1,721,010 research outputs found
The Evolution of Computational Design and XR-Enhanced Space Architecture Education
Full text linkOver the past four years, the “Architecture for Human Space Exploration” course at Politecnico di Milano has
undergone a significant evolution, marking a shift towards a more computationally designed approach, integrating
extended reality (XR) systems to deepen the understanding of human factors and habitability requirements in space
environments. This paper synthesizes the pedagogical journey and methodological advancements in teaching and
learning space architecture, reflecting on the iterative improvements and the integration of cutting-edge technologies
in the curriculum. Initially, the course focused on traditional design methodologies, emphasizing conceptual
understanding and manual design skills pertinent to space architecture. As the complexities of designing for
extraterrestrial environments became more apparent, there was a clear need to incorporate computational design
techniques. This shift not only allowed for the exploration of more complex geometries and space configurations but
also enabled the simulation of space environments to better understand the challenges of extraterrestrial habitability
The introduction of computational design tools into the curriculum was a turning point, enabling students to experiment
with parametric design and digital fabrication techniques. These tools facilitated a more nuanced exploration of the
spatial, structural, and environmental aspects of space habitats, allowing for a deeper analysis of how human factors
influence design decisions. However, the most transformative development in the didactic activity was the
incorporation of XR systems, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), into the design process. This
integration marked a departure from conventional design methodologies towards an immersive design experience. By
leveraging XR technologies, students were able to virtually inhabit their designs, gaining immediate feedback on the
scale, proportions, and usability of spaces. This hands-on experience was invaluable in understanding the
psychological and physiological needs of astronauts, ensuring that designs were not only functional but also conducive
to well-being in extreme environments. The use of XR systems in space architecture education represents a forward-
thinking approach to design education, one that recognizes the importance of human-centric design in the unforgiving
context of space. Through this immersive design process, students have been able to explore innovative solutions to
complex problems, considering not just the technical requirements of space habitats but also the human experience of
living and working in such environments. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the
“Architecture for Human Space Exploration” course, highlighting the pedagogical strategies employed, the integration
of computational and immersive technologies, and the impact of these methodologies on students’ design outcomes
A Sustainability by Design Lesson Learned from Space
Full text linkSpace architecture involves the integration of multiple research disciplines to establish a framework for planning secure human settlements in Low
Earth Orbit (LEO), on the Moon, or on Mars. Designing sustainable and safe
habitats for space exploration requires a diverse range of skills and knowledge.
As humanity enters an era of venturing towards neighboring celestial bodies,
NASA's Artemis program envisions establishing permanent settlements at the
South Pole of the Moon. These settlements aim to serve as testing grounds for
future generations, fostering collaboration in the creation of joint infrastructures
akin to the International Space Station's cooperative model—a new paradigm of
an "ideal city" in a unique environment. The challenge of designing in extreme
space environments is being addressed through innovative approaches such as
computational design tools, topology optimization processes, and circular design methodologies
Monte Carlo analysis of dosimetric issues in space exploration
No full textThe Radiation protection is of paramount importance in the planning of human exploration activities in space. The related risks must be considered with respect to two aspects: devising a proper shielding and providing answers to the requirement of an effective dosimetry evaluation in astronaut’s activities. Both aspects have been considered using the Monte Carlo (MC) code MCNP 6.2 as the reference tool. As case study an application devised for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Artemis program has been chosen. The project aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, envisioning the realization of an outpost that will serve as a steppingstone for space exploration endeavors. A Class III shelter, in situ resource utilization (ISRU) built habitat for the Moon, has been designed through computational methods and topology optimization techniques, and analyzed in terms of radiation shielding performances and the strictly related structural behavior. The outpost must be able to withstand temperature variations, micrometeorite impacts, and the absence of a substantial atmosphere. Any solution studied to respect the constraints must devise robust and innovative materials and techniques to create habitats that have as goal the shielding from the Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and from the solar flares to provide a safe and habitable environment at the time scales scheduled for the missions. Moreover, the outpost design must incorporate strategies for extracting and utilizing local re- sources. Overcoming such challenges will pave the way for the establishment of a sustainable human presence on the Moon and serve as a crucial leap for future space exploration missions
Performative Building Skin Systems: a Morphogenomic Approach Towards Developing Real-Time Adaptive Building Skin Systems
No full textMorphogenomics, a relatively new research area, involves understanding the role played by information regulation in the emergence of diverse natural and artificially generated morphologies. Performative building skin systems as a bottom-up parametric formation of context aware interdependent, ubiquitously communicating components leading to the development of continually performative systems is one of the multi-scalar derivations of the aforementioned Morphogenomic understanding. The agenda of adaptations for these building skins specifically corresponds to three domains of adaptation: structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations resulting in kinetic adaptability, energy generation, conservation, transport and usage principles as well as material property based changes per component. The developed skins adapt in real time via operating upon ubiquitous communication and data-regulation protocols for sensing and processing contextual information. Computational processes and information technology based tools and techniques such as parametric design, real-time simulation using game design software, environmental information mapping, sensing and actuating systems coupled with inbuilt control systems as well as manufacturing physical models in collaboration with praxis form a vital part of these skin systems. These experiments and analysis based on developing intrinsic inter-dependencies between contextual data, structure and material logistics thus lay the foundation for a new era of continually performing, self powering, real-time adaptive intelligent building skin systems
L'eredità scientifica e morale di Arturo Danusso
No full textIl saggio ripercorre in modo critico l'attività di ricerca dell'ingegnere Arturo Danusso che, a quasi cinquant'anni dalla sua scomparsa, è ancora presente nei testi della letteratura scientifica. La rilevanza internazionale del suo pensiero, sia in relazione agli studi di ingegneria sismica che allo sviluppo di nuove concezioni per le strutture in cemento armato, quali ponti, edifici alti ed interventi di restauro, è ancora oggi estremamente significativa
Shape, Structure and Material Compliance with Radiation Protection Requirements for Extraplanetary Modules
No full textThis research aims to explore a design solution for an innovative extraplanetary module that combines architectural design, structure and radiation protection for sustaining human life on Mars.
The WATER (Water shielded Architectural Tree for Extraplanetary Resiliency) module is designed in order to increment the use of local resources (In Situ Resources Utilization) and robotic fabrication techniques for remote construction before human arrival on Mars.
The key element of the design is the water that can be extracted from the substrate of the Martian regolith. Water plays an essential role in both in supporting life and protecting humans inside the habitat. Because of the reduced gravity and the fine atmosphere, the major load that a structure has to withstand on Mars is the internal pressurization. To balance that load and have a more efficient foundation system, the structure needs to be covered by a thick layer of water that is also extremely important for shielding against the harmful cosmic radiation.
In fact, it is well known that a major threat to extraplanetary exploration is given by high energy cosmic particles and gamma fluxes. This work deals with the radiation protection constraints that should be considered for the WATER module, designed as an optimized possible long term habitat for Mars. The main materials considered for the module are the Martian regolith and, with respect to radiation shielding, the water that will be driven to fill the layer between the external and internal surfaces that will sustain the exposed external structures.
The simulations, carried out with a standard Monte Carlo code like MCNPX and MCNP6, that is able to directly analyze the mesh geometries coming from the WATER module structural Finite Element model, define the optimal conditions in terms of shielding thickness and layer’s material composition.
As output of the analysis, expositions and doses, that the inhabitants of these future architecture should bear, have been obtained.
The final shielding configuration is integrated in the Finite Element model of the project for the structural analysis. The results prove that the water content, subjected to the Martian gravity, helps reducing the tensile stresses inside the structure due to the internal pressurization
Spiritualità e conoscenza nel lavoro dell'ingegnere
No full textIl libro raccoglie tutti gli scritti di Arturo Danusso, saggi dispersi in pubblicazioni introvabili ed occasionali, lezioni e conferenze di fatto irreperibili, da cui emerge la forza etica e la dimensione spirituale della sua concezione scientifica: la suggestiva documentazione di una visione in cui scienza e morale si integrano nella consapevolezza che l'impegno più importante richiesto a un progettista è soprattutto quello di fare bene il proprio mestiere
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