Sustainable food-growing unit on Mars
Concept development of a food-growing unit on Mars is a part of a challenge named “Sustainable Human Habitation of Mars” stated by Epic Challenge Joensuu educational program, in cooperation with NASA. The concept should be considered as an outcome of activity within a 昀椀eld of design sustained by a teamwork, controlled and enhanced by experts from NASA regarding knowledge in engineering and process technology. The concept is a result of my collaboration with BioMars team that represents the team’s vision on a concept of food-growing system, which should be able to function independently beyond the Earth. My personal duties as a designer and team member of BioMars include the development of both structure and shape as well as the 3D modelling and visualization of a food-growing unit, drawing schemes and diagrams.
status: Bachelor’s thesis
Epic Challenge Joensuu international educational programme under Epic Education Foundation
Karelia University of Applied Sciences / Joensuu, Finland 2016
Software
Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Flamingo, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
# Mars, space architecture, parametric design, sustainable approach, smart materials, Innovative Conceptual Engineering Design, 3D printing
academic individual
Insect-growing capsule
Plant-growing capsule
A food-growing system is divided into several parts. Each part represents an individual growing-unit for the separate growing of plants, insects and algae.
Algae-growing capsuleSustainable food-growing unit on Mars
THE PRINCIPLE OF THE FOOD-GROWING SYSTEM
Plants recycle carbon dioxide exhaled by humans and insects. Excess of oxygen, produced by plants and algae, could be stored for human use. Insects consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. Moreover, insects produce a scat to be used as a fertilizer for plants. Also, insects convert inedible parts of plants into animal protein.
Accordingly, the plant-, and insect-growing systems would provide food, recycle water and nutrients, keep air exchange, and recover these natural sources back into the system. Theoretically, this system could be developed as a closed ecosystem.
Sustainable food-growing unit on Mars
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
It would be challenging to manage and control a closed ecosystem, since the system should be able to operate autonomously and produce everything it would need by itself. That is why the system should consider a set of smallscale growing units that would be easier to control. This should enhance redundancy. Each unit provides the required growing conditions and internal atmospheric pressure. Planting, growing, and harvesting processes must be automated that requires the regulation of a microclimate inside the system, air 昀氀ow control, lighting, watering, and nutrient delivering. Also, drones can be used as an advanced control system to perform routine and maintenance duties.
STRUCTURE
An in昀氀ated tensile membrane structure serves as the structure of the capsule’s shell. A net made of system of pipes represents the main element of the membrane structure. PBO-昀椀lled sheets represent the external layer of the capsule’s shell. The internal layer of the shell is coated by light re昀氀ecting nanoparticles to enhance light diffusion.
To in昀氀ate the capsule, one should pump air in a way that air 昀氀ows through in昀氀atable pipes until net becomes steady. Internal pressurized air serves as the main support component of the structure. The internal pressure inside the pipes must be equal or exceed the external pressure. Restraining structural tubes create a shape and serve as structural constraints.
Sustainable food-growing unit on Mars
Principle of the aeroponic system for the plant-growing unit
Sustainable food-growing unit on Mars
Habitat’s intelligent lighting is represented by a hybrid system, which is based on fusion of arti昀椀cial lighting and natural sunlight, the implementation of
MARS SURFACE UNDERGROUND (CAVE)
昀椀ber optics and LEDs. Usage of 昀椀ber optics aims to conduct natural sunlight from the surface of Mars to the underground area.
Sustainable food-growing unit on Mars
HYBRID LIGHTING SYSTEM
Sustainable food-growing unit on Mars
Stengate zero-energy building complex
Vesterbro, Aalborg, Denmark
The project focuses on design of a new energy and climate optimized dwelling with innovative housing qualities. The project is developed according to the requirements for the indoor climate according to the Danish Building Regulations to obtain 2020 energy standard.The project considers incorporation of mechanical and natural types of ventilation, heat pumps and PVs as renewable energy source.
My contribution to a teamwork as the following:
- site plan design
- building layout design (urban apartments)
- exterior-, and interior architecture visualization post-production
- development of ventilation schemes
- BSim simulation of thermal zones to de昀椀ne a comfortable indoor climate condition (heating, lighting, venting) in order to reduce the leakage problems of the facades, 昀椀t the thermal comfort, daylight and indoor air quality requirements, as well as meet the low-energy class 2020 regulation without consideration of renewable energy sources.
status: studying project
University / Aalborg, Denmark 2015
Software
Revit, 3ds Max, VRay, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros 3D, SketchUp, BSim, Be10 (Be18), VELUX Daylight Visualizer, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
# zero-energy building, Net ZEB, energy-ef昀椀cient building, sustainable approach, Nordic architecture, Scandinavian design, housing design, residential architecture, interior design
academic teamwork
Aalborg
New pedestrian path
Urban block courtyard
Stengate zero-energy building
Urban block courtyard
Stengate zero-energy building
Winter morning 11 AM - 1 PM Winter evening 2 - 4 PM Equinox morning 7 - 9 AM Equinox evening 4 - 6 PM Summer morning 11 AM - 1 PM Summer evening 6 - 8 PM > 75 dB 65-75 dB 55-65 dB Urban and family apartments’ elevations and cross-cut sections
The site. Situation of 2015
Shadow map
Concept diagram
URBAN SUB URBAN Stengate zero-energy building
Noise map
Site map PRIVATE SEMI PRIVATE PUBLIC Stengate zero-energy building
Stengate zero-energy building
Urban apartments
Urban apartments. Plan
Urban apartments. Cross-cut-, and longitudinal section
Stengate zero-energy building
Stengate zero-energy building
Urban apartment interior views
Stengate zero-energy building
Stengate zero-energy building
Family apartments
Family apartments. First-fourth levels. Plan
Family apartments. Cross-cut-, and longitudinal section
Stengate zero-energy building
Stengate zero-energy building
Family apartment interior views
Stengate zero-energy building
Sinai: Hatlehol church Ålesund, Norway
Design proposal for a church at Hatlehol was done by me together with a team of master’s students at Aalborg University. I was in charge of image representations such as exterior views from different perspectives and window views as well as some interior renderings. I created 3D models and renders both in Rhinoceros and Revit, using Photoshop for image post-production. I also contributed by developing a variety of proposals for the church’s structure, as well as designing details and structural joints such as beam to column connection etc. In addition, I was responsible for acoustic simulation on Pachyderm Acoustical Simulation on Rhino, and material selection.
status: studying project based on the design brief for the Hatlehol Church Competition
University / Aalborg, Denmark 2014
Software
Revit, 3ds Max, VRay, Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D, Robot Structural Analysis, Karamba3D, Pachyderm Acoustical Simulation, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
# parametric design, tectonic design, structure & construction, acoustics, sustainable approach, Nordic architecture, Scandinavian design
academic teamwork
Aalborg
Hatlehol Church Competition
Chapel
The design concept should provide the spaces for religious, cultural and social activities such as a place of gathering for the local community.
The design idea considers the quality of the given site and proposes to create a local landmark shape of a mountain. The area of the church is surrounded by industrial, homogenous residential areas and nature, without a landmark. The site is covered with trees, and the terrain gives a natural feeling of ascending.
The concept is a result of analysis of the landscape and surroundings, as well as understanding of Nordic approach and the speci昀椀c way of using materials and structures, to create ascetic visual effect in a tectonic way of understanding.
Church room Storage Church hall Entrance hall Mezzanine Congregational hall Kitchen Refuse Sacristy for Artefact Add. sacristy Cloister room Sacristy for Baptism Meeting Dining Offices Workshop Laundry room Technical room Private toilets Chapel Children¥s chapel Music room Public toilet Classe room Storage Activity roomClasse room Metting room Cloak room
SITE
Hatlehol Church Competition
Concept diagram
SHAPE
Mountains are assumed as a main part of the Norwegian landscape and the source of inspiration for the design. This brings the idea the building should refer to its shape and volume. The church should grow from the site and become a part of the landscape, as well as a landmark of the
area. Moreover, it is mindful to achieve the mountain similarity from not only the outside but also the inside.
The church complex takes advantages from the ascending of the landscape. It rises from the ground and becomes monumental that also refers
to the mountains in the background. To gain the effect of the mountain chain, the construction follows the sites structure and through this might highlight its ascending character. The building’s design is truthful to the Nordic approach through the emphasis on light and materiality.
Cross-cut-, and longitudinal section
Hatlehol Church Competition
Entrance hall
Hatlehol Church Competition
Hallway
Church room
Hatlehol Church Competition
Congregation hall
Hatlehol Church Competition
South facade. Main entrance
North facade
academic individual Hatlehol Church Competition
West facade
East facade
Hatlehol Church Competition
Hatlehol Church Competition
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THREE: Yilong Futuristic City
Yilong Futuristic
City International Design
Competition
Jolma Architects & TUPA architecture / Tampere, Finland 2017
Tutors: Kasmir Jolma, Ashley Penn, Juuso Livonen
Team: Armioun N., Bonetti A., Caraux L., Jin Y., Jolma K., Iivonen J., Orbea C., Penn A., Smirnova M., Vaginay M.
Teamwork: brainstorming, ideation, R&A, R&D, concept development, urban planning, drawing sketches. status: competition entry
Circle: crematorium, cemetery, open green space, and community space
Gasholder Bases Competition by RIBA
Jolma Arkkitehdit Oy [Jolma Architects Ltd.] / Tampere, Finland 2017
Tutors: Kasmir Jolma, Ashley Penn
Team: Armioun N., Bonetti A., Caraux L., Jin Y., Jolma K., Orbea C., Penn A., Smirnova M., Vaginay M.
Teamwork: brainstorming, ideation, R&A, R&D, concept development, drawing sketches. status: competition entry
VulcanHab
Marstopia international architecture competition
Eleven magazine / The United Kingdom 2017
Tampere University / Tampere, Finland 2020
Degree: Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture [M.Sc.]
Master’s thesis: Smirnova, M. (2020). Cyborg City: Re昀氀ections on a Concept of a Sustainable Urban Formation on Mars. Tampere University, p. 68. Available at: http://urn.昀椀/URN:NBN:昀椀:tuni-202004294506
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.10860.18561
Thesis supervisor: Panu Lehtovuori
Opponent of thesis: Fernando Nieto Fernandez status: competition entry, and Master’s thesis
Itsenäisyydenkatu tunnel
Development of Hämeenkatu and a new tram stop
Tampere University of Technology [Tampere University] Tampere, Finland 2017
Degree: Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture [M.Sc.] Course: Negotiating and Designing Sustainable Change
Tutor: Harry Edelman
status: studying project
Moomin museum
Eteläpuisto, Tampere, Finland
Tampere University of Technology [Tampere University]
Tampere, Finland 2017
Degree: Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture [M.Sc.]
Course: Architecture Design
Tutor: Klaske Havik
status: studying project
“Buoy Pori”
Urban research and design intervention
Pori, delta of Kokemäki river, Pori region, Finland
Tampere University of Technology [Tampere University] Tampere, Finland 2017
Degree: Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture [M.Sc.] Course: Urban Planning and Design
Tutors: Panu Lehtovuori, Jenni Partanen
Team: Herbst M, Mitish G., Siitonen L., Smirnova M., Vilenius V. Teamwork: brainstorming, problem de昀椀nition, SWOT analysis, data analysis, spatial analysis, qualitative analysis, GIS, ideation, R&A, R&D, concept development, urban planning.
status: studying project
Sustainable food-growing unit on Mars
Epic Challenge Joensuu international educational programme under the Epic Education Foundation Karelia University of Applied Sciences / Joensuu, Finland 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Design Course: Epic Challenge Joensuu
Epic-project tutors: Heikki Immonen, Dr. Ana Gebejes Bachelor’s thesis: Smirnova, M. (2016). Concept of a sustainable food-growing unit on Mars. Karelia University of Applied Sciences, p. 75. Available at: http://urn.昀椀/URN:NBN:昀椀:amk-2016052810513
Thesis supervisor: Jukka Niskasen
External thesis advisor at Epic Education Foundation: NASA Engineer and Astronaut Dr. Charles Camarda BioMars Team: Gebejes A., Holappa K., Ibrahim A., Ilo T., Karhu H., Korhonen J., Pölönen M., Smirnova M., Soloveva K. Teamwork: brainstorming, R&A, R&D, concept development, prototyping, labwork, experimentation and testing. status: Bachelor’s Thesis
Stengate Building Complex
Zero-Energy Building (Net ZEB)
Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark 2015
Degree: Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture [M.Sc.]
Course: Sustainable Architecture
Tutors: Olena Kalyanova Larsen, Marie Frier Hvejsel
Team: Kristiansen M., Kuzmicz N., Loth L., Smirnova M., Sørensen J.
Teamwork: brainstorming, R&A, R&D, concept development, drawing sketches, modelling, daylight factor, development of wall detail, narrative writing.
status: studying project
Pavilion: reciprocal wooden structure
Kaffe Have roof in Anne Just’s Have, Aalborg
Aalborg University / Aalborg, Denmark 2014
Degree: Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture [M.Sc.]
Course: Performance Aided Design (PAD)
Coordinator: Dario Parigi
Team: students of the Master of Science (Architecture)
Teamwork: construction workshop, concept development, mesh de昀椀nition, global shape, structural analysis, detailing (joint development), building an experimental 1:1 scale prototype of a novel system. status: completed
“A Place to Ascend” 3D abstract plywood object
Arkitektur som Møbel exhibition in Utzon Centre
Aalborg University & Utzon Centre / Aalborg, Denmark 2015
Degree: Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture [M.Sc.]
Course: Tectonic studies: structure and construction
Coordinator (@Aalborg University): Marie Frier Hvejsel
Curator (@Utzon Centre): Lasse Andersen
Team: Chiambretto A., Kronborg T. A., Ryltoft Z. L., Smirnova M., Suorsa H.
Teamwork: designing and constructing plywood 3D abstract object and sculpture. Experimentation in form, structure, material and details [construction workshop].
status: completed
Sleeping Concert
Design & Construction workshop, exhibition design 3D installations and folded structures
Smukfest [aka Skanderborg Festival]
European Architecture Student Assembly (EASA) / Fredericia, Aarhus, Denmark 2017
Tutors: Eske Bruun, Kateryna Romanova, Anna Opitz
Team: Erga T., Kling J., Melioli L., Skujina K., Smirnova M.
Teamwork: concept development & prototype building: designing and building 3D installations and folded structures. status: completed
Sinai: Hatlehol Church Hatlehol Church Competition
Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark 2014
Degree: Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture [M.Sc.] Course: Tectonic design: Structure and Construction
Tutors: Dario Parigi, Marie Frier Hvejsel
Team: Jensen A., Kuzmicz N., Nielsen M., Smirnova M.
Teamwork: brainstorming, R&A, R&D, concept development, cite plan, drawing sketches, building form concept, structural system development, model building, narrative writing.
status: studying project based on the design brief for the Hatlehol Church Competition