Beyond comfort. Architecture of tranquility in outerspace.

Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk

Project idea

The proposed project envisions a future where human life extends beyond Earth, with a particular focus on creating comforting and familiar environments on the Moon. This initiative addresses the unique architectural needs and psychological well-being of lunar inhabitants, blending familiar human experiences with the novel environment of space. Beyond addressing human needs, the project proposes a new aesthetic for lunar architecture, thoughtfully and sensitively embracing the beauty of the lunar landscape. Human presence on the Moon will be subtly indicated by light emanating from within the Marius Hills lava tube, with the illumination designed to evoke the appearance of star constellations.

Project description

The "Beyond Comfort: Architecture of Consolation in Space" project aims to design a lunar habitat situated in the Marius Hills Pit on the Moon. This habitat will provide a comforting and familiar environment for its inhabitants, addressing their unique architectural and psychological needs. The project scope includes the creation of various spaces through both subtractive and additive architectural solutions. Residential zones carved directly into the lunar rock offer natural protection against extreme temperatures and radiation, providing personal comfort and safety. Laboratories and cultivation areas are constructed using advanced 3D printing technology with lunar regolith, supporting scientific research and sustainable living through a Bioregenerative Life Support System that recycles air, water, and waste. Contemplation and ritual spaces, such as a columbarium and meditation areas, are designed for spiritual and psychological well-being, fostering a sense of community and emotional solace. Architectural and technical solutions include 3D printing with lunar regolith, inspired by ICON’s NASA Olympus project, and the use of Silver Glass, a material offering enhanced thermal insulation and radiation protection. The illumination within the Marius Hills lava tube is designed to mimic star constellations, creating a soothing visual environment that signifies human presence without altering the natural lunar landscape. This project seamlessly blends innovative technology with human-centric design, creating a livable, comforting, and sustainable environment on the Moon, that compliments the lunar landscape, serving not only the humans, but also the Moon.

Technical information

Architectural and Technical Solutions:

3D Printing with Lunar Regolith: Inspired by ICON’s NASA Olympus project, this technology builds functional and durable structures using local materials, reducing the need for Earth-supplied resources. The material needed for 3D printing additive architecture is excavated from the roof of the lava tube, creating subtractive architecture for the residential quarters.

Silver Glass: A material inspired by Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) suits, covered in reflective, semi transparent chrome coating, offering enhanced thermal insulation and radiation protection.

Illumination Design: The lighting within the Marius Hills lava tube is designed to mimic star constellations, creating a soothing and familiar visual environment. This subtle illumination signifies human presence without altering the natural beauty of the lunar surface. Lighting design also conciders the regulation of circadian rhithmns of the inhabitants.

Cultivation in lunar soil:
The project employs advanced techniques to cultivate plants in lunar soil, adapting to the harsh lunar environment. This technology enriches lunar regolith, primarily composed of basalt and anorthosite in the Marius Hills region, with essential nutrients for plant growth. Pioneer species like alfalfa and thale cress are initially cultivated to prepare the soil, enhancing it with organic material and nutrients. Following successful experiments simulating Martian conditions, the enriched soil supports the growth of crops such as radishes, lettuce, and turnips. Integrated into a Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS), this closed-loop ecosystem recycles air, water, and nutrients, using CO2 exhaled by inhabitants for photosynthesis. Natural and artificial lighting in greenhouses, along with controlled environmental conditions, ensure optimal growth conditions. Organic waste from humans and plants is composted to enrich the soil, promoting sustainable food production and enhancing lunar colony self-sufficiency.