The project will need to provide resources for human life to survive long-term on the lunar surface, which raises hurdles that don't come into question with life on Earth:
"We have to consider problems that no one would think about on Earth, like radiation protection, pressure differentials, and how to provide breathable air.”
Colin Koop, SOM design partner, in a press statement.
The team also states that resiliency and self-sufficiency are essential and they proposed new ideas to resolve challenge for the field of architectural design with inflating pods that balloon up to accommodate more inhabitants as the population grows.
The team also states that resiliency and self-sufficiency are essential and they proposed new ideas to resolve challenge for the field of architectural design: a series of three-to-four story modules that are individually pressurized, the structures will inflate and expand to allow future growths.
The modules will house essential spaces like living quarters and workstations, as well as environmental controls and life-support systems.
The Moon Village places the structure on the rim of Shackleton Crater which is near the South Pole, which will allow it to receive continuous daylight year-round. The sunlight is essential to harness energy and fuel experiments, as well as generate food and other essentials to sustain human life; water collected from the areas permanently shadowed will create breathable air and rocket fuel. Each of the modules will be clustered together to allow for continuous movement between sections.
"We’re coming to grips with the reality that there’s a finite set of resources on this planet. It can’t hold all of the capacity of the human population forever — especially as we live longer and find new ways to extend the healthy portions of our life. The obvious next step is to find a way to expand the human footprint beyond planet Earth."
Colin Koop, SOM design partner, in a press statement.
Many have dreamed of creating inhabitable settlements in space. Can SOM's recent collaboration with two powerhouse entities in space science and technology see this project into fruition?
