Daring Lunar Architecture: Could The Future Of Space Travel Come From Australia?
An inaugural Australian Space Architecture Challenge (ASAC) organised by the University of Adelaide’s Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources (ATCSR) encouraged architects to envision the future of humans on the moon; through hypothetical vehicles and habitats we are able to see what our future could be!
What is the Challenge?
The Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources (ATCSR) looks to bring together many industries including those of STEM fields and align them and many creative fields to come up with concepts that will both be realistic and comforting for those who may have to live there in the future.
This also aligns with the goals of the Australian Civil Space Strategy and the Moon to Mars initiative that aims to advance Australia’s position in the global space economy and deep space exploration and settlement.
Overview
Although based here in South Australia the competition was Nationwide and Australia did not disappoint with their response to this challenge. With the winner having their work showcased at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Milan, Italy. The IAC will be coming to Sydney in 2025 and they plan to also attend and showcase next year’s winner there.
Despite this being the first ever ASAC, many Australians had no trouble showing a creative and realistic perspective on the future of habitation/colonies on the Moon. The Top 3 entries showcased creative yet entirely plausible solutions, with an honourable mention standing apart from other applicants through their big “what if” approach, choosing to look much further into the future of what our architecture might evolve into.
These entrants also considered the major psychological challenges that current research suggests to be a large factor we need to look into, with a strong approach to making the habitats as comfy and human-centred as possible.
ASAC has 6 jury members who chose the winners and the honourable mention:
- Amit Srivastava – Founder and Chair of ASAC // Head, Lunar Architecture, ATCSR
- Urs Bette – Program Director, Master of Architecture, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE), University of Adelaide
- Deborah Turnball – Chair of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UoA
- Jonathon Dady – Artist in Residence, ATCSR
- Enzo Ferraro – Senior Architect, Grieve Gillett Architects (GGA)
- Sam Ximenes – CEO, Astroport Space Technologies, Australia
- With their Space Architecture PhD student, Albert Rajkumar doing a lot of the behind the scenes work as the Coordinator for ASAC 2024
First Place
First place was given to the work titled “Happy Homesick” created by students Eric Luan, Claire Basso, Robert Cameron and JD Otto from University of Western Australia. With the jury describing their work as “a reminder that space exploration is not just about technical feasibility but necessity to create habitats that have a unique character,places that we can identify and develop a relationship with – places where we can feel home at” – Urs Bette
Although I did first recognise the similarities this piece held to Hobiton from Lord Of The Rings, it is very much a feasible piece centred around the needs of the humans right next to the functionality that is often the main focus of Space exploration and habitation.
Second Place
Second place was given to the work titled “Lunar Urbanism” by Bowen Yang and Yichan Wei from the University of Queensland. Johnnie Dady described their concept as “A very practical solution that gets the job done with available resources, in this case the hardware used for travel to the moon. The dynamic level variations are texturally interesting. The communication and presentation are compelling and the composition conveys the concept well.”
Third Place
Third place went to a work titled “Lunarium” by Ihab Shamseldin and Samer El Sayary from the University of Technology Sydney. “The modular system creates a launching pad for the experimental, inspiring communities of thinkers and tinkerers, limited in means but not imagination, to craft tailored outcomes with generic parts. This is modularity at its best.”, jury member Enzo Ferraro said.
Honourary Mention
And an honourary mention to Do Dang Quang Nguyen from the University of Adelaide for their work; “Alteon VII”. Described as a fun and creative combination of science and fiction.
The Importance of the Challenge for Australia
With the growth and interest in space travel and habitation continually growing worldwide, Australia aims to centre itself as a major player. With many space companies coming together to support this challenge, it only strengthens our place in the future of man living on the moon. Furthermore, with the launch of the EXTERRES Roseworthy Analogue in 2024 the support for research and testing within this area is ever growing.
Australia has a unique place in the space industry being so far from everything our land and expertise was needed to land the initial Astronauts on the Moon and we will continue to ensure that we are at the frontier of every space development!
With the winning entries being exhibited at the Space Architecture Symposium and Exhibition as part of the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) it shows how creative and committed Australia and its people are to the future of space travel and living. The massive support that this inaugural ASAC has is incredible, with the below sponsors providing monetary and personal contributions:
- Space Architecture Lab (SAL)
- Grieve Gillett Architects
- Astroport Space Technologies
Alongside theses other supporting partners include:
- MMG
- HEX
- Arch_Manu
One last congrats to the winners and a hearty good job to all applicants. Furthermore, thanks to everyone especially the ASAC team and ATCSR for making this happen!