Creative Horizons – Speculative and Human-Centred Space Architecture

Explore how architecture in extreme environments can reframe identity, community and human experience, while developing visionary frameworks for extraterrestrial living.

Timetable

1. Introduction to Space Architecture – 6h

Habitat evolution and architecture as cultural narrative.

2. Human Experience in Extreme Environments – 10h

Isolation, confinement, circadian disruption, social implications and VR.

3. Speculative and Narrative-Driven Design – 12h

Science fiction, symbolic habitats, aesthetics and generative tools.

4. Earth ↔ Space Reciprocity – 8h

Scarcity, circularity, closed-loop living and sustainable housing.

5. Conceptual Habitat Design Workshop – 14h

Visionary lunar or Martian settlements centred on story and experience.

6. Entrepreneurship in Visionary Habitat Design – 10h

Business models, Earth applications, investor presentations and pitching.

Assessment

Group design project · 30%
Business model & pitch · 20%
Written reflection · 20%
Final examination · 30%

Integrated learning pathway

Concept. Substantiation. Application.

The sequence deliberately connects creative exploration with engineering evidence and entrepreneurial translation.

1. Frame the challenge
   Understand environmental, cultural and human constraints.
2. Imagine the habitat
   Build a coherent spatial, experiential and narrative concept.
3. Engineer the system
   Select materials, structures, life support and energy architectures.
4. Validate feasibility
   Use digital models, VR/AR scenarios and system-level assessment.
5. Translate value
   Develop IP, business models and terrestrial application