LAByrinth atCELLaration

Inflata-City

•       What is it?

My project is a self-sustaining inflatable human settlement on mars surface powered by renewable resources.  This settlement will function as a laboratory that would conduct research on the surface as well as in the atmosphere.   As this habitat grows and spreads on the mars surface and we learn more about its resources and cohabitation.  Within this environment Museums will be developed and placed within the system.  Museums tell the story the world and how humanity has survived in its environment over the years.  Museums are seen as places where unwanted objects or materials are deposited in this design the term museum will be redefined. In this case, museums must become agents of change and development: they will mirror events in society and become instruments of progress by calling attention to actions and events that will encourage development in this Martian society.

 

•       How will it work?

The first mission to mars would be on a site that was previously explored by rovers and in the future this system would spread around mars.  It would be similar to a cell structure with a nucleus with main resources and membranes that can be seen as levels of public spaces that expand out into the terrain. This structure would grow and respond to the conditions on mars.  These nodes/nuclei will have the main life support systems and generate the power needed to sustain the whole system through a series of piping.

 

•       How can your design improve the functioning of a city on Mars?

My design has a strong focus on renewable energy and a strong connection to the Martian environment.  There are many elements that are needed to create an ideal city; one of those elements is a health and sanitation system.  In my design the generation of life support systems and waste management is an important element.

 

•       How did you come up with the idea?

My idea was based on the idea of a cell structure and the design of ancient cities.  The idea that there is one core space where the most vital part of the project is located and that expands out into layers that address a level of comfort.  The core is the nucleus and the outer layers are the membranes that maintain a certain environment around the cell.  This structural type is also seen in many architectural designs that deal with harsh conditions similar to Mars’ environment.  The double façade, airlock and vestibule are all examples of methods used to maintain a conditioned environment.

 

•       Which category does your design fit best under?

My design best fits under exploration and research.  The whole system is based on the idea that we will eventually be able to survive on mars with little to no resources from earth and possibly find a resource on mars that would improve conditions on earth. 

 

•       Which Martian challenges does your design address?

The challenges of living on the Mars surface is radiation, little resources, subzero temperatures, low pressure, gravity and no oxygen.  My design addresses these conditions in various ways.  Radiation is addressed with a membrane within the settlement or a space suit as you leave the radiation barrier.  The lack of resources is addressed with life support systems that look into the production of oxygen and water; also solar panels and wind turbines are used to collect energy for maintain the larger system.  For temperature control there is an environmental control system and a membrane within the larger system that is a thermal barrier and like with arctic temperatures on earth thick clothing is used to keep warm.

 

•       What is unique about your design?

My design is unique in that it places an emphasis on a core area within the larger system. These tempered spaces within a larger façade are used to generate outdoor like spaces and circulation.  The more public spaces are still within the main structure but are organized in way that feels as if you were outside, creating a stronger connection between the human and the Martian environment.

 

•       What innovation comes out of this design?

My design hopes to encourage larger leaps in the development of renewable technology.  Very little of the power we use on earth is renewable and in my design I hope to focus more on renewable resources and closed loop systems that reduce waste in our ecosystem.  This research on sustainable systems with humans could possible be used to improve human life on earth.