Design (Space Architecture and Extreme Environments), MSD

Program Overview

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The Master of Science in Design with a concentration in Space Architecture and Extreme Environments at The Design School equips students with the knowledge and skills to create sustainable habitats, structures, and systems for future space missions and inhabitation. This unique program combines elements of architecture, aerospace engineering, industrial design, and environmental design, preparing students for rewarding careers in designing sustainable living and working spaces for humanity in space.

Program Outline

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Design (Space Architecture and Extreme Environments), MSD

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master of Science in Design (MSD) with a concentration in Space Architecture and Extreme Environments at The Design School is designed for students passionate about shaping the future of human habitation beyond Earth. This unique program combines elements of architecture, aerospace engineering, industrial design, and environmental design, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to create sustainable habitats, structures, and systems for future space missions and inhabitation. It breaks down traditional barriers and connects learners to the emerging space sector through partnerships with pioneers in the field.

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Objectives:

• Students will investigate how to live on another planet while discovering ways to improve lives on Earth.
• They will delve into human factors in space, limited resource utilization, microgravity effects, and psychological well-being in extreme environments.
• Students will learn in state-of-the-art facilities and have access to leading experts in space architecture and extreme environments.
• The program prepares students for rewarding careers in designing sustainable living and working spaces for humanity in space.
• It involves exploring, learning, and adapting to extreme environments to design habitats, structures, and systems for an interplanetary future.

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Description:

This program addresses the growing need for professionals who can design and build sustainable habitats for humans in space. As we move towards establishing a permanent human presence on other planets, the need for architects and engineers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of space environments becomes increasingly critical. This program equips students with the skills and knowledge to:

• Design and build sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing habitats
• Consider the psychological and social needs of humans living in space
• Minimize environmental impact
• Adapt to the challenges of extreme environments
The program also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation. Students will work alongside students from other disciplines and with leading experts in the field to develop creative solutions for the challenges of living and working in space.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• The program combines elements of architecture, aerospace engineering, industrial design, and environmental design.
• Students will learn about:
• Human factors in space
• Limited resource utilization
• Microgravity effects
• Psychological well-being in extreme environments
• Design and construction of sustainable habitats
• Space architecture and engineering principles
• Students will also have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as:
• Environmental control and life support systems design
• Extraterrestrial habitat design
• Space tourism experience design
• Space visual graphic design

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Structure:

• The program is 36 credit hours in total.
• Students will take 9 core courses, 3 research methods courses, 15 elective courses, 3 research credit hours, and a culminating experience (thesis or applied project).
• The program is offered on a full-time basis and can be completed in 2 years.

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Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters.

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Individual Modules:

• The program is divided into the following modules:
• Core Courses
• Research Methods
• Electives
• Research
• Culminating Experience

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Core Courses:

• DSC 501 Qualitative Research in Design (3 credit hours)
• DSC 550 Prototyping Futures (3 credit hours)
• IND 544 Human Factors Systems and Documentation (3 credit hours)
• DSC 500 Research Methods (3 credit hours)

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Research Methods:

• Students will take 3 courses in research methods to gain the skills necessary to conduct independent research.

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Electives:

• Students can choose from a wide range of electives offered by The Design School and collaborating units.
• Electives allow students to tailor their education to align with their research interests and career objectives.

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Research:

• Students will conduct research on a topic related to space architecture and extreme environments.
• This research will culminate in a thesis or applied project.

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Culminating Experience:

• Students can choose between a traditional thesis or an applied project.
• The thesis is a written document that presents the results of the student's research.
• The applied project is an opportunity for hands-on experience in solving practical challenges within extreme environments.

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Assessment:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Exams
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Portfolios
• The specific assessment methods used will vary depending on the course.

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are leading experts in space architecture and extreme environments.
• The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, discussions, and hands-on projects.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Design School's Fabrication Lab and the Human Spaceflight Laboratory.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the program can pursue careers as:
• Space architects
• Space artists
• Space eco-tourism consultants
• Space industry analysts
• Space industry consultants
• Space industrial designers
• Space interior designers
• Space tourism experience designers
• Space visual graphic designers
• They can also specialize for roles specific to the aerospace industry such as:
• Aerospace entrepreneur
• Environmental control and life support systems designer
• Environmental impact assessor
• Environmental scientist
• Extraterrestrial habitat designer
• Planetary designer
• Science communicator
• Graduates also have the skills to work outside the space industry as:
• Educators
• Human factors specialists
• Materials scientists
• Sustainable design consultants
• Urban space planners

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Other:

• The program provides students with a unique opportunity to combine their passion for design with their interest in space exploration.
• Students will be at the forefront of designing the future of human habitation in space.
• The program is committed to providing students with a comprehensive and rigorous education that prepares them for successful careers in the space industry.