LUNAR LIVING: A generative-based morphology for inhabiting moon craters - B.Arch final thesis
Author: Eduardo Santos / Advisor: Ana Rolim
Catholic University of Pernambuco (UNICAP)
NASA plans to launch a series of moon missions in 2020 to establish a human presence on the lunar surface, marking a new era of space exploration. This thesis proposes a habitat design for the moon, shaped by the morphological characteristics of lunar craters and guided by a parametric code. The habitat consists mainly of inflatable modules designed to house living, working, and communal areas, ensuring sustainable habitation on the moon.
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The design employs Controlled Ecological Life-Support Systems (CELLS) to manage resources like water, oxygen, agriculture, and waste. Inflatable structures are chosen for their adaptability and deployability, crucial for functioning in space environments. Modularity, a key feature of inflatable structures, allows for flexibility and growth, exemplified by projects like the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module.
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Understanding the harsh lunar environment, including temperature extremes and radiation exposure, informs the design process. Craters offer advantages for habitation due to their natural bowl-shaped forms, providing protection from radiation and temperature fluctuations. A generative code developed using Rhinoceros and Grasshopper software adapts the habitat design to various crater sizes and configurations, facilitating prototype testing and implementation.
 Aerial view of prototypical setting in a moon crater |  Justification of overall design direction concerning the nature of the structures to be used and the site choice on the moon |  Timeline showing evolution of flying technique |
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 Type tree (Adrover, 2015) & inflatable typologies (Mclean and Silver, 2015) |  Contrasting design approaches: The isolated object and the systemic approach adopted in the project |  Design guidelines, concepts, and site-related issues |
 Fractal Typologies |  The project's site on the South pole of the moon |  Table with input considered to generate craters of simple typology: From the diameter of the circumference it is possible to calculate the other morphological elements. Adapted from Heinken et al (1991) |
 Simulations of 1km, 400m, and 150m craters of simple typologies generated from the code developed on Grasshopper. |  Implanting modules in crater being tested |  Part of the Grasshopper code created for the project |
 Result of code as a base for the design development with internal (grey), and vertical circulation flows (red) indicated below. |  Proposed modules |  The program displayed in modules |
 The production module |  Public space module |  Housing module |
 Mixed-use Module |  First floor plan |  Overall section |
 Aerial 3d view of setting |  Exterior view of the setting |  View of one of the access platforms |
 Exterior view of modules |  Interior view of public space module |