DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR A BUILDING SYSTEM IN REGARDS STRUCTURAL AND ENVIROMENTAL FACTORS

Problem:

The exploration of human colonization options located in extra-terrestrial environments is imperative. Exploration beyond Earth provides alternatives to diminishing resources and ever-increasing disasters occurring on our planet.  For decades, modularity has been considered a fundamental design approach for successful space exploration, as it is efficient, economical, transportable and demountable. In today’s field of architecture, which is embracing CD processes, the opportunity to re-interpret the concept of modularity exists. Digital fabrication techniques are becoming more sophisticated and are enabling the seamless production of highly differentiated parts. Although much research remains to be undertaken, these systems offer tremendous potential as we seek to construct in extra-terrestrial environments. Therefore, in response to the In-Situ Materials Challenge on Mars described by the NASA, T-Brick Shell scheme is developed.

Technology:

This invention relates to a method for design and the manufacture of a building system, more particularly, to a modular system for system of interlockable bricks and similar structures from said bricks.

Advantages:

•With the proposed methodology, it is possible to translate current research on Earth to generate liveable systems at extra-terrestrial environments.

•T-Brick Shell reflects flexibility in design with a new understanding of modularity. 

•T-Brick Shell responds to the environmental conditions, harness alien resources and meet performance criteria of an environment beyond Earth, such as Mars. 

•The proposed system is able to generate highly flexible outputs that can be adapted into various design scenarios with the ability to accommodate various spatial and programmatic requirements.

•The methodology developed has the potential to be used on both Earth and extra-terrestrial environments.

Related Publications:

Yazici, S. 2017, Building in Extraterrestrial Environments: T-Brick Shell, Journal of Architectural Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers, 24(1): 04017037

TRL 3