underwater space feel safe, legible, and worth the trip? Every seat, panel, and access point was designed around ergonomic data, then tested at scale with 3D printed models and laser engraved stainless steel details.

Underwater render · Weddell Sea
Year2024
CourseErgonomics
Capacity13 + 2 crew
Dimensions14m × 3m × 2m
Models3D printed at scale
Antarctic Peninsula · Surface departure
— Interior design

Every centimeter, considered.

The interior was designed around the 95th percentile male and 5th percentile female, covering the full range of body dimensions. Every element has a function, nothing is decorative.

Control panels
Captain's area
Emergency kit storage
Helical turbines
Captain's seat (folding)
Retractable passenger seats
Forward lights
Access ladder
— Ergonomics

Designed for bodies, not averages.

Dimensions diagram
General dimensions · 14m × 3m × 2m
Percentiles diagram
Percentile 95 male · Percentile 5 female
— From screen to scale

3D printed, laser engraved.

Two scale models were built to test and communicate the design. The full submarine at smaller scale, and the pilot cabin at a larger scale to evaluate control panel reach and sightlines. The cabin floor was laser engraved on stainless steel sheet.

Full model · 3D print · Side view
Full model · Detail
Full model · Front view
Pilot cabin · Larger scale
Floor detail · Laser engraved stainless steel
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