why does etalab focus on space architecture?
we're actually not space architects as such, we're architects who are interested in things that affect the principles of designing in space, inasmuch as we are interested in pushing the boundaries of earthly architecture. for example, what we?ve proposed in our project for tate in space is a very dynamic space ? one that has the possibility of changing into different formal configurations and that can even change continuously as it is experienced. that?s something that we have been interested in for a long time ? the creation of dynamic form and space, and the different ways of making it work whether in space or on earth. this is our first project in space and it has given us the opportunity to further explore architectural ideas that we find interesting.
what are the advantages of building in space?
the possibility of building something in space redefines design parameters that are often taken for granted, so it can be a very creative process. when we started to think about how we would design in space, we found that we had little to go on in the way of architectural precedents because we were trying to come up with something that would be architecturally inspiring ? something more than just a rigid structure such as the ones we have seen in space up until now.
for tate in space, we wanted to respond to the conditions of outer space by creating an environment that would be as liberating as space itself ? with maximum flexibility, mobility and openness. we also wanted to optimise visual contact and sight lines ? both inside the gallery and outside it against the backdrop of outer space. really, our intention was to create a responsive environment that would maximise the physical and visual possibilities of outer space for artists, curators and visitors alike. what inspired us was the freedom to create a single dynamic space without the need for foundations, staircases or lifts. by introducing adjustable gravity levels each part of the internal surface can be walked on simultaneously, and the interior space can be navigated freely in every direction. the flexible skin also incorporates dynamic windows that expand and contract like the lens of an eye to present the visual wonder of the universe and magnified views back to earth. even refreshments would present a new experience. imagine a spectacular cafe floating around the gallery in a flexible bubble, from where visitors could watch the sun rise and set every 45 minutes.
another advantage of building in space is mobility: the gallery would dock at the international space station as its cultural component or have freedom to roam across the solar system, visiting the moon or other planets.
how far are we away from realising this kind of architecture? is it for the near future?
for some time now commercial plans have existed for the establishment of space hotels, or ?spotels?, and colonies. hilton america even has plans to build a moon-based hotel. we have based our design for tate in space on technology that exists or is currently being developed. the limiting factor at this stage is no longer architectural and building technology, but the cost of transport. it currently costs about $20,000 per kg to launch anything into space. this works out at roughly $1.5 million per person and is therefore presently beyond the reach of all but a privileged few. we expect to see the cost of space travel falling considerably over the next few years to gradually reach a level that can be afforded by everyone, similar to the growth of commercial air travel. as soon as commercially viable space flights are available to the public it is likely there will be a surge of interest in developing the moon, extending the remit of the iss, and establishing other space installations.
we are certain that there is public demand for this. space is part of the zeitgeist of the noughties, with current market research suggesting that 20 percent of adult americans would be willing to spend over four times their annual income for a six-day roundtrip to the moon. turning this into reality is really a question of commercial momentum. hopefully, the iss commercial development programme fulfilling its aim of attracting commercial investors to develop new capabilities for the iss will speed up this process.
how difficult is it to prevision space architecture?
there are a few fundamentals that dictate what is possible. obviously the condition of zero-gravity must be addressed. in addition to this, choice of structure and materials is crucial, as whatever is proposed must form a fully sealed enclosure that shields its occupants from external temperatures of up to ?250?c and is capable of withstanding impact from meteorites and flying space debris.
rigid shell structures comprise everything that has been put into space to date. this is a technical but not necessarily an architectural solution. for tate in space, we wanted to explore other structural and material options in order to open up the architectural possibilities and allow us to fully exploit the conditions of outer space by incorporating adjustable gravity levels. instead of proposing a rigid titanium and lightweight aluminium solution we investigated the use of alternative advanced technology materials such as woven kevlar and a visco-elastic cellular material called nextel, which allowed us to keep the enclosure flexible. the final material build-up is closest to nasa?s proposed transhab, which is also a flexible structure. in the future, the use of advanced technology materials currently being developed by nasa will make the skin more responsive, allowing the reactive characteristics of the gallery environment to be fully realised.
we believe there is room for creative and diverse architectural solutions for what we build in space, as long as basic principles such as these are adhered to.
what are the future plans of etalab?
to work on more projects which inspire and challenge us. we are committed to pushing boundaries conceptually, technologically and environmentally. |
