In space, the senses are confused, the theories are tested, and spiritualities are nurtured. The fundamental ways to make sense of the presence of one self is subverted. A new worldview, a new advancement is on the verge of happening.
The future space generation would definitely develop a new way of understanding, and a new sense of belonging that is totally different from the one we currently have. A breakthrough in philosophy, humanity and spirituality is bound to happen.
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The project explores how the strangeness and excitement of the space experience could facilitate the formation of a new worldview and new self-identity:
- THESIS DESIGN STUDIO: FLIRTING WITH SPACE -
The Cosmic-ian Space Agora
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COSMIC-IAN, the space agora designed to facilitate the philosophical quest of the ‘self and universe’, is a satellite research institution providing long term accommodation for various academics in space, allowing them to fully experience the space-bound life and the absence of earth-bound limitation, physically, psychologically and philosophically. Public debate and ideas exchange on the issue of “’self and universe’, ’of “identity’ is promoted.
The transforming site liberates the architecture from a fixed, earth-, or, ‘planet’-bound configuration. Floating around in space along an orbit, the best of the space bound experience and outer space views could be captured. The orbital movement also allows for regular re-engagement with planet earth for boarding and alighting Cosmic-ian and for refilling of consumable resources from earth.
From research, the best travel zone would be between earth and slightly beyond mars, i.e. a Mars Transfer Trajectory. This route stays within the habitable zone which minimizes both physical and technological strain on travelers and spacecraft design. Orbiting around the sun, the route also allows the viewing of both the inner and outer planets as well as a full comprehension of the reachable and unreachable distance. The most promising Mars Transfer Trajectory proposed by scientists today is the Aldrin Cycler Model. Cosmic-ian will set off in year 2033 and will travel in a single eccentric loop around the sun for 2.135 years.
The Philosophical Quest of 'Self and Universe'
Transforming Location
To enhance the strangeness and the impact of each view, the structure is designed to transform at each epiphany point. The structure of Cosmic-ian takes inspiration from a mobile sculpture and a bola space habitat design proposed by scientists in late 1970s. Both systems value the term ‘equilibrium’ and an intricate balance of forces, a peaceful and harmony state of matter that echoes with many philosophical views and spiritual goals in the quest of self and universe. The structure requires only one primary support point, allowing different ‘arms’ to move relatively freely from one another. This dispersity promises great degree of flexibility and movement, maximizing the diversity of formal configuration of the spacecraft.
5 layers of considerations were taken into account - the technical requirement, physical health, psychological health, enlightenment opportunities and supporting facilities needed.
Epiphany Points
During this space-bound journey, Cosmic-ian will move away from earth towards mars in 5-month time, passing beyond the mars orbit into the abyss for about 16 months, and return to earth in another 5-month period. There will be 6 critical moments along the journey, i.e. at site 0%, 7.69% 19.23%, 50%, 80.77% and 100%, that would definitely blow the travelers away and spark the formation of new world view. These moments are identified as the Epiphany Points.
Transforming Physical Structure
Transforming of Mind
The forms adapted for the main part of Cosmic-ian, i.e. the common rooms, are all 'impossible' forms, i.e. mathematical geometric shapes that are either non-constructible as a building or that could not be fully experienced on earth.
The surreal 'impossible' forms would fuel the transformation of mind.
The basic shape is an umbilic torus, a single edge 3d shape with a single continuous surface. This infinite loop can never be fully explored and experienced on earth because our movements are limited by gravity. The same goes for the trefoil knot, a knot that cannot be untie without cutting. We can experience it as an object on earth but never as an interior space. The blending of inside and outside in the Klein bottle structure is also another complex spatial arrangement to be comprehended on earth.
The level of complexity and confusion offered in each common room varies, but they all challenge the understanding and mind of the travelers. If you are confused, puzzled and lost, finding these space difficult to grasp and comprehend, that's good, because this is exactly what this project, the cosmic-ian, is about. That is to take advantage of the special and unique qualities of the outer space - be it the views, the weightlessness, or the loss of senses, to spark and introduce a new angle and perspective of thinking, to reevaluate the understanding of ourselves, of the world, and of the universe.
Re-evaluation of Self, World and Universe
