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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Humans have always been fascinated about exploring space beyond our dimensions. It is
tied with the idea that new land creates new opportunities and every habitat has its own
characteristics and challenges. Being intimately related to earth, moon has attracted
scientists, engineers, and visionaries as a potential site for sustainable human settlement.
This architectural thesis delves into the conceptualization and design of a Lunar Base
Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT
tailored for the sustained habitation of humans over extended periods on the Moon. As
humanity ventures towards establishing a prolonged presence beyond Earth, the creation of
habitats that ensure both functionality and psychological well-being becomes paramount.
The primary focus of this research is to envision architectural solutions that accommodate
the unique challenges posed by the lunar environment. Low gravity, extreme temperature
fluctuations, radiation exposure, and the absence of a habitable atmosphere necessitate
innovative approaches to design and construction. The design framework emphasizes
sustainable construction methodologies and resource utilization from the lunar surface
itself, primarily utilizing lunar regolith as a building material. Modular and adaptable
architecture is proposed to allow for future expansion and the accommodation of evolving
needs as the Lunar Base grows into a self-sustaining settlement. Incorporating biophilic
design principles, the thesis aims to create spaces that foster a connection with nature,
acknowledging the psychological impacts of isolation and confinement. Special attention
is given to optimizing energy efficiency, waste management, and life support systems to
ensure a closed-loop environment capable of supporting human life autonomously.
Furthermore, considerations for cultural identity, communal spaces, and the promotion of
social interaction among inhabitants are integral components in crafting an environment
that promotes well-being and a sense of belonging in an extraterrestrial setting. The
proposed Lunar Base design emerges from following a design framework and
interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from architecture, space science, engineering,
and psychology. It seeks not only to address the technical challenges of constructing a
habitat on the Moon but also to explore the broader implications of human settlement
beyond Earth, setting a precedent for sustainable and functional extraterrestrial
architecture.
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