Cross-disciplinary mastery
Connect architecture, aerospace engineering, digital tools, sustainability and human factors.
CREST · DEXTER Master Class
Space Architecture
Designing habitats for extreme environments
A 120-hour interdisciplinary programme connecting architecture, aerospace engineering, materials science, environmental systems, digital design and human-centred innovation.
- 120 h
- Total learning time
- 2
- Complementary courses
- 12
- Teaching sections
- 1
- Integrated design pathway
Why this course
Extreme environments require integrated design thinking.
Space architecture goes beyond conventional building practice. It combines speculative creativity with material science, environmental systems engineering and human factors to address radiation, altered gravity, thermal extremes, resource scarcity and psychological well-being.
The same design logic is relevant on Earth. Closed-loop water and waste systems, renewable energy, modular construction and resource-efficient materials can support resilient housing, off-grid infrastructure and emergency response in vulnerable environments.
Vision-driven innovation
Use extreme scenarios to develop adaptable, resilient and resource-efficient design strategies.
Professional versatility
Prepare for work across aerospace, future cities, sustainable construction and design research.
Systems-level judgement
Balance engineering feasibility, human experience, aesthetics and environmental constraints.
Course presentation
Discover the learning journey.
Course presentation video
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Programme structure
Two courses. One integrated habitat-design pathway.
Students first build a human-centred and narrative concept, then apply materials, structures, environmental systems and feasibility analysis to substantiate it.
Course 01 · 60 hours
Creative Horizons: Speculative and Human-Centred Space Architecture
Explore how architecture in extreme environments can reframe identity, community and human experience, while developing visionary frameworks for extraterrestrial living.
Introduction to Space Architecture
Habitat evolution and architecture as cultural narrative.
Human Experience in Extreme Environments
Isolation, confinement, circadian disruption, social implications and VR.
Speculative and Narrative-Driven Design
Science fiction, symbolic habitats, aesthetics and generative tools.
Earth ↔ Space Reciprocity
Scarcity, circularity, closed-loop living and sustainable housing.
Conceptual Habitat Design Workshop
Visionary lunar or Martian settlements centred on story and experience.
Entrepreneurship in Visionary Habitat Design
Business models, Earth applications, investor presentations and pitching.
Assessment
Group design project · 30%
Business model & pitch · 20%
Written reflection · 20%
Final examination · 30%
Course 02 · 60 hours
Materials, Systems, and Engineering of Extraterrestrial Habitats
Substantiate habitat concepts through feasible construction methods, environmental systems, material selection, structural integration and sustainable technologies.
Environmental Challenges
Radiation, thermal extremes, dust, vacuum, atmosphere and gravity effects.
Materials and Construction Strategies
ISRU, regolith composites, 3D printing, deployables and smart materials.
Life Support and Environmental Systems
Air, water, waste, energy harvesting, thermal control and pressurisation.
Structural and Systems Integration
Modularity, liveability, scalability and VR/AR construction scenarios.
Technical Substantiation Workshop
Materials, structural models, integration and feasibility assessment.
Innovation and IP in Space Construction
IP strategy, technology transfer, finance and investor-facing demonstrations.
Assessment
Technical feasibility report · 30%
VR/AR prototype · 20%
Group venture brief · 20%
Final examination · 30%
Integrated learning pathway
Concept. Substantiation. Application.
The sequence deliberately connects creative exploration with engineering evidence and entrepreneurial translation.
- 01Frame the challenge
Understand environmental, cultural and human constraints.
- 02Imagine the habitat
Build a coherent spatial, experiential and narrative concept.
- 03Engineer the system
Select materials, structures, life support and energy architectures.
- 04Validate feasibility
Use digital models, VR/AR scenarios and system-level assessment.
- 05Translate value
Develop IP, business models and terrestrial applications.
Start the programme
Enter the DEXTER online learning platform.
Access course videos, learning materials, activities and assessment resources.
