Essential Aspects of Habitat Design for Extreme and Space Applications
- Paper number
IAC-06-E3.4.10
- Author
Mr. Jesper Jørgensen, SpaceArch, Denmark
- Coauthor
Prof. Olga Bannova, University of Houston, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Abstract New space exploration programs around the world show growing demand on research in human factors, interaction between space stations habitants and their environment, human and robotic relations, and new challenges due to large distances from Earth, mission time and mission design. Proposed paper discusses key aspects of designing for extreme environments and reciprocity between terrestrial and space architecture in a dialogue between architecture, psychological and sociological factors. The paper presents design approaches for a new Summit Station located on the top of the Greenland icecap and its space applications test bed capabilities. It addresses to 3 key issues: 1. Survival and safety aspects in extreme environment. Strong winds, extreme cold (-45 to – 60°C), permanent darkness in winter and daylight in summer should be taken into consideration for architectural and engineering design. The harsh climate can simulate some aspects of extreme circumstances on Mars. Safety and survival challenges in Greenland are similar to those during long term space missions. 2. Maximum of functional comfort for scientific research and crew habitability Psychological, social, and cultural aspects of life in Arctic and Antarctic remote areas, outer space and other environments have similar isolation, confinement, deprivation, and risk factors that building designers must consider. There are direct analogies related to symptoms, time lines of missions, and research goals, opportunities and risks. 3. Maximum of habitable quality, seen as a “quality of life in dialogue with quality of design” Both polar research stations and space habitats have been characterized with a high degree of functionality in its design, with a tendency to demand an adaptation from the humans to the technology. We would like to advocate for a more soft approach in the design, where focus in not solely given to survival for the crew, but as “a place for living”. It is vital that facility design anticipates and accommodates quality design of interior, furniture, lighting, colours, choice of materials, providing balanced private and social areas. The paper discusses quality standards as a tool to create high class and functional design for extreme environment and space habitats, and try to develop integration between technological, artistic and social science in the design process. This study is proposed for the International Polar Year 2007-2008 activities.
- Abstract document