Thinking about the work of Superstudio and Archizoom’s No-Stop City, the elements of space and blankness inspired me to question the very foundation of the built environment – Earth. We build our entire lives around the physical limitations Earth imposes, so I asked, “What would our environment look like if we built it completely from scratch?”
Given differences in geography, politics, and economics, not all people are considered free. My goal was to create a physically free environment, one shaped by humans rather than Earth. I studied several space habitat concepts dating back to the 1970s and while they support some practical features such as artificial gravity, urban design is largely mimicked.
My concept revolves around two core elements: gravity-producing microcommunities and individual transport pods. Each microcommunity serves as a hub and living complex for certain interests, lifestyles, and means of interaction. In my project, I depict the Single, Committed, and University Microcommunities, each designed for high mobility and fluidity. The largest Neighborhood community is a more permanent living solution, common to how things are structured today. Connecting all of these are the individual transport pods, making transportation free for everyone.
the neighborhood
The Neighborhood is the largest community of Project Spaceland and is considered the default living solution as it is the closest resemblance to the ways of life on Earth. These all-in-one communities contain many of the essentials required for modern living. This more permanent living solution facilitates long-term relationships and sense of community.
the single microcommunity
The Single Microcommunity is fundamentally designed around the modular lifestyle. When the idea of a permanent living solution isn’t desired, these microcommunities provide stops for those on the adventurous journey of life.
the university microcommunity
The University Microcommunity is the complete live and learn package. Each university complex is specific to a field of study and provides students with individual housing. This microcommunity is designed not only to advance one’s understanding of a topic, but to introduce people to others with similar interests.
the committed microcommunity
The Committed Microcommunity bridges the gap that the Single and Neighborhood complexes void. Combining the ideas of fluidity in lifestyle with a more permanent sense of community. The Committed Microcommunity tailors to those who have lasting partners but still seek flexibility in where they live and the people they spend their time with.
the pod
The Pod is the universal transportation device used to get to and from community complexes. It provides a zero-gravity environment for up to two people with an auto-piloted system capable of long-range travel. Fit with basic necessities, the most adventurous people can find themselves living more in the Pod than any of the community complexes.
