Russian Cosmonaut Life Support System Diagram

Part I: Research

Consider again your research into extreme environments and how plants, animals, and people all adjust to life in the extreme. 

Now let's take it to Mars.

When we consider the closed loop diagram of a space station, we compare it to the way we (or other plants and animals) use and source resources on earth. What are the differences and similarities between the ways that a space mission controls and accounts for resources and the ways we have settled on earth? Or the way that animals bodies or systems have adapted? What are the spatial and programmatic implications of these systems? What is their impact on our spaces?

International Space Station Life Support

Using the ISS life support system as a model for necessary systems and resources, in pairs, conduct site research focusing on one of the following material and resources.

• Consider the spatial relationships, networks, systems, and patterns implied by these resources in limited environments.
• Consider BOTH the inputs and outputs. Yes, let's talk about waste. Where it goes and how it becomes part of the cycle.
• Research these materials on Mars. Where do they exist? In what form? How do we get them?
• Research the requirements of the human body (or many humans) in relationship to these resources.

Consider...

How much does a human body require? 

How have humans settled in response to these materials?

How have animals evolved in response to places where these resources are limited?

Over what time period does the body need this?

How are these things controlled and manipulated on the small scale?

What is the lifecycle of these resources? Do they require any inputs and outputs?

How have we organized in response to these resources on a large scale?

How many resources support how many people?

What are the waste or byproducts produced by these processes and can we reuse them?

Deliverables: Part I [Monday Jan 25]

Develop a diagram describing the input and outputs of the human body in relationship to these resources in

scale/quantity, space/distribution, and time/duration/lifecycle. 

Come to group discussion Monday with a digital collection of research on these ideas to share in discussion with your peers. This is not a pinup but a collective research discussion. You will use this information and discussion to begin to define your own programming and planning interests for your habitat in Part II.

Part II: Design

Individually continue your investigations and site research on Mars.

Sentiment patterns and networks on earth respond to their environment and resources in a natural/vernacular way. 

Use the research you've discussed with your peers to think about your own interests and focus for your station's program. Consider how the scale and network of resources create a particular network or pattern. Consider again your extremophiles and how they might react to these environmental conditions. Start to define ideas of program and material, size and scale, network and organization structure. Consider how embedded/exposed/removed these systems are from human spaces.

Deliverables: Part II [Monday Feb 1]

Develop a program diagram for your space mission. Consider...

scale/quantity, space/distribution, and time/duration/lifecycle. 

What are the benefits and drawbacks of each of these kinds of distribution or network systems. How will your project be organized?

Stan Allen. From Object to Field.

• A digital presentation of your research interests describing
  • your research interests on martian conditions
  • your mission objectives
  • the scale of your habitat
  • the lifespan of your habitat
  • the duration of stay of the people aboard your habitat
  • the quantity of people aboard your habitat
  • the resources required to maintain them in scale and lifespan
  • some thoughts regarding what materials your habitat might be constructed from
  • an understanding of what is "natural" and what is "controlled"
  • thoughts about what time in the future your habitat is situated
• [48X60 Board Vertical] A first attempt program/network diagram describing
  • basic programmatic elements
  • scale of program
  • systems networks/infrastructure diagram
• [48X12 Board] Storyboard/Timeline
  • when in time are you situating your project
  • what is the storyboard of technology development/evolution that led here

(Please post these on your online blog, and in your folder on the google drive.)

Objectives

• Consider the requirements of a closed loop ecosystem
• Consider the needs of the human body
• Discover how systems and networks of resources and materials have impacted our settlement patterns on earth
• Share with eachother potentials for further research and development for your own projects
• Use research to help define program, networks, and systems in your own work

Readings

who would have guessed theres an overlap between NASA's life support systems and LEED