Design of a mobile ‚walking‘ Lunar base.
The challenge when designing extra-terrestrial habitats lies in creating habitable space for unknown users with changing requirements within an environment not yet sufficiently known.The project Moonwalker is based on the premise that space and its spatial elements are closely related to human behaviour. Results of psychological and sociological studies, combined with aspects of the perception and creation of space, led to a sustainable concept for a mobile lunar base where the focus was shifted to the relative connection of its technical and functional design components.Considerations concerning the different forms of adaptability and their respective architectural translation include the following:
Contextual Adaptability
To ensure long-term functioning, some adaptability is required concerning the research site, mission objectives and other mission-related details. In order to move safely across unknown terrains, Moonwalker possesses six legs that function as landing, standing and locomotion tools – and occasionally as bionic arms. The inflatable rigidized structure offers twelve docking possibilities for plug-ins and expansions thus enabling efficient adaptation to any given future mission.
External Adaptability
The use of a modular and multi-layered structure permits partial exchange and thus optimal adaptability to specific open design challenges e.g. solutions for handling lunar dust, a not yet sufficiently investigated radiation environment and protection from meteorites.
Internal Adaptability
The interior of Moonwalker can be adapted to the changing user-preferences of the crew. In addition, investigations in how to decrease the feeling of restraint are being conducted.
Reflexive Adaptability
Embedded technology enables spatial transformations and adaptations that are visible and cognitively readable by the crew.
