Igloo Building Competitions: A Guide
Igloos are not just for survival in the Arctic regions, they have become a popular subject of competitions around the world. From Alaska to Japan, people come together to build the best igloo structures using different techniques and materials. These icy shelters are now considered a form of performance art. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about igloo building competitions.
What is an Igloo Building Competition?
An Igloo building competition is an event where participants compete against each other by creating shelter-like structures made from ice blocks. The structures can be any size or shape, but they must be made entirely out of ice and snow. The participants usually work in teams and have a set amount of time to complete their creations.
The competitions often take place during winter festivals or events that celebrate cold weather activities such as skiing or snowmobiling. Some contests require participants to use traditional Inuit techniques while others allow for modern methods.
Types of Competitions
There are several types of igloo building competitions held around the world. Some focus on speed, while others prioritize aesthetics and creativity.
Speed Competitions: This type of contest requires participants to complete their structures within a specific period, typically no more than 30 minutes. The goal is to build a functional structure that will provide shelter quickly in emergency situations rather than focusing on design elements.
Style Competitions: These contests focus on the appearance and creativity of the structure rather than speed alone. Participants create intricate designs with unique shapes and patterns using colored snow or ice blocks.
Traditional Techniques Competition: In this type of competition, participants must utilize traditional Inuit techniques when constructing their igloos without any modern tools like chainsaws or shovels.
Materials Used
Ice Blocks – Ice blocks are used most commonly during these contests as it is easier to mold them into different shapes required for various designs.
Snow Blocks – Snow blocks are also used to add texture and make the structure more durable. Snow is a crucial component in igloo building as it provides insulation and keeps the interior warm.
Tools Used
Chainsaws – Chainsaws are used to cut large blocks of ice and snow into smaller, manageable pieces that can be shaped into designs.
Shovels – Shovels are necessary for digging out snow from the ground and shaping them to form blocks that will be used for building.
Saws – Saws are used for cutting precise shapes in ice blocks.
Judging Criteria
The judging criteria vary depending on the type of competition. For speed competitions, judges focus on how quickly participants complete their structures while still ensuring they meet specific requirements like stability and functionality.
In style competitions, judges look at creativity, aesthetics, originality, precision of design elements such as patterns or sculptures made with colored snowblocks or icicles.
For traditional technique contests, judges evaluate how well contestants use traditional methods to construct an igloo without any modern tools like chainsaws or shovels. The evaluation often includes factors such as strength, durability of structure built using these techniques.
Conclusion
Igloo building competitions provide a unique way for people worldwide to showcase their creativity using natural resources found around them during winter seasons. These events require ingenuity and resourcefulness from participants who work together as teams or individuals to create functional shelters that protect against harsh weather conditions while being aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Whether you’re interested in competing yourself or just looking for some entertainment during cold months when outdoor activities may not be possible otherwise- attending one of these competitions is sure to leave an impression!