Extreme ArchitectureLife on Mars, Lessons from Earth
SKANDHAN ENROLMENT NO. 05717601618 YEAR: 2018-2023
RESEARCH PAPER GUIDE: PROF. SANJAY MEHRA RESEARCH PAPER CO-ORDINATORS PROF. RASHMI B. TANDON & MR. AKASH SHARMA Submission No: #### Date of Submission: 29.04.2022
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
VASTU KALA ACADEMY 9/1 QUTAB INSTITUTIONAL AREA, ARUNA ASAF ALI MARG NEW DELHI – 110067
College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2020-21
Extreme Architecture Life on Mars, Lessons from Earth Abstract: The human fascination of exploring and inhabiting space that lies beyond the earth is growing. In the near future, humans will soon take a giant leap to set their feet on Mars. Research has established that extraordinary harsh conditions in outer space can also be experienced by humans on Earth as well also off-Earth habitats are designed keeping the survival instincts of humans in extreme environments. This research paper focuses on the study of the hostile environments that are similar to Mars, highlighting various general habitat requirements and constraints upon services and provisions for safety and hazard intervention. The study of the extreme Mars habitat is based on the strategy of improving the spaces not only outside earth but also on the surface. Optimization of numerous extreme challenges like atmospheric conditions, terrain, temperature, life, and sustainable elements are key considerations while designing in the terrestrial planet. Highlighting the challenges will prepare us to meet the challenges of exploring conditions of extra-terrestrial life. A leading approach in solving the issue could be including innovative solutions, using technological innovations to provide comfort living in extreme conditions. Keywords: MARS, EARTH, HABITAT, ARCHITECTURE, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
EXTREME
ENVIRONMENT,
Introduction Humans first set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969, and now they have their eyes set on a new planet, Mars. Exploration into outer regions of our globe has resulted in human colonies in some very harsh areas such as a city in northern Russia, “Oymyakon” where the temperature drops to -50°C, or settlements in death valley, California where the temperature reaches up to more than 52°C. Various factors make the Earth habitable, the atmosphere which keeps it warm, the distance from the sun, protection from solar radiation due to a magnetic field, and the perfect balance of chemical elements needed for life including water and carbon. These factors balance the shape of Earth and these elements constantly rotate around the planet which makes up its surroundings. This cycle keeps life going that sustains life. Although some extreme conditions on Earth make living difficult yet there has been a constant effort by mankind to explore human settlements in some harsh environments. As a result, architecture has to adapt to allow humans to exist in such harsh surroundings, while technological advancements have allowed mankind to dwell and explore even more in extreme conditions. For over a century people are living in areas under extreme conditions that are prone to extreme heat and cold, places affected by atmospheric conditions, natural disasters, etc. These conditions play a major part in analysing different challenges faced by them. This research focuses on identifying the harsh environmental influences on general habitat requirements, delivery and construction strategies, and unique safety and hazard mitigation solutions. Consolidation of such planning and design aspects are the key factors for developing the research methodology. The main purpose of this research is to identify factors responsible for designing and to identify sustainable and comfortable habiting spaces
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that facilitate a sense of community for the people living in isolation, in the harsh environments on Earth. The paper emphasizes the importance of planning, design, and construction strategies for extreme environments highlighting the various impacts of extreme conditions on human beings and how these could be used for an immersive adventure and experience by humans, including tourism to intergalactic space. Through case studies, focusing on a spatial configuration, sustainability, technology, and drawing out analysis based on better adaptability and similarities in extreme conditions. As the population is ever-increasing, we may need to think of inhabiting spaces that have extreme conditions on earth as well as mars and make them liveable. What supports life? Various factors help in creating a habitable environment on earth such as, the right distance of earth from sun, balanced gases and ingredients for life, the gravity, the magnetic field, etc. These processes shape the earth and its environment and help in formation of life. As shown in fig1. below, the ability to harbour life is a result of a complex network which involves various cycles and life processes throughout. A significant resource to support life on any planet is water and oxygen. The region where water exist on planet’s surface can be termed as ‘habitable zone’. A habitable space can be described as a space for living, eating, cooking or sleeping. The standard definition of such place could be the planet that can sustain life.
Figure 1- life support overview on Earth
Skandhan / Extreme Architecture - Life on Mars, Lessons from Earth
Figure 2- life support on extra-terrestrial life
Similar to processes involved in creating life on Earth, new mechanisms and techniques are required to build life in extreme conditions and Mars.
Extreme environment Extreme environment is a place where the humans struggle to live and survive. It can be of any type of conditions, for example it can be cold, wet, dry, hot, dark, stormy or lack in water or oxygen. Extreme environment exhibits some challenging situations to life forms. It ranges from extreme hot and cold temperatures, atmosphere, pressure, carbon dioxide, etc. some places of extreme environments include poles, deserts, volcanoes, outer space or other planets. Extreme conditions challenges architecture and design process to create liveable environments which can lead to atypical architectural responses.
Extreme architecture All kinds of different climatic and extreme conditions that make human life difficult are expressed as extreme environments. Living in extreme conditions require new technology, methods and design to adapt to it. Transforming all these places to create habitable places with innovations can be called extreme architecture. Extreme environments pose a challenge for architects to introduce innovative designs. In harsh environments it is important to design buildings that respond to prevailing conditions that help to protect people and also benefit the future generations. Housing design in such environments are matter of immediate safety for existing populations, many remote settlements that are designed in the northern areas are designed in accordance to the vernacular traditions and with the ideas of selfsufficiency. Designing in these environments with extreme climates challenges the comfortable
human habitations. This extreme cold climate requires designs which caters to heavy snowfall, string winds, avalanches, etc. several harsh conditions pose a risk to human habitation. Remotes areas might have complications in getting materials or might be inaccessible, which might introduce the ideas of prefabrications or innovative construction methods within these challenging contexts. Designing in inhabitable environments should responds to various necessities and unpredictability which are in context to harsh conditions. Learning and identifying the challenges that are faced by extreme conditions on earth, these solutions and ideas could be applied to such conditions which are faced on mars and could help to create habitable spaces.
Importance of studying extreme environment In order establish life’s limit in extreme environments both physically and geographically as well as understanding the capacity of life to withstand and adapt to these environments, it is important to learn about these harsh conditions. Our understanding about extreme life has been expanding significantly as well as has provided ability to discover new methods and techniques to support it. Thus, understanding how to work in these environments will help provide an insight to how life will be able to persist in other planets too.
Figure 3- Types of Extreme Environments
The extreme environments on earth Extreme environments can be categorized into various different types which are there on earth. These conditions have their own requirements and characteristics, some examples from Earth are taken below.
Skandhan / Extreme Architecture - Life on Mars, Lessons from Earth
Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth: Oymyakon, Russia
The coldest inhabited place on earth with a temperature as lowest as -71.2 degrees Celsius in 1924. With a population of only 500 occupants, the winter temperature goes up to -50 degrees Celsius and the ground stays completely frozen throughout the year.
Hottest Place on Earth: Lut Desert, Iran
The temperature soars up to 70 degrees Celsius, it is the hottest place on earth. This place has an unbearably dry climate and has a surviving challenge for tourists and inhabitants. Though tourists visit this desert land, it’s a destination only for those willing to take on the challenge of surviving the heat and the unbearably dry climate.
Coldest Continent on Earth: Antarctica
It is known as the land of extremes, the coldest and driest continent on the planet. With a population of about 1000-4000 people, and is a common spot for tourists and thrill seekers. Travellers can only reach it by ice-strengthened vessels made for touching the rough seas.
History and Evolution Cold climate (igloo) In 1576, Martin Frobisher discovered an Inuit igloo village, although the origin of igloos has been lost but it is known that people of Inuit village had been constructing igloos for centuries. Before the introduction of modern houses in arctic, igloos were of cultural significance to people of Arctic communities. Igloos are dome shaped dwellings made of snow (pukaangajuq). These were used by Inuit families and travel hunters during winters. Igloos are usually 3-3.5m high and have a diameter of about 3.54.5m. Igloos where also used by travellers to stay for the night at some places. Snow walls of igloos are good insulators that keep in the body heat and the heat from oil lamps (qulliq). This why igloos are made of solid snow than ice, as ice does not retain heat as compared to compressed snow.
Figure 4- Community of igloos
Hot Climate (Egypt) The first houses-built date back to 6000 B.C. of the ancient Egypt in the predynastic period. The intense sun and heat shaped the houses as they were made of mud and papyrus. However, this technique didn’t work as the Nile River was flooded every 3 months which washed away these houses. This is when it was discovered that bricks could be made out of clay and mud from the riverbank of Nile. the mix of mud/clay with water was poured into wooden moulds to shape and then sun dried. Typical Egypt houses were constructed with flat roof, this process was simpler and provided relief from burning sun.
Figure 5 - Mud Brick Town Remains at El-Qasr Building cluster
Irregular arrangements
Building features
Thick walls (exceeds 30 cm) Flat Roofs Arched Domes, of the rooms Exterior walls are covered with natural material painting
Courtyard
Smaller court yard 8 ∗ 7 m2 All rooms are opened to the courtyard
Building materials
Walls: Stone, clay and sand Flat Roofs: Palm leaves (jareed) and grain stalks Arched domes: Clay brick
Skandhan / Extreme Architecture - Life on Mars, Lessons from Earth
Finishing materials
Crockery for wall decorations A mix of vivid colours and textures of adobe brick filigree White lime plaster
Roof type comfort
Flat roofs Arched domes Courtyards were not covered
Responsively and social sustainability
Responsive to user’s needs (Biologically–Physiologically and Culturally) Social and self-identity
Achieve thermal
Thermal comfort
Table 1- Egyptian house construction technique
CASE STUDIES 1. Ladakh Ladakh is known to be one of the highest and coldest places in the world which has been continuously inhabited by human beings. The settlements are majorly monasteries and palaces, which show the building capabilities of the native people in this challenging climate and topography. The temperature goes down as low as -30°C which poses a challenge of survival for human beings in this place. The winters go as long as 8 months and the nights are cold throughout the year. Since Ladakh lies in the rain shadow area of the great Himalayan range it receives a significant amount of rainfall. As a result, most of the days have clear sunlight throughout the year.
Figure 6 – Settlements in Ladakh
Inhabitants of Ladakh have harvested the sunlight together with the employment of the vernacular architecture exhibiting the passive measures for climatic control. The buildings have unique configuration to deal with the harsh climate conditions using native building materials and techniques. Use of vernacular materials like mud bricks, quartzite stones, poplar, grass and timber in the construction helps in maintaining resilient climatic conditions. Leh in Ladakh is surrounded by a number of small settlements along the river indus. The settlements are located along east to west from where the river flows. The most significant pattern is that the settlement is located along the northern bank of the river this is due to the fact that is arrangement allows the settlements to face south, receiving maximum sunlight. The buildings are also strategically place so that the shadows of the mountains are not casted on them. In order to receive the sunlight for
the maximum amount of time, the settlements are placed along the slope of the mountain instead of plains of valley. This also has an advantage as it is close to water and fertile land. Tsemo Gompa a 9-story palace located in the old town of Leh which was occupied by the nobles in the 18th century. As the sun rays are critical for survival in this type of climate. The houses shared the walls mostly on two-three sides to prevent heat loss due to exposed façade on the step terracing. The main bazaar is laid along in the North-South direction allowing the sunshine in the market during maximum part of the day. Ground floor Most of the houses are two storeyed buildings. Larger houses are had courtyards while smaller ones don’t have the courtyard. The Ground Floor is usually a less in height which is used for keeping the livestock, storage purposes and also to collect toilet waste. Due to its cold climate traditional toilets in Ladakh are dry toilets. Lavatories are located on the upper storeys while a chamber beneath is used to collect and compost the excreta.
Figure 7 – Ground floor plan
First floor The upper floor is used for living purposes usually consists of prayer room, store, toilet and a relatively large room combining the functions of drawing, kitchen and bedroom. This main room is marked by a timber ornate post in the centre. This timber post is characteristic of the architecture of the Ladakh. Having kitchen and sleeping area same the heat produced during cooking also adds to the warmth of the inside for the night. Moreover, the main hall is furnished with carpets along with a stove and a smoke chimney for the heating during extreme cold. Figure 8 – first floor plan The upper floor is exposed to sunlight keeping it warm during day and heat is retained during the night by employing mentioned indigenous techniques. All other rooms are usually 3 to 4 m in sizes perhaps due to the limitations of the building materials and also helping in maintaining a warm comfort inside. Larger spaces tend to become cooler quickly. The windows in the other rooms that do not get sunlight are much smaller in size to retain heat within.
Building materials and construction techniques The primary building material used is earth and timber which is easily available. Both of these materials are naturally available and offer climatic comfort in the harsh climate of Ladakh. It is due to their thermal properties that they are used to construct housing and monasteries. Quartzite stone is used in the construction of lower floors as it provides additional strength and protection from water.
Skandhan / Extreme Architecture - Life on Mars, Lessons from Earth
Sundried earth blocks are the primary unit of masonry construction. These are made from alluvial soil of river Indus in the size of 300X150X150mm they are then finished with mud plaster. The roof is constructed in flat span with the trunk of a popular tree, the diameter of it is 15cm on average. The beams are covered by using willows spread. The usual thickness of the willows is 20 to 30mm. A 15 to 20 cm layer of dry grass, hay etc. is spread over the layer of willows and finally finished with plaster of clayey mud. Floors of lower storey on the ground are made of mud while the upper storey in timber. Timber floor offers thermal; comfort. Th lintels for doors and windows are also made with timber as this also acts as a thermal barrier and prevents loss of heat due to conduction from the wall as well as serves aesthetic purpose.
Inferences This case study on Ladakh in high altitude determines the architectural identity of a place through culture, vernacular architecture, sustainability. The architecture of Ladakh exhibits traditional understanding of harsh climatic conditions through its construction techniques and materials, which has help in human habitation for centuries. As a result, more focus should be placed on the research of native techniques in order to create knowledge of building in such harsh environmental conditions. This information base will aid in the formulation of best practises in architecture, which can be combined with traditional techniques. Regaining a Ladakhi identity is critical to the construction of a new culture, not only in terms of architecture but in all parts of life, in order to leave a mark in an ever-changing world. This knowledge base will help in formulating the best practices in the Architecture in combination with the traditional practices.
EXTREME COLD CLIMATE 1. Halle VI Antarctic research station Halley vi Antarctic research station located in Antarctica experiences temperature as low as -50°C and wind reaches up to 100mph and nearly a third of the year experiences total darkness. Each year the ice shelf moves 700m and over a meter of snowfall accumulates on its surface, gradually entombing and crushing built structures. Cladding has proved to be one of the greatest challenges, Architect Hugh Broughton has pioneered the use of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) on the building, which will open formally in January 2013.
Figure 9–Research station
Their design consists of a series of linked modules on stilts that can be raised with far less effort than Halley V, allowing more of the team brought to the Antarctic to carry out scientific rather than maintenance work. The modules are on skis and can easily be pulled to a new location. Modules are brightly coloured - strong blue for the science and sleeping quarters, and a vivid red for the largest,
central module, which forms the base ‘s social hub. Design life would only have been five to 10 years. The advantages of GRP were obvious. It forms large panels and is light, making it easy to handle and install. It is used in cryogenic applications, so can evidently withstand low temperatures.
2. Amundsen – Scott south pole station Located 400 m from the geographic pole, it is elevated approximately 2850m. The lowest recorded temperature is -82.8°C and highest is -13.6°C. The central area of the station is located beneath an aluminium geodesic dome, 50 meters (165 ft.) in diameter at the base and approximately 17 meters high (55 ft) at its apex. The dome houses three two-story structures which contain living, dining, communications, recreation, laboratory, and meeting facilities. It is described as one of the most technological structures ever built-in south pole. The building is on stilts with a profile like an airplane wing Figure 10 – south facing into the prevailing wind, the wind speed below the pole station wing increases leading to a drop in pressure. This reduces the build-up of snow by a lot, underneath the station. Secondly, all the components had to be modular and had to be prefabricated and brought to the site.
Inferences The use of heavy construction methods and materials is avoided. The materials used minimised the impact on environment. Equal attention has been paid to design the living quarters, research areas and support structures. A modular approach in building design system has been taken. Providing well insulated and tight construction minimizes heat loss and thus saves money used in external heating devices. Advanced systems for energy saving and rain water collection is used. The materials used in this type of cold harsh environment has similar characterises such as strength and durability, high insulation value, ease of fabrication and erection and minimum deformation under extreme temperature.
Table 2 – Comparison between case study
Skandhan / Extreme Architecture - Life on Mars, Lessons from Earth
GENERAL
Facility and elements structure related Polar desert arctic)
Existing infrastructure related
SPECIFIC
Avoid heavy construction needs Interior zoning Use of renewable energy Recycling systems Apply tight building envelop Optimize elements packaging for efficient transportation.
Plan for tight transportation windows Develop site zoning Minimize environmental impact.
Strict limitations for structural elements mass and dimensions Structurally balance weight distribution Incorporate automatic and robotic systems. Year-around assembly operations possible Very limited transportation means available.
Table 3 - General and specific planning and design requirements.
GENERAL
Individual Polar desert (arctic)
Group
SPECIFIC
Psychological motivation for excellence in performance acceptance of hardships and challenges. Physical: regular exercising, demand for personal spaces.
Total isolation during winter over operations
Social and cultural tolerance educational outreach programs staff seasonal rotations.
Lack of social or other group activities other than scientific researchers visiting.
Table 4 - Human factors influencing design and planning requirements.
EXTREME HOT CLIMATE 1. Egypt - Hassan Fathy Hassan Fathy a well-known Egyptian architect famous for his designs of mosques, schools, and homes for Islamic Egyptian people under hot climatic conditions. Hassan was born in Alexandra in 1900. He uses economic and locally available material like mud bricks and wood to make construction simpler. He uses thick walls and shades and natural animal skin to make living in desert comfortable. The basic features he Figure 11 – Hassan Fathy used in his designs are talked about further in the paper.
Table 5 – Design elements for extreme hot climate (Egypt)
INTERNAL AND ATTACHED OPEN SPACES: Shaded open spaces are very preferable in the hot dry zones. They can reduce the daytime air and radiant temperatures at the occupied space. THE COURTYARD: People used to open their houses onto a private internal open space that visually and acoustically separated from the outside called Sahn "The courtyard". The courtyard helps in maintaining cooled indoor. THE TAKHTABUSH: To ensure the air flow, a covered area at the ground level (The takhtabush) was introduced to the traditional house. It is located between the courtyard and the back garden, opening completely onto the courtyard and through a mashrabiya onto the back garden which ensure a steady flow of air by convection. ORIENTATION OF MAIN SPACES AND WINDOWS: The sun is the major source of heat and hence the position of the sun regarding any site is very important. The main criterion of choosing the appropriate orientation is to minimize the penetration of the sun radiation in the summer and maximize it in the winter. The best orientation in Egypt with regard to the sun factor is the east west,
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While, it is the north to south with regard to the prevailing winds. Fathy solved this problem by bisecting the angle between the two optimal orientations temperatures. VENTILATION DEVICES: The Malqaf is one of passive ways to catch the desirable wind, which means wind catcher. It rises higher than the building with an opening facing the prevailing wind. It captures the cooler and stronger wind from upper boundary layers. WINDOW SIZE, LOCATION, AND DETAILS: Reviewing vernacular architecture in hot dry climate suggested small windows with total area of about five to ten percent of the floor area. However, large windows can be provided with special design details. Insulated controllable shutters and screens to prevent insects in certain periods could be added to the windows. SHESH: The shesh can be added directly to the window. The blind is made of small slats, about 4-5 cm wide, closely set in a wooden frame. The slats are often movable so its angle can be changed. This feature of adjustability is very useful in regulating solar radiation and wind flow into spaces. The sun's rays can be blocked out without obstructing the breeze. MASHRABIA: The name of mashrabiya is derived from the Arabic word "drink" and originally meant "a drink place". This is a cantilevered space with a lattice opening, where small water were placed to be cooled by the evaporation effect as air moved through the opening. THE TAKA: Old houses in Egypt included “Rusha” or “Taka” which is higher than the window and facing it. This causes different speed in the air movement and in turn causes the cross ventilation. THE LAYOUT OF THE BUILDING’S PLAN: The surface area of the external envelope of the buildings should be small as much as possible to minimize the heat flow into the building during the daytime. The ventilation rate, during the day, must be kept to the minimum (about 0.5 air change per hour) in order to minimize heating and during the night, higher ventilation rate will be required. SHADING DEVICES: Internal devices such as Venetian blinds, roller blinds, and curtains, are not preferable in such climate since they intercept the solar radiation and heat up the space. The size and the position of the shading devices are placed to block the solar radiation in the summer session and to allow the solar radiation in the winter session. Shading devices could be in the form of; fixed and movable devices. THE COLOUR OF THE BUILDING’S ENVELOPE: Light colours of envelop can reduce the heat gain. However, in desert regions of the hot dry climate with the light colour and the lack of vegetation, the problem of the glare becomes very common. To solve this, careful design of some building projections and a selective choice of colours with adding landscape vegetation is essential. THE SHUKSHEIKA: People used to shade the roof more naturally by arranged the roof into open galleries and lightweight roof covers. These open areas and roof have the double function of shading the roof and providing cool air. THE CHOICE OF BUILDING MATERIALS: In the hot dry climate, high resistance and high heat capacity of the envelope elements is necessary. High resistance minimizes the conductive heat flow
into the building mass during the daytime. High thermal mass has been achieved traditionally by thick walls that made of heavy materials such as stone, bricks, adobe, and mud. Today the availability of modern insulating materials makes it possible to achieved indoor thermal comfort with thinner walls than in the past. ROOF CONSTRUCTION: The roof surface is always exposed to the sun. Therefore, the outer surface of the roof is heated up by absorbing solar radiation. The roof then transmits this heat to the inner surface, where it raises the temperature of the air in contact with it by conduction. Consequently, the shape of the outer surface of the roof and the thermal resistivity of its materials are very important. DOMES AND VAULTS: One of the most useful ways to adapt with the hot climate is pitching or arching the roof. Traditional methods include domes and vaults THE SALSABIL: In places, where there was not enough pressure to permit the water to spout out of the fountainhead, its replaced with the salsabil. The salsabil is a marble plate placed at an angle to allow the water to drop over the surface, thus facilitating evaporation and increasing the humidity of the surrounding air. VEGETATION AROUND THE BUILDINGS: Maximizing the amount of vegetation inside and outside buildings affects positively the thermal performance of buildings.
2. School building Gando and Dano Burkina Faso, east African country Located in East African country, the main challenge to design this school building was designing in a harsh climatic condition and incorporating sustainable techniques. To achieve this, it was decided to use laterite stones, which is native to the region and is easily available as the main building material. The building was oriented in east west direction to reduce direct solar sunlight on the walls while the walls were shadowed using protruding roof. Material, Construction and Sustainability
Figure 12 – School building in East Africa
Building materials which were exclusively used for this project were: locally extracted laterite stone for the walls; reinforcement insular for the roofsupporting structure; corrugated sheet for the roof cladding; cement for concrete components; and mortar as well as blades for the windows and doors. All walls are load bearing and sit on granite bed which protects the building from erosion during rainfall. The roof construction consists of 3m broad, modular elements which were welded together and assembled from 14mm and 16mm thick reinforcement iron on the site. The permeable suspending ceiling, the inclined corrugated sheet roof as well as the completely obvious shaded windows ensure a natural ventilation of the rooms. Compared to the conventional construction method, for which an artificial air-conditioning of the rooms is required, this is the more sustainable solution in the face of fossil resources running out and increasing energy prices.
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Inferences The main consideration for this type of project in hot climatic conditions should be to achieve slow rate of indoor heating during daytime and fast indoor cooling during evening, good ventilation in the summer evenings, and higher indoor temperature relative to the outdoors in winter. Traditional ways of dealing with hot climate can be categorized into eleven different factors that affect thermal performance of buildings under three main strategies (natural ventilation, passive solar, and evaporative cooling). Use of the local materials in combination with the appropriate passive design strategies and measures is more helpful in designing for such type of climate. The courtyard is an efficient device in cooling the buildings. However, it could work more efficient if accompanied with the Takhtaboush.
Earth and Mars “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andrew Gide” Environmental changes have been experienced since the inception of life on earth. But the question arises to why is there is need to go to Mars and why not only improve Earth. Earth is experiencing a population explosion, soon we need to find other habitable spaces for human life to continue living comfortably. Living in extreme conditions or mars could be an attraction to many adventure and thrill seekers, which will increase tourism to these places. Earth can be compared to other planets showing similarities in materials and conditions, which in turn help to create new liveable built environment. Rationale Space settlements can be a place for ordinary people too in the near future. It might seem impractical at this moment but over the years earth has seem some drastic technological innovations that no one would have thought of like the invention of airplanes, now millions of travellers fly on a daily basis. Some groups might find mars settlement attractive and those looking for some adventures, these places could be for them. Building settlements on mars or extreme environments will allow huge expansion of humanity and explore new areas that could support many more populations to come. Great Views Many astronauts have seen the views of earth from space, and eventually settlements on mars could have the most spectacular views of the starts, clouds unhindered by pollutions. Survival Building in places that are unfit for human survival can provide an aid and help improve inhabiting spaces on earth and learnings from the earth could be used to build on mars. There might be a need to shift to new place to survive any asteroid impacts, so expanding our reach to new environments will help human life flourish.
PARAMETER
EARTH
MARS
Average Distance from Sun
93 million miles
142 million miles
Average Speed in Orbiting Sun
18.5 miles per second
14.5 miles per second
Diameter
7,926 miles
4,220 miles
Tilt of Axis
23.5 degrees
25 degrees
Length of Year
365.25 Days
687 Earth Days
Length of Day
23 hours 56 minutes
24 hours 37 minutes
Gravity
2.66 times that of Mars
0.375 that of Earth
Temperature
Average 57 degrees F
Average -81 degrees F
Atmosphere
nitrogen, oxygen, argon, others
mostly carbon dioxide, some water vapor
Number of Moons
1
2
Table 6 - Comparison between Earth and Mars
Inferences After analysis, it is quite clear that constructing a habitat on Mars for an extreme condition is a hard challenge but not impossible. Yet, to transform this habitat into a home exactly as a home on Earth is nearly impossible; simply because every individual has his/her own distinct mental image of home. Even, if we able to recreate that exact mental image for one person, still that house will remain just a house on Mars without that person’s family or beloved one around him/her. However, it is not impossible to recreate the universal memories of home by ensuring the physical and psychological comfort. In addition, if we allow the Martian astronauts to decorate their personal space and involve them directly in the construction process of this habitat, it will make them feel that they are building their own house on Mars. Eventually, a new concept of Martian home will take place in their memories.
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Survey Analysis Survey was conducted among people directly (people, tourism, temporary / permanent groups), research organisations, NGO’s and technology developers to examine the knowledge and their psychological thinking and how it affects extreme environments. Different experiences and challenges were faced by people in different conditions. The survey was done on Their interests in different parameters and how many are settled inhabitable spaces and what are their expectations on these conditions. About 160 responses were recorded with maximum responses between the age of 20 - 45. 55% male and 45% female. Many people have lived or experienced extreme conditions and most of them experienced extreme hot and extreme cold. Most of the people want to experience extreme environments with the community of 10 or less people for approximately 0 - 14 days and main purpose for visit is adventure and to experience nature, through survey I noticed most of them have experienced extreme hot but they want to experience cold, as gender difference approx. 90% female prefer cold as compare to male. The structure preference to live in is on ground floor and above ground or elevated.
Figure 13 – challenges faced in extreme climate
Some the most commonly faced challenges were affect on health, uncomfortable habitable spaces, transportation issues and feelings of remoteness. Through this survey the key findings on the need to explore extreme environments would be to learn about the world, explore new resources, and the need to find new settlements.
Figure 14 – Need to explore extreme environment
Conclusion Construction in extreme climatic conditions requires the use of innovative construction technologies and materials and designing approach. This research paper covered different types of approaches for both cold and hot environmental conditions that is useful for human survival in such places. Many new approaches and techniques were identified for creating habitable spaces in these conditions. The establishment of compact planning structure is effective use of the territory and reduce of communication, as well as for the regulation of microclimates and reduce aggressive impact of factors of natural environment on the body for human in cold conditions. The use of various devices to protect against sunlight and hot winds in habitable spaces under hot conditions and to capture favourable wind currents and cooling has proven to be useful. Developing progressive direction in the architecture, applying new technologies when creating architectural objects in extreme conditions, is associated with the new attitude to environmental values, environment and save energy conservation. This will be possible when using alternative sources of energy and environmental technology, satellite communications and the Internet. The creating of the spaces in extreme conditions of habitats like integrated ecological system using innovative energy technologies increases the sustainability aspect. The using of highly mobile buildings and structures, with the organization of systems of autonomous energy supply in conditions of high mountains habitats environment and seismic areas, as well as in the event of disasters will be useful in extreme climatic conditions. The establishment of underground habitats in various extreme climates such as using abandoned mountain mines, creating underground dwellings using natural materials. Identifying alternative architectural methods with the uses of natural renewable sources to create comfortable living and human habitation. The main objective of designing in extreme conditions is to create a programmed environment in extreme conditions Arctic, desert, underground, underwater, Alpine, space and other habitats, which creates a link between technology and architecture and explore new creative possibilities for designing in such conditions. The main design requirements in cold conditions are: forming a compact planning structure of residential education, to effectively use its territory and reduce of communications; introduction of construction planning techniques regulating microclimate and reduce aggressive impact factors of natural environment on the human body. When establishing such settlements to use the principles of transformation and mobility. The formation of architectural objects in the hot extreme environment habitats are, an important requirement is the arrangement of the buildings into a single closed space with internal green and water yards, with the device in the walls of small light apertures, as well as the use of various devices to protect against sunlight and hot winds, to capture favourable air currents and it’s cooling. Development of principles for designing and creating spaces in extreme conditions with prefabricated materials for settlements in areas with extreme natural conditions is of great importance in different fields of human activity. Creating spaces and building in such places will also be useful when organizing seasonal recreation and tourism, festivals and other events and shows, as well as socio-political and religious events. Research in this area will help develop recommendations on the possibilities of designing in harsh conditions and learning scientific and technological methods in the development of extreme areas and for normal conditions, as well as on long-term use of the achievements, the emergence of which are very probable.
Skandhan / Extreme Architecture - Life on Mars, Lessons from Earth
This work also talks about creating habitable spaces in extra-terrestrial environments such as Mars. The learnings from the study about designing in harsh extreme environment could be incorporated and it can be concluded that the current knowledge about Mars and contemporary construction technologies from Earth allow for the development of several human-friendly settlements on the Mars. The architecture models described in this study provide evidence to support the habitable spaces and create a liveable environment.
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