Humanizing Outer Space: Architecture, Habitability, and Behavioral Health
- Paper number
IAC-08.E5.3.1
- Author
Prof. Albert Harrison, University of California, Davis, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
As we set our sights to new orbiting platforms, a return to the Moon and eventual voyages to Mars, we must consider better ways to accommodate larger, more diverse crews undertaking prolonged voyages in space. Whereas cadres of professional astronauts and cosmonauts will be a continuing focus, architects must develop new strategies to better accommodate passengers (tourists and industrial workers) and, in the dim future, settlers who set forth to establish off-world societies. Over the past fifty years, psychiatrists, psychologists, and human factors experts have identified some of the variables affecting human adjustment to space. Today, we seek to assure good behavioral health, which is defined by a lack of neuropsychiatric dysfunction, high levels of psychosocial adjustment, cordial interpersonal relations, and positive interactions with the physical and social environments. Using habitability as an organizing concept, this paper focuses on selected implications for architecture of four recommendations based on behavioral health research. (1) Avoid minimalist thinking. Cost and efficiency are considerations, but spacefarers require safe, comfortable quarters which not only satisfy their needs for survival and security but also to relate to one another and thrive psychologically and spiritually. (2) Find new ways to partner people and machines. Develop tools and machines that fit well with their human users, and liberate them so that people can focus on tasks that are suited to their skills and interests. (3) Accommodate diversity. Twenty-first century spacecraft and habitats will have to accommodate men and women from many different cultures and professions who will engage in a wide variety of work, self-maintenance, and recreational activities. (4) Promote self-sufficiency. Future space travelers will require greater freedom from mission control. On-site analysis and problem solving, improvisation, and discretion to make and implement decisions will be necessary to keep an off-world base alive, and keep crews healthy, productive, and happy. Although the task is daunting, remember that seafaring began with floating logs, rafts, and light boats, progressed to small sailing ships and steamers, and eventually evolved into today’s huge luxury liners. Architects and designers have extensive historical and experiential bases to inspire and guide their plans for tomorrow’s outer space dwellings. Space architecture studies may have useful immediate implications for maritime, polar, and other extreme terrestrial environments.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.E5.3.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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