Speculation on architecture in the absence of gravity : how might architectural elements and design strategies function in outer space?

Abstract

The evolution of architecture has been driven by a combination of elements such as style, context, materiality, aesthetic and technology. The development of materials and the technological advancements of the human race are conveyed through architecture ; from the technical expertise of the ancient Egyptians in pyramid construction, to the engineering feats of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, to the physical realisation of Gehry’s Guggenheim through computer modelling. Architecture is a continuous evolution which revolves around the progression of the human race in all fields of life.

Space habitation presents the next step in this architectural evolution, in which Space tourism acts as the stepping stone for the transition of architectural design beyond Earth. Space design has been produced largely without architectural input. The aim of this project is to introduce an architectural sensibility, and to investigate the impact an absence of gravitational force has on architecture. The research follows the transition of architectural design from an environment of gravity to one without, by reviewing both current literature and precedent case studies.