MARS HABITAT

Location: Mars
Type: Habitat Competition
Program: Research Facility
Size: 315 m2
Team: Patrice Gruner, Raoul Skrein, Rahul Girish

CONTEXT

The vision was to create a self-sustaining Martian habitat for a group of 5 researchers. These researchers will further explore the red planet and understand its resources to validate the idea of life on mars.

Due to the particularly hazardous climate of Mars, numerous factors were taken into consideration; Radiation protection, internal climate control, space for habitation for a year, sustainable energy solution and water+oxygen harvesting. Site location near the polar caps with natural frozen water reservoir was paramount to our concept.

CONCEPT

Umbra symbolizes the original intent of an umbrella by protecting the traveler from harmful environment.

The compact pneumatic structure is brought to Mars where the folded structure opens and is filled with air generated on site. Thereon the dome is covered with Martian ice to create natural thermal insulation and protect from harmful radiation.

CONTENT

In order to efficiently use the circular floor space, a semi open floor plan was created. The centralized interaction zone was merged with general research areas to create a collaborative environment for the researchers.

Private and living areas with kitchen, sanitation and smaller labs wrapped the central space encouraging circular movement while remaining compact and efficient. The outer parts of the dome consisted of self-sustaining greenhouse ring to simulate earth like habitation for the researchers and two airlock bunkers in case of emergency.