What does it mean for the New Generation to approach Space Architecture? What do they need to know? Team Archimars answers.
What do you need to know before embarking on a course of study on Space Architecture?
Alessandro Angione:
“Before approaching the study of Space Architecture, it is needed to create a small cultural background on the subject.
First of all, minimal scientific training is necessary, therefore aiming to know subjects such as physics, chemistry, organic chemistry, natural sciences, geology, and earth sciences.
On the other hand, it is equally important to train in the architectural field for the design of spaces and new settlements, through the study of various technologies, production techniques of the materials that can be used, and construction techniques.
It is also useful to study some research papers, and books in a broad bibliography of Space Architecture to deepen both orbital architecture, which is useful for understanding all the various issues related to human factors in space and planetary architecture.”
What skills are needed to work in Space Architecture?
Ivana Fuscello:
“Man has always been a great explorer since ancient times.
I believe that those who choose to attend a course or work in Space Architecture, mean they want to explore.
Space is a complex subject, almost unreachable for a man, so anyone passionate about such a strong theme is also curious. The keywords to address this issue are the same as those who decide to be an architect, thinking beyond earthly borders: determination, team spirit, creativity, listening, reliability, and problem-solving.
Knowing how to work and coordinate in a team is not such a predictable ability. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most requested soft skills. Team represents a complex system, made up of people who have different ideas, methods, motivations, talents, and skills.
The strengths of Archi.mars are not only team spirit and curiosity, but also the tough desire to go beyond our traditional architectural knowledge and our “limits”, which have allowed us to win our personal challenge to Space Architecture.”
What does it mean to be a Space Architect?
Federica Buono:
“Being a Space Architect is a hard job.
First of all, a Space Architect, compared to the traditional architect on Earth, cannot think independently of the form and design of architecture, intended as personal delight, but must first consider human safety and health, then the human factors, and be able to integrate them with the beauty, aesthetics, and functionality of architecture in general.
The Space Architect must be able to integrate his most personal and traditional knowledge with an innovative and unconventional way of seeing the future and architecture, which provides a firm knowledge of the mutability of Space and, with it, the needs of a man.
So why is it difficult to be a Space Architect?
Daydreaming of taking a man to an unknown planet is something for everyone; making this dream come true is only for the Space Architect. Can we consider him a little hero? I believe so: giving humanity a new chance to live beyond the borders of the Earth is a heroic gesture.”
Learn more:5 reasons you should study space architecture
Do you think it’s really possible to bring life to Mars?
Isabella Paradiso:
“It is always difficult to see beyond your garden, let alone beyond the Earth.
On the horizon of humanity, there is a will to lead man to Martian life.
But does the way we imagine it matches the way it can actually be? It certainly cannot be as we expect it: Mars is an uninhabited place, where man has never set foot yet and it is currently only conceivable how man will react to a new environment. What you should expect is not a futuristic science fiction city, as we are used to seeing in movies, but paradoxically a village created by applying the most ancient and primitive construction knowledge in a modern way.
It’s difficult? Yes, but it is not impossible. I have full faith in humanity and I am sure it has the right knowledge and the right perseverance to be able to achieve what now seems only a distant and impossible dream.”
Learn more: The space according to ECSEC Co-Founder
How do you imagine the future on Mars?
Mirha Vlahovljak:
“Whenever we talk about Mars we can’t know with certainty how to answer any questions. Man has always aimed to develop new technology to conquer various parts of the world and thus the one beyond Earth. Even if discovering new technologies is moving so fast we can still distinguish two phases.
If we are speaking about the near future we could imagine Mars, like an already occupied planet. The first human steps, the first base, and the first production of electricity, food, oxygen, and water.
If we are speaking about the further future, I could say that we should imagine it like a new home. Already colonized and already functioning perfectly well. I think that life on Mars could become easier than the one here on planet Earth. Why? Because I am sure that people on Mars will be very organized, consider others and everything that surrounds them. People will be aware that their lives and the lives of others depend on every little move of an individual.”
Read more: 5 reasons to colonize Mars
How Space Architecture can influence life on Earth?
Hana Zečević:
“Space Architecture and terrestrial architecture do not differ much. They have the same purpose, which is to create shelter, protection, and life support for the inhabitants. Space Architecture beyond Earth differs from terrestrial architecture only by extreme environmental conditions such as high radiation, different levels of atmospheric pressure, and different level of apparent gravity, and large temperature variations.
Knowledge of Space Architecture or architecture of extreme environments can only help us in the future with climate change problems. It will help the human race to cope quickly and solve problems in extreme situations and environments. The task of an architect is to learn everything he can about the environment in which he is designing, whether here on Earth or beyond, and learn the techniques for dealing with the extremes.
Read more: The Outer Space: Earth's Future life Support
However, in the end, we should not use planetary exploration as an escape from this planet. We need to know how to use new knowledge here on Earth and to make it a better place than it is.”
