The project investigates lighting conditions for a lunar habitat based around the south pole. On the one hand, the design addresses the challenges of extreme heat and radiation from direct sunlight through architectural techniques for capturing and storing daylight in this context. On the other hand, the design explores the psychological impact of light and colour on the inhabitants and aims to generate a range of atmospheric solutions. The design process employs pioneering AI visualization techniques based on established architectural precedents to create atmospheres that are used as generators of architectural forms.
Primarily, the project is based on the concept of creating various atmospheric effects by capturing and manipulating sunlight using different techniques and using it to provide a spectrum of colours. We recognise that each colour will have a certain psychological impact on the inhabitants. Using warm colours, for instance, can create a visually comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, while cool colours can increase performance and reduce stress. The final design, thus, explores 5 types of atmospheric conditions which were developed using several architectural precedents from architects that use light and colour in their work, such as Peter Zumthor or Luis Barragan.
The precedents were divided into 5 sets and were used to generate new interior atmospheres using an AI image generator. Each set defined a certain interior atmosphere, such as appropriate for living areas, leisure or work etc. Starting with these AI visualisations, the design then aimed to develop the required architectural form by incorporating the movement of the Sun around the Lunar South Pole. The project required further research and experimentation into methods of protecting against extreme heat and radiation where lead filters as well as spectral diffusers were employed to manipulate the light. While further research is still required, this project begins the conversation into an important topic of future space exploration which addresses human psychological needs for light and colour.