Space architecture: The rise of a new discipline in architecture and design curricula

Abstract

The amazing endeavors of space missions on 1960s and 70s pushed the human knowledge and technology beyond the physical threshold of our planet, seemingly opening to infinite possibilities. With the ingress of private developers in space business, the exploration of outer space seems resurged to a new vitality in public opinion. Usually paired with aerospace engineering and advanced sciences, the new space business is asking today also for new competencies and expertise. In this view, disciplines associated with study programs in architecture and design seem particularly appropriated, offering the requested multidisciplinary education to shape high talented skills in a highly regulated environment. Space Architecture has the full potential to become a discipline of study within the usual curriculum in ‘terrestrial’ architecture, filling a gap in between the engineering approach of system design for space vehicles and habitats, and the interdisciplinary complexity associated to human oriented design. This paper explores the potentialities of Space Architecture as discipline, and definition of the field of study in which architects’ education can offer a fundamental contribution towards a better integration between human crew and a sounding reliable spacecraft.

keywords: Extreme environments; Human-machine integration; Moon-Mars missions; Space architecture; Space habitats