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Space Architecture for DOMUS

James Webb Space Telescope reveals a 50 light-years-wide portion of the Milky Way's dense centre. Pic: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Samuel Crowe (UVA)

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Space Architecture: a Domus column by Valentina Sumini

Space architecture is rapidly evolving, merging design, engineering, and human factors to create sustainable extraterrestrial habitats. The Domus column on Space Architecture by Valentina Sumini, space architect and Research Affiliate at MIT Space Exploration Initiative, explores these developments, bringing expert insights and research-driven perspectives to a broader audience. Through monthly articles, the column highlights advancements in computational design, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, extended reality (XR) applications, In Situ Resources Utilization (ISRU), and sustainability strategies shaping the future of space habitats.

The first two published articles set the stage for this exploration. The January 2025 edition introduced a discussion on designing sustainable habitats for the Moon and Mars, featuring insights from Dava Newman, MIT Media Lab Director, and Gui Trotti, space architect and professor at Arizona State University. The conversation emphasized modularity, closed-loop systems, and the role of AI in constructing self-sufficient and sustainable, environments beyond Earth. Key takeaways included the importance of adaptable structures, resource-efficient architecture, and human-centered design in generating extraterrestrial living spaces.

The February 2025 article focused on the experience of Paolo Nespoli, an astronaut who spent 313 days aboard the International Space Station. His perspective offered valuable lessons on habitability, isolation, and the psychological and physiological needs of astronauts in confined environments. Nespoli highlighted the necessity of innovative architectural solutions that promote mental and physical well-being, emphasizing the impact of spatial organization, sensory design, and the integration of recreational spaces in space habitats.

The March 2025 article focused on the interview with Sandra Häuplik-Meusburger, a leading expert in space habitability and a professor at TU Wien. Her perspective highlights the crucial lessons learned from the first space stations—Mir, Skylab, and the ISS—as we move toward a future in which these habitats will also be shaped by AI and adaptable environments.

The April 2025 article featured an interview with Georgi Petrov, an architect and structural engineer at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, about the first lunar city: the Moon Village—an international collaboration between ESA, SOM, and MIT. The master plan for the Moon Village follows a linear model along the crater rim—a flexible, scalable approach that adapts to the Moon’s unique topography and environment.

Each article in this Domus column will explore several themes, drawing from conversations with leading experts and ongoing research initiatives. As space exploration moves toward permanent human presence beyond Earth, fostering knowledge exchange between architecture, engineering, and technology will be key.

Stay tuned for upcoming articles!

https://www.domusweb.it/it/notizie/gallery/2025/01/07/domus-1097-in-edicola.html