FLOAT hide and see
Final Long Operative Army proTection
M.V. Vegt (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
F.J. Speksnijder – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
U. Knaack – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
In 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. In response, the Baltic States are preparing for a possible attack from Russia. NATO seeks to strengthen its presence in Lithuania to deter further aggression. A Dutch NATO base will be established, and the Dutch Ministry of Defence asked TU Delft Architecture students to develop a design proposal.
As attacks in Lithuania are considered a realistic possibility, the overall aim of this literature research, tested by design, is to provide a proposal for a permanent military base in Lithuania that offers a defensively resilient environment for soldiers. In times of war, soldiers must be able to operate from and return to a defensively resilient base. In times of peace, the base must protect soldiers against surprise attacks while providing a direct visual connection to the outside world. Otherwise, NATO could lose operational strength.
The literature review was conducted by selecting and combining relevant sources. It examines the principles of bunker design, building configurations in relation to ground level, partially blast-resistant elements, and compact and dispersed spatial configurations. Case studies were included to enrich the research and provide additional design ideas.
Defensive resilience can be achieved through either a centralized or a decentralized base. Deception of the attacker is important, making it more difficult to destroy the military base. In addition, a combination of buildings that function as shelters, located entirely underground or above ground, contributes to the resilience of the base by increasing the potential for deception. Furthermore, surrounding structures with sand improve blast-wave resistance. The shelters themselves incorporate several characteristics that contribute to the resilience of the overall base.
Several functions of the military base were developed, with the main focus on the sleeping facilities. The functions were determined during the design phase, particularly in the area of the master plan where sleeping and dining facilities are combined. The design phase also determined the structural materials, with the buildings designed to provide sufficient time for soldiers to escape in the event of a bombing. Wherever possible, natural and locally sourced materials should be used to reduce CO₂ emissions. The Ministry of Defence is invited to take inspiration from FLOAT hide and see, a design that moves via water.