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Can Architects Apply Sandstorm Mitigation Strategies From Earth to Dust Storms on Mars?

Part 1 Dissertation 2021
Izaak Gilbert
University of Lincoln Lincoln | UK
“Either we must leave the Earth or we will perish. There is no other way” – Michio Kaku, 2019.

Humanity is currently obsessed with Mars, whether it be due to new scientific discoveries or the fear Earth is becoming uninhabitable, prompting the need for a new home.

This new interest in colonising Mars has inspired several architectural practices to engage with space exploration companies to design colonies for Mars.

Whilst these abstract colonies are very pleasing to the eye, they are not ‘Mars-Proof’. In reality they would be overrun by the planet-wide dust storms that take over the surface of Mars. These storms contain heavy metals and micro-particles that pose challenges for both equipment and human health. This dissertation explores the possible forms which could support habitation and be resilient in the face of Martian storms.

Using sandstorm mitigation strategies currently employed on Earth, Simscale modelling shows solutions such as the Great Plains Shelterbelt, Sand-Fences (commonly used on coastlines), and form and massing of very tall buildings can be applied to other environments.

The dissertation concludes by recommending both specific and combinatory options as optimum to inform structural forms on Mars.

Izaak Gilbert

Tutor(s)
Özlem Duran
Prof Peter Fawcett
2021
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