3 minute read
Udit Shah
Humans have evolved as a species due to our connection to Earth and each other, and our architecture has evolved alongside to aid us. Nonetheless, as explorers, we are currently inhabiting space disconnecting with Earth. The question is what form would architecture take when this connection to the earth and its context is broken? Space (in astronomical terms) is a context that has been studied extensively as we have inhabited space stations since the 1970’s. These space stations are located in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) where microgravity, radiation, variable temperatures, limited pressurized volume, and hard vacuum are considerations that affect the comfort of the inhabitants. The current model of living on a space station has been dubbed as “Spam In A Can’’, as it is built only for survival and not to thrive. In order for the architecture to aid us in this expedition, it should be replaced with a “Quality of life” model which is designed for thriving. So, what role does the context of space have in creating a new architectural typology for comfort? Living in a microgravity condition where there is no up or down, there is no “ground” surface. Thus, if poorly designed, a space station could be disorienting for the inhabitants. Orientation within this non-cartesian system, where points of reference such as the sky are absent requires acclimatization. Astronauts orient themselves with respect to the color-coded surfaces that define the “walls”, “floor” and “ceiling” and through hours spent inside the simulators. Microgravity, being a new environment has its drawbacks, but once understood well, it can provide interesting spatial configurations such as an efficient and economic way to occupy the volume where no surface is left un-utilized. How can architecture create a space through studying human physiology? To improve physiological well-being, architecture will need to focus on making tasks such as Cooking, Sleeping, and Hygiene activities easier to perform in space. Sleeping cycles in space can be challenging as astronauts observe 16 sunrises each day. To avoid the disruption of their circadian rhythm a 24-hour clock is followed. Sleeping as an action can also be difficult as they require to be strapped into their sleeping bags which restricts any movements and is uncomfortable. Understanding how humans connect to each other and to the planet is important to create better-living conditions and humanize space. Ervin Strauss in his article on “The Upright Posture” talks about the human body being built as a reaction to Earth’s gravity. Our skeleton system acts like columns to support our body to be upright, to oppose the forces of gravity. Nevertheless, it is interesting to examine how the human body responds to the absence of it. The body adopts the form of a fetal posture and is unable to be upright for a long time without the force of gravity. How could a space station be designed to address the psychological stressors? Design in space can be challenging as it has to address not only the physiological but also the psychological stressors. The most important stressor is loneliness on board the space station.
- Cady Coleman, NASA Austronaut
During lunch and dinner, astronauts sit together and share their cultures and experiences over food. Although connecting with each other is important when living isolated, astronauts appreciate disconnecting for some personal time. Each astronaut is provided with a closet sized personal quarter, which is sound insulated, where they can unwind. What effect do the new technologies and structural dynamics have on the architecture of a space station? The theory of structure for a space habitat is different from the structures on earth. There are no downward forces that act on these structures, but shear and centrifugal forces can lead to the destruction of the station. The traditional ways of construction become antiquated as there are newer materials and external forces to consider. Understanding how humans connect to each other and back to the planet is important to create a better living condition and to humanize space. This thesis questions, how can we create a habitable, comfortable space by humanizing it through the various connections we have to earth and each other?
