A recent push to develop Martian architecture, driven by the vision of independent space exploration companies such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX or Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, is attempting to bring to life something that has, to this point, only been seen in works of science fiction; habitable dwellings and cities on planets other than Earth.
It may still seem a bit preemptive to be talking about designing architecture for a planet like Mars, considering we are still in the preliminary stages of working out how to get humans to the surface of the Red Planet, but a complicated project such as this requires a lot of time to produce successful results. As howwegettonext.com reports, an ideal Martian habitat needs to be sustainable, have zero-energy consumption, include backup systems for its pressurized areas, and balance survival with habitability. The habitats need to make it easy for their occupants to exercise, eat, and sleep while taking into account going outside isn’t as simple as opening a door and stepping through it.
There has been no lack of ideas for Martian architecture, ideas that have employed technology such as 3D printing and inflatable habitats. But the problem with these designs, as Vera Mulyani, who describes herself as the world’s first “Marschitect,” explains, is that they focus first on the habitat and completely ignore the greater overall city that would develop later. Mulyani believes thinking about how the entire city is conceptually designed, and then focusing on the habitat, will lead to a better functioning city.
Mars City Design, a project of which Mulyani is the founder, wants to establish a base of four people on Mars and eventually grow it into a settlement the size of a small city, populated by over 1,000 people.
”It is not enough to just travel to Mars and survive, now we must develop a way in which we can sustainably live and love on Mars. It is essential that we call on a new generation of thinkers and innovators to make this a reality,” Mulyani says on the Mars City Design website.
With registration beginning this October, Mars City Design is holding a design challenge to create architecture for Mars. The main theme for the 2017 challenge is ‘Transportation,’ ranging “from the scale of pedestrian to the scale of cities.” Secondary themes include ‘Humans’ Friends’ (designing robots that imitate animals to help with tasks such as collecting food, building shelters, and mining) and ‘Energy Recycling’ (power supply and waste management).
Currently, space architecture is not a recognized or respected skill by the aerospace industry or the American Institute of Architects, but companies like Mars City Design are challenging that mentality. As the thought of human beings setting foot on another planet begins to seem less and less crazy, developing architecture for planets other than Earth not only seems realistic, but necessary.
For more information on Mars City Design, click here. To read the original article on How We get To Next, click here.
Related Stories
| Jan 30, 2014
Mayors of 10 metros unite to cut building-related climate pollution
Organizers say combined initiative could cut as much climate-change pollution as generated by 1 million cars every year, and lower energy bills by nearly $1 billion annually.
| Jan 30, 2014
See how architects at NBBJ are using computational design to calculate the best views on projects [video]
In an ideal world, every office employee would have a beautiful view from his or her desk. While no one can make that happen in real life, computational design can help architects maximize views from every angle.
| Jan 30, 2014
The evolving workplace: One designer's inspiration board
"Open office" has been a major buzzword for decades, and like any buzzword, some of the novelty has worn off. I don't believe we will abandon the open office, but I do think we need to focus on providing a dynamic mix of open and closed spaces.
| Jan 30, 2014
How reverse engineering nature can spur design innovation
It’s not enough to copy nature. Today’s designers need a deeper understanding of environmental nuance, from the biome in.
| Jan 30, 2014
What to expect in the metal building industry in 2014
Every year brings changes. This one won’t be any different. We’ll see growth in some areas, declines in others. Here’s a little preview of what we’ll be writing about 2014 when 2015 comes rolling in.
| Jan 30, 2014
What's in store for healthcare capital markets in 2014?
Despite the shake up stemming from the Affordable Care Act, 2014 will be an active year in healthcare capital markets, according to real estate experts from CBRE Healthcare.
| Jan 29, 2014
Richard Meier unveils 'urban courtyard' scheme for Mexico City towers
A grand atrium, reaching some 30 stories, highlights the contemporary, bright-white design scheme unveiled this week by Richard Meier & Partners for a new mixed-use development in Mexico City.
| Jan 29, 2014
Historic church will be part of new condo building in D.C.
Sorg Architects unveiled a design scheme for 40 condos in a six-story building, which will wrap around an existing historic church, and will itself contain four residential units.
| Jan 29, 2014
Hotel, retail, recreation sectors to lead growth in 2014
AIA's Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters, is projecting that spending will see a 5.8% increase in 2014, led by the hotel, retail, and amusement/recreation sectors.
| Jan 29, 2014
Notre Dame to expand football stadium in largest project in school history
The $400 million Campus Crossroads Project will add more than 750,000 sf of academic, student life, and athletic space in three new buildings attached to the school's iconic football stadium.
