An Antarctic Prefab Shows the True Potential of Shipping Containers

India’s National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research is situated in northeast Antarctica. The Bharati Indian Polar Station is built on an 27,000 square feet area out of 134 shipping containers. The research center’s residential quarters shows almost everything that can be built out of shipping containers including an hotel of 24 single and double bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, library, fitness room, offices, a lounge and an operational theater.

There are at least two reasons why the research complex was built by using shipping containers. First, according to the Antarctic Treaty System, all the construction in the Antarctica should not leave any trace to the environment. Shipping containers make it possible to dissassemble and remove the building without causing any environmental impact.

Second, due to shipping containers’ physical properties and their durability, they are an excellent building material for extreme weather conditions. Shipping containers are designed to be shipped even in a rough weather in the world’s seas. Therefore they can even handle the wind gusts of 200 mph and the temperatures of -40 C of the Antarctica.

The shipping container complex was prefabricated in Germany and shipped to Antwerp and Cape Town. In Antarctica the research center was able to be assembled quickly. The facade of the center was designed to forestall the buildups of snow drifts.

Thanks to the German company Bof Architekten, the center can accommodate 47 researchers during summers and 24 during winters. The energy of the center is provided by a Combined Heat and Power Unit (CHP) which is powered by stockpiles of kerosene. There are actually a total of three CHP units on site, so as to ensure that an untimely mechanical failure does not leave the residents in dire straits.

Shipping containers and shipping container architecture are one of Shanghai Metal Corporation‘s largest businesses. Our containers are built to last according to international standards. In order to learn more about our products and services, please visit our websites on containers and container projects. Please also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Try also scanning our QR code with your smart phone, tablet or phablet.

 

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Tuomas P. // SMC Editor

Pictures and original articles: Gizmag, Bof Architekten, Inhabitat

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SMC’s Helpful Tips: Nailing Your First Interview

An increasing number of people are attempting to get employment in foreign countries. As globalism takes a hold on the world’s workforce, an increasing number of employers utilize phone  or video interviews to screen potential candidates for a specific role. Phone or video conference interviews may seem less personal than interviews conducted in person. However, for employers, phone or video call interviews are helpful in screening candidates and building a pool of well qualified individuals for in person interviews. Also, phone and video interviews can save employers money and time. On the other hand, for potential candidates, getting interviewed via phone or video call can either be a great advantage or a great disadvantage.

How can you make a lasting impression through the phone or through video conference? Are you able to distinguish yourself enough amongst the other well qualified candidates? Should you dress up for video interviews? Let us ease your tension with some helpful advice.

There are some ways you may improve your chances. The first suggestion is to prepare for the interview. You may ask yourself, “What is there to prepare? Do I even need to prepare?” Regardless of how confident you are, it is always a lot safer to prepare yourself. Study the company that you are applying for. What are their goals or missions? What makes that specific company unique? Also, make sure that you understand the requirements of the position. Before going in for any type of interview, you should always know why you want to be a part of the company and why you want that specific role within the company.

Why are you a good match for the position? What are your professional goals and how does this position help you achieve your goals? These are only a few simple questions amongst the pool of questions that you may be asked. As a suggestion, it may benefit you to list potential questions that the HR representative may ask you. Search online or ruminate potential interview questions. Then, try to write down the answers to those questions. Last but not least, practice saying your answers. Express your points as organized and as clear as possible. Keep in mind that most companies will not hire individuals who cannot express their thoughts and who know absolutely nothing about their company. If you study and prepare yourself, you will increase your chances of being noticed by the recruiter or HR representative.

Another important way to increase your chances is to make sure that the interview is conducted in a quiet place. Noises can be very distracting. It is important that the place you are in during the interview is in a silent room. Why is a quiet location very crucial to a phone or video call interview? So both the interviewee and the interviewer will be able to clearly hear and understand the questions and the answers. Just as the sense of hearing is important to a phone or video call interview, the sense of sight is just as significant. If you are being interviewed through a video call or conference, make sure that the background is clean and simple. The interviewer should only be able to focus on you. In addition, cleanliness is important. Make sure that the room that is being shown on the camera is clean and ordered. A messy room can indicate a disorganized and even an irresponsible individual. You want to make a good impression so prepare yourself and your surroundings ahead of time. Should you dress up for a video interview? Yes, definitely. It may seem like a hassle, but you should always make yourself look presentable and professional. Treat video interviews like as if you are being interviewed in person. Also, dressing up can help boost your confidence and calm your nerves, which can only benefit you during an interview.

 

Above all, be yourself. Do not try to be anything or anyone else. Most recruiters or HR representatives notice individuals who are comfortable communicating with others and articulating their thoughts. If you are too focused on trying to be someone else, your true strengths may not be able to shine. You can make a great impression just by describing yourself and your achievements as professionally and as eloquently as you can. Remember, your unique qualities and experiences are the key to setting you apart from hundreds or thousands of candidates.

SMC’s HR Department

Written by:

Alexis Ty // SMC Editor

International HR Consultant