The Cognitive Dome: Built to Enhance Psychological Benefits

As an aspiring architectural engineer who hopes to design space habitats, I created The Cognitive Dome, a space habitat for third-generation settlement on the Moon. After researching precedent habitat designs, I noticed that many proposed designs were not ideal for human habitation; the lack of space and entertainment can cause heavy psychological damages. It is important to note that The Cognitive Dome is a third-generation habitat; this means that it is assumed there is already established settlement on the Moon. During this third-generation period, there is more possibility for creativity and time to enhance habitants’ lives, as there has already been settlement. Therefore, the mission of The Cognitive Dome was to improve psychological attributes for humans to establish sustainable living conditions on the Moon, while also maintaining feasibility and resourcing.

Revit 2024

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If Built:

• Metals from ISRU, including aluminum, iron, titanium, and magnesium
• Lunar Regolith
• Planting
• Water from the South Pole of the lunar surface
• Pressurized Oxygen

To start off, I researched many proposed structures to gain a sense of understanding about lunar habitats. I was particularly intrigued by the 1989 Lacus Veris. Proposed by NASA, it featured a dome-shaped inflatable structure of five main levels and a lunar regolith exterior. I found the regolith exterior (lunar soil) quite interesting, and, after further digging, realized that this utilization of material from the Moon was known as in-situ resourcing. The regolith had properties that could protect against radiation, lunar dust, and a variety of other environmental concerns. I decided to apply this to my own design. Additionally, I noticed that the inflatable structure was large, which I also found applicable to The Cognitive Dome, but lacked recreational activities, which could be psychological detrimental to the habitants. I kept this in mind during the program analysis stage. Finally, I considered the type of habitat; I decided to precede with a ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization) structure that was pressurized, as this is a third-generation habitat. Rigid structures (first-generation) and inflatables (second-generation) both have drawbacks, such as heavy weight, or low structural stability. With ISRU structures, the lunar regolith is used to build the structure. The regolith is composed of a variety of materials, including iron, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium. I chose aluminum for the structural beams and supports of the structure due to its resiliency and tensile strength.

I began to make primal sketches of my vision for The Cognitive Dome. I envisioned the structure to be composed of three levels. Level I was a public area with recreational activities, such as golfing, chess, 8-ball, and table tennis. Level II was semi-public, with planting areas for survival, lab tables, and workstations that were pod-like. Level III is private, with resting spaces, bathrooms, and a quiet research room. Main themes in The Cognitive Dome were addressing psychological concerns for crewmates through recreational activities, creating an open space for human interaction, and maintaining curvature of the structure. In addition to fun activities like golfing, chess, and table tennis, I also designed The Cognitive Dome to ensure human contact. For example, the dining table was purposely rounded to encourage the habitants to socialize with one another during meals. The research center contained tables that were relatively nearby one another to promote communication. Last but not least, I wanted to focus on circular motion within The Cognitive Dome. I attempted this through pod-like workstations, and arranged rooms, like the planting areas, the follow along a circular path. I prioritized curvature as circular rooms can allow habitants to wander around, while direct structures where humans can move from one point to another quickly can result in boredom and lead to a monotonous lifestyle.

With an idea of how I wanted to design The Cognitive Dome, I decided to move on to 3D modeling. I started off with a dome, then followed up with the designs of each room. Between the initial sketches and digital modeling, I made several adjustments in the structure, such as the arrangement of the tables on the third floor. My final designs are above.

With the final floor plans designed, I rendering the building. Attached are several screenshots I took of The Cognitive Dome.

The Cognitive Dome focuses on a goal to improve space habitats’ designs through psychological considerations and in-situ resourcing. By utilizing metals from the lunar regolith, this reduces the weight of ex-situ materials that spaceships need to carry over to the lunar surface, therefore decreasing cost. By utilizing the regolith for materials and as a shield against environmental concerns, like radiation and dust storms, we are maximizing the lunar environment to its full potential. By addressing psychological concerns through recreational activities and facilitating human interaction, we are creating a sustainable and resilient design where humans can survive on the lunar surface for a long period of time.