The world is overwhelmed with Energy Problems as the constantly increasing Global Demand for Energy collides with the scarce and rapidly diminishing Fossil Fuels.
These circumstances have been exacerbated by the conflicts between powerful countries for Energy Security.
Helium-3 is the only Clean Energy Source by which the global energy crisis could be solved.
The proposed project is a Mega Scale Infrastructure System to bridge the Earth and the Moon to transport Helium-3. The proposed design is a Spaceport for Space Elevators which would transport Helium-3 and Astronauts.
Exterior
The idea of the Exterior view is to make the whole building look like Floating Worlds which creates an excitement about the journey to come - exploring the grandest of mysteries - the Cosmos. In addition, the overall mega infrastructure system is depicted by the elevators that go up and down.
Materials
ETFE is used to create a translucent and unique exterior view.
The incredible Strength to Mass Ratio of Carbon Nanotubes is used to construct tall columns of smaller diameters to create an illusion of floating worlds.
Check-In Area
As the journey starts from the Entrance where you see a glimpse of the Space Elevator, you are guided to the Check-in area where the whole view of the Space Elevator is covered and controlled. Anyhow the interior spaces are arranged in such a way to arouse the curiosity of the mind of the passenger. The shops are strategically positioned to control the view of the passenger to create an experience of curiosity driven exploration.
Materials
Black Terrazzo: The unique appearance of the contrast of colours of black and light shades of grey gives an idea of exploration and depicts an image of the Cosmos.
Teflon Coated Fibreglass Fabrics: The slight translucent nature creates a mind set of wonder and mystery.
Departure Lounge
The whole journey from the entrance to the boarding gate is an experience of exploration to the mind of the curious passenger. At the Departure Lobby, the Space Elevator can be viewed without any control of the view. While the 30’-0” high glazed wall provides a clear view of the Space Elevator, areas with glazed flooring provides a view of different functions carried out at the ground level including cargo handling, control units, maintenance, power beaming units.
Materials
Honed Brazilian Black Slate Tiles: The unique appearance of the Honed finish with hues of natural colours gives an idea of different paths of exploration.
Honed Brazilian Black Slate Tiles: The unique appearance of the Honed finish with hues of natural colours gives an idea of different paths of exploration.
Blackened Steel; The building structure itself is used to enhance the design aesthetics and contrast with the effect of ETFE and Honed Brazilian Black Slate.
The Knowledge Hub
This space is allocated on the Common lobby area. The purpose of this space is to educate the visitors about the Cosmos and the whole journey towards the Stars, thus attract more clients. The space is designed to create an atmosphere of a spaceship. Further the spaces within are positioned in such a way to create curiosity by controlling the view of the visitors which makes it a journey of exploring knowledge.
Materials
Optical Fibre: Translucent nature of these materials are used to create more excitement and curiosity
Stainless Steel Flooring - Mesh Screen: Refelctive qualities of the material, is used to enhance the light coming from the interactive screen.
Block Planning
The most critical aspect of the whole building design is the allocation of spaces to facilitate effective and efficient circulation of cargo and passengers.
Two separate access roads are provided for cargo and passengers. In addition, the Spaces are strategically organized around the Space Elevator at different levels to carry out different functions at separate areas in such a way that it doesn’t disturb the other functions.
Initial Concept model
We have been wonderers since we ever learnt how to stand from our feet. The early humans started to collect data about our environment and our place in the Cosmos. With time, curiosity driven exploration led us to the stars: from which we have emerged.
With the date collected from subsequent exploration projects, we came to understand that the Earth is one small element of a massive expanding universe. Now the humans are trying to understand the basic elements that the worlds are made out of and to terraform them to expand our existence.
