Community Environment for Lunar Living

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C.E.L.L.

REDEFINING THE CRATER: Introducing a permanent human-living station to the Moon posed significant questions about how people would organize themselves under the conditions of the tumultuous environment. Because no model of previous colonization exists to inform the organization of the structure, we sought to create a model that would compliment the characteristics of the Moon terrain with an organic structure familiar to Earth. The human cell emerged. It provided us with the building blocks and naturally occurring patterns that offered structural definition and a melodic cohesiveness to the organization of places.The proposal is based on clusters of human cells. Three sets of clusters are overlaid on top of each other around two synthetic craters to create an interaction between surface and subterranean aspects of Moon life. The core living habitat is protected underground, while the surface access units for working and studying the Moon are exposed.

Moon Colony architectural project presentation board. (perspective renderings, sections, plans and elevations)

ORGANIC: The Agricultural Center is placed at the a heart of the facility. It acts as a wall of separation between the exterior conditions of the Moon and the core living habitat as well as a bridge to the surface access units. It features a five-level terraced configuration that allows for vertical plant growth, and direct views shed from one level to the next. The side perimeter of the interior, creates an interactive “agriculture wall” creating a 4-story vegetation wall.

INTERACTION: The living community is protected from the harmful environment of the Moon, but not in a way that creates seclusion. The large crater, which allows for landing crafts, is also a focus of the interior community’s space. It brings in exterior sunlight and gives community members a sense of physical and emotional engagement with the lunar craft from Earth. Along with the part of the “street” that flows through this region, and the agriculture wall, a glass, viewing area is situated along a significant part of the crater. These things combined together create an Agora; a place for social interaction, play, tourism, research, and relaxation.

Moon Colony 3D design screenshots.

Moon Colony section detail.

NAVIGATION: The interior of the station is connected by a “street” from one end of the station to the other. The street acts as an environment for activity much like a boulevard. Access for vehicle transport occurs at the two craters integrated into the complex. Vehicles can drive topside, over, and through various parts of the station. Accessibility for EVAs occurs at the crater closest to the surface access units. It starts at the exterior, winds down through the interior to a subterranean tunnel system, under the complex, and out through the far west side of the lunar south pole.