Site Analysis —

Research₀₁ *

Site Analysis

As a first step in our process, we analyzed the terrains and possible sites on Planet Mars to identify the best location to build our base. We particularly studied the wind direction, the magnetic field, the thermal inertia of the soil and the availability of minerals and water.

After our analysis, we chose Arabia Terra as the main location.

Site Selection

ARABIA TERRA
Location: 26.7°N, 63°E

Site Factors

Form —

Volumetric Development₀₂ *

Form Finding

We analyzed the wind flow and landscape formation on our site as an evidence of bidirectional wind and low thermal inertia and as a tool to generate the form.

Form Development

The aerodynamic form prevents turbulence, erosion and dust storm formation.

Concept —

Space Organization₀₃ *

Function Distribution

The plan shows a large spacious living space, a necessity for the psychological health of the crew.

Yet, being in a confined space, no matter how spacious it is, will eventually affect a person psychologically. Working with plants can increase the psychological well-being of individuals.

The Greenhouse

The main circulation within the plan becomes through the greenhouse. The intersection of the greenhouse with the habitable spaces creates a green strip within  the “cave” where people not only harvest crops but also interact, practice activities and spend time either working or relaxing in the spacious garden.

Module Design —

Construction Technique₀₄ *

Material

To ensure a cost-efficient approach, the exterior shell is composed of martian regolith, a clay mineral that occurs naturally on Mars' surface. It acts as a solar radiation shield.

Woodless Construction Technique

The outer shell is composed of 6 smaller shells connected together. Technique is based on catenary contours. 

MOLDO: The Molding Rover

The rover will be sent to Mars two years prior to the crew's arrival. Rover is programmed to place bricks, each at accurate coordinates. After habitat construction,  MOLDO will still be used by astronauts to move objects, for transportation and for discovery of terrains. 

The Module

Wind Channels

On the surface, wind channels are created by the shape of the module. These channels are oriented to channel away two major prevailing winds. They are necessary to decrease the erosion effect of the multi-directional wind shear hitting the surface.

Physical Model —

Model₀₅ *

HumanxOuterSpace Future Living —

Hybrid Skins

Extraterrestrial Interventions

CHALLENGE

Environmental conditions on planet Mars have put forward a need for designing innovative spacesuits which lead to super human capabilities. The spacesuit design derives from research into the natural ecology of Mars and from research visits to Wadi Rum and Petra in Jordan.

SOLUTION

The spacesuit proposed aims to maintain the body for long-term missions on Mars through responding to the changes the body undergoes and by replicating Earth’s gravity effects on the circulatory system of the body. It also has a protective layer, a “dust storm airbag” layer, which responds to the sudden dust storms that constantly strike Mars’s surface by inflating into a hard protective temporary shell.

CONTEXT

Mars - Extraterrestrial Interventions
Architectural Association (AA) Visiting
School in Amman, Jordan
2017

More Information

INSTRUCTORS

Julia Koerner & Kais Al-Rawi

TAGS

Outer Space Living,
Extreme Environments

PUBLICATION

AA Jordan Logbook

TEAM

Dana Halasa,
Jhila Prentis

Problem Space —

Research₀₁ *

Our initial step was to research and understand body reactions to prolonged periods of time in outer space.

Changes in Body Proportion

Upper part of body inflates due to low gravity

Changes in Blood Circulation

Blood flows up the body due to decrease in gravity from Earth to Mars

Identifying Opportunity —

Concept₀₂ *

Overlapping Changes to Identify Most Critical Zones

Constraining blood circulation in lower legs becomes essential to maintain regular, earth-like conditions

Study of Body Articulations

Understanding joinery to add force into these areas is essential to keep muscle strength in legs

Site Analysis —

Site as Inspiration₀₃ *

Morphology of the Site

In the geological formations found on the surface we can find a layering of surfaces.

A rougher top layer which is constantly shifting and responding to the the external environment, sits almost like a protective shell over a smoother layer which remains relatively unchanged. 

The properties of the ribbons and pockets formed on the surface by the martian environment can be interpreted as a double layered skin.

The pattern and concept design of the suit is inspired from this layering of the Martian sand dunes and their morphology.

4 Main Layers —

Main Components₀₄ *

Overall Performance

With time, the suit permits evolution to take place by allowing the body to adapt to Martian conditions rather than preserving it.

Through its 4 main layers, the suit allows the body to undergo the changes in a gradual way until it undergoes full transition. As time passes, less constraints on the leg area is required.

Motion Layer

Ensuring movement by developing different joinery patterns

Resistance Layer

Resistance layer replicates the force exerted by earth’s gravity on our muscles to ensure leg muscle strength remains intact for as long as possible

Force of Gravity on Earth = Resistance in Movement in Spacesuit

Compression Layer

The bulbous elements massage the legs and stimulate blood flow

Shell Layer
AN “AIRBAG” SYSTEM

The temporary shelter layer responds to sudden dust storms.

Sensors in its outer layer detect changes in external environment and trigger inflation of the shell.