Arctic M.E.W.

Since the start of time, we humans have been captivated by the mystical nature of other celestial bodies surrounding our Planet Earth. This fascination has been translated to works of astronomy, astrology, architecture and many other studies from making a simple telescope to humankind’s first steps on the Moon. This unending drive for exploration has today led us to understanding our neighboring solar systems and galaxies, thousands of light years away.

The last few centuries have seen our Mother Earth grappling with mounting pressure towards her resources due to mankind’s quest for a better life. This persistent pressure has now compounded into unpredictable and irrevocable changes to our climatic conditions and atmosphere.

To relieve this mounting weight, we have been taking huge strides in our efforts to find resources on other planets like Mars for a clean and sustainable future.

ENTRY #0004 PROFESSOR RUIZ We just finished a 20-hour work day. I spent nearly 11 hours in the spacesuit, and 7 hours and 24 minutes doing a spacewalk. The view was amazing. The changes from day to night, and back to day were phenomenal.

Captain Valentin and I completed the primary task of programming the 3D printer’s robotic arm, but a software glitch kept us waiting, and we were unable to complete any getahead tasks. I thought we had plenty of time and estimated that we had only been outside for a few hours. I was very surprised to find that we had worked for over 7 hours.

ARCTIC M.E.W.

Mechanically Energized Water Arctic M.E.W. is a Martian research center that focuses on maintaining lively spaces that support desirable living conditions and dynamic research facilities for five researchers. Using sustainability as a driving factor, Arctic M.E.W intends to create natural life on Mars through the integration of artificial intelligence, such as 3D printing, assistant drones, b.droids (robotic bioluminescent bee assistants), and virtual reality spaces.

Living spaces within the facility support sleep, cooking, sanitation, interaction, relaxation, and recreation. Each of the five researchers have individual sleeping quarters adjacent to shared sanitation units.

Virtual reality rooms and video labs help researchers maintain a connection with Earth, while shared living and recreation spaces help maintain a connection between researchers.

plan north

plan east

plan south

plan west

ENTRY #0031 PROFESSOR VALENTIN

Well, I know I am behind on these entries and I am sorry… We got busy, I got distracted, I had writer’s block—all of the above are in part the reason why. But after thinking about it I decided to return to the subject of our planet mainly because I am spending a lot of time taking photos of it.

I have not yet become tired of gazing out the window and looking for interesting things to capture as memories. I have been taking photos with different lenses. I am clearly only a beginner but still have managed to get some interesting shots; at least I enjoy them. I want to share some of them with you and hopefully you can enjoy the beauty of our planet as well. The colors and textures and features of the terrain are beautiful.

I was determined to capture some of that beauty during my long stay here.

ENTRY #0323 DR. COOPER

Yesterday I had a fun demonstration session with my fellow researchers. I was controlling a droid named Justin who helps pollinate the biome organisms. The research and demonstration events were so interesting that I offered them my lunch hour to do an additional protocol and have a longer debrief session. Justin and I were able to update the growth data basis for each of the biomes and noted how well the Tundra organisms have responded to the experiments. I thought I was a good plant mom, but Justin truly is the one with the green thumb.

Research within the facility is largely based around farming and agriculture with supporting labs that host biological and chemical research. The viability of life on Mars is researched through a series of experimental agriculture biomes in the central core tower, which is made possible through harnessing Martian water in the arctic areas of the planet.

The veil along the facade is creased and layered as a way to shield and buffer against potential sandstorms and other harmful weather conditions. This provides the biomes and research labs with protection from any harmful exterior elements. The lower curvature is designed to anchor the central core to the terrain and create connections by creating a metaphorical grip on both private and public spaces.

veiled synthetic biomes

biome farming lab

tropical biome lab

temperate biome lab

savannah biome lab

tundra biome lab

martian biome lab

(5) experimental biome labs

synthetic transpiration water production

Drawing from the design of Solar Collectors, the central core of the facility draws moisture from the ground using a wick and heated air to draw the water up and collect condensation in a storage unit. The wick core pierces through the ice and extends upward into the central biome core acting as a 3D printed “synthetic tree� simulating transpiration through micro-fabricated artificial tree root capillaries. As the dry ice and carbon monoxide gases are absorbed, the synthetic tree is infused with bioluminescent plankton to filter the carbon gases into oxygen while providing adequate lighting naturally during dark periods in winter. Bioluminescence is the sustainable solution for establishing farming and agricultural research.

metastable liquids + vapors plankton yielding O2 + bioluminescence CO2 (thawed) into plankton frozen moisture + CO2 (dry ice)

xylem (tubular tissue)

bioluminescent plankton

b.droid

microfabricated synthetic capillary

The previous decade has witnessed Mars as the center of attention for becoming a potential new habitat for the earth’s future population, resulting in a Martian race. With many visionary organizations and their ground-breaking explorative studies and research, the unseen future of inhabiting the Red Planet is now a real possibility.