VOL 01.
DAVE BARBEAU
ASTRAL NUEVO.
THESIS 2024
THESIS
Extreme Spaces
This thesis proposes the exploration of architecture without constraints; a human oriented, resilient, and culturally rich asteroid city whose architecture need not be confined by gravity, seismic, wind or other typical forces. That addresses the unique challenges of space habitation through innovative use of technology and design, thereby advancing the field of architecture by demonstrating how ancient principles can inform and enrich future space community planning.
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16 PSYCHE: 1% mass of entire Kuiper belt. NASA mission enroute for 2029 arrival. Valued at over 10 quadrillion dollars.
Just Another Engineering Problem?
Undoubtedly, initial efforts will be engineering focused to maximize efficiency of an extractive mining operation. By integrating human-centric design principles from the outset, alongside engineering efficiency in asteroid mining operations, we can achieve a harmonious balance between extractive functionality and the creation of sustainable, liveable habitats for space colonies.
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Key areas can be targeted for harvesting material, while also planning key elements of a flourishing human outpost in the Kuiper Belt
Astra Artifact
It has been postulated that 16 PSYCHE could be a remnant from a planet core, because it is rich in Iron and Nickel, both heavy elements commonly found in planetary cores.
Lighting and Aesthetic
To portray the lighting and aesthetic of this asteroid city, I will draw from z Brush techniques (@NO0WHERE) and cinematography (Blade Runner 2049)
Art and AI
I will leverage my hobby of drawing and combine it with the rapid iterative abilities of AI image generation to explore unique conditions of perspective, plan and section, which at times may become difficult to distinguish.
How Will Design Spaces Behave in Zero G?
Architecture of earth, for conventional purposes, is subject to a few rules:
1. It should stand up (gravity)
2. It should resist natural elements (water, wind etc.)
3. It should provide a space for its inhabitants (privacy, program)
This works for earth and other environments subject to these forces, but this thesis will look past the first and second requirement, and focus only on the third.
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Sectional diagrams of large scales environments, such as those found in Geostories, will be of great illustrative value
Inverted Notions
The simple act of flipping something upside down can have surprising effects, especially when there is no right side up.
Negative Spaces
Cutting in to the stone will leave a void. Done with intention and purpose will yield a unique payload
Occupied Spaces
When up is no longer a given, and a matter of choice, new possibilities spring up
Different design Tool exploration of different modes of media representation.
Recombining the Ancient
The way I propose working through the possibilities of this asteroid city is via working through section/plan, comparing similar ancient architectural typologies.
• Spanish Castle
• Greek and Roman
• Ziggurats
Zooming in, zooming out, overlay, superposition, scale and move. Creating and method of CLASSIFICATION and sorting to create an ATLAS of the possible spaces that may coexist.
Entire cultures may revolve around the worship of water and light.
Redaction, rotation, overlay, repeat, reinterpret.
Scottish Castle Example
Gravity as a Choice In this space, all one must do is spin a large enough diameter object to create the forces required for normal gravity. This can be accomplished within the mass of the asteroid volume.
Playful Landscapes
Sports can have an entirely new arena., (cr of Gerard K O’Neil, The High Frontier).
Thank You to the Following
Thesis Advisor: Damjan Jovanovic
History Advisor: Erik Ghenoiu
Classmates of Thesis Prep!
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DAVE BARBEAU