Background...

Will Langston

Before I start my background, I am attempting to still understand my question. So here are some possibilities for what I am thinking of now after meeting with Professor Holland last class period.

How can the principles of architectural design, in real and imaginative sciences inform the speculative application of these principles in outer space environments?

Or

How can designing for environment, social context, and technology, functionality, and spatial qualities in real and imaginative sciences inform the speculative application of these principles in outer space environments?

Possible Title: Imagining Frontiers: Architectural Principles in Speculative Outer-Space Exploration

The list of architectural principles I want to break down is.

Designing for environment, technology, social context, environment, and functionality.

Background:

In recent years, the field of architecture has witnessed a growing interest in exploring the intersection of real-world design principles and speculative imagination, particularly in the context of space exploration and future habitats. This field seeks to not only address the practical challenges of architectural design but also to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation beyond the confines of earthly constraints.

Context of Design Principles

Architectural design principles serve as the guiding framework for creating built environments that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and responsive to the needs of individuals and communities. These principles encompass a wide range of considerations, including environmental effects, technological integration, cultural context, functionality, and spatial qualities. "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," Jane Jacobs deeply influenced architectural discourse by emphasizing the importance of social interactions, diversity, and community in the design of urban environments. "Living Architecture: How Synthetic Biology Can Remake Our Cities and Reshape Our Lives," Rachel Armstrong explores the potential of biological technologies to transform the built environment into living, responsive systems that adapt to environmental conditions. "The Stack: On Software and Sovereignty" Benjamin Bratton explores the ways in which emerging technologies are transforming not only architectural design and construction but also the broader socio-political and economic systems that shape our built environment.

Defining Speculative Architecture

This project also ventures into the realm of speculative architecture. The basic understanding of speculative design is where imagination knows no bounds and the laws of physics need not apply. Speculative architecture allows practitioners to explore alternative visions for the built environment and to engage in broader conversations about the future of society. “Idea building” by Daniel Brown explores how the abstractness of the speculative can seemingly help real world practice in a multitude of ways. “Spatial Blooms” by Perry Kulper and Justin Fogle explores work that dives into the possibility of inscribing indeterminacy and varied temporal logics, borrowed from landscape, into architecture.  “Space Settlements” by Fred Scharmen dives into the speculative application of these ideas into an outer space scenario with various settlements describing how we might live as a civilization In the very distant future…. Maybe movie or sci-fi speculative application here?  Drawing from ideas of literature, film, and artwork, we can understand how visionary creators have seen architectural designs in these undefined settings.

Exploring Real-World Precedents

Understanding the real-world sciences is fundamental for envisioning architectural solutions in outer space environments. Environmental science, with its exploration of ecosystems and sustainability, provides insights into creating habitats that minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency. Materials science is indispensable for developing spacecraft components and structural materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space. Additionally, insights from human factors and psychology are essential for ensuring that space habitats are comfortable, safe, and conducive to human well-being. Real world science example Cassini Saturn orbiter. One of the best outer space explorations ever, Cassini was able to withstand orbiting Saturn for 13 years before it eventually broke entering Saturn’s atmosphere. Imagined science example. Examples of space explorations to the moon, or theoretical psychological tests.

Exploring Imaginative Precedents

The imaginative sciences, including science fiction literature and film, offer visionary ideas and concepts for space habitats and extraterrestrial environments. Futurology and speculative design provide methodologies for envisioning possible futures and prototyping speculative scenarios that challenge assumptions about space exploration. Example of Dune city plan design, or Star Wars visions of interplanetary settlements. Gerard O’Neil’s visions of space settlements.  By integrating knowledge from both real-world and imaginative sciences, architects and designers can develop innovative proposals that address the unique challenges of designing for outer space while pushing the boundaries of creativity and imagination.

Anyone That Has Done What I Want to Explore

By synthesizing insights from both real-world precedents and speculative imaginings, this project aims to forge new connections and possibilities in architectural design. Through visualizations and analyses, we seek to envision how core architectural principles such as environment, technology, social context, environment, and functionality might manifest in the context of speculative, outer-space environments. Xin Zhang has proposed speculative designs for lunar habitats. His work explores innovative construction techniques and materials suited for the lunar environment, such as 3D printing with lunar regolith. Hassel Studio has collaborated with NASA on speculative designs for space habitats. Their projects explore concepts such as modular habitats, 3D-printed structures, and biophilic design principles for creating healthy and livable environments in space.