Design for Sustainability and Inclusion in Space. How New European Bauhaus Principles Drive Nature & Parastronauts Projects

This book presents innovative research and projects in the field of sustainability and inclusion in space, demonstrating the crucial role of design in improving the quality of extra-terrestrial habitats and the well-being of astronauts. The text explores the theme of sustainability through a historical overview of astrobotany studies from the 1920s to the present day. It then discusses the develop-ment of gardens in microgravity, referencing ESA’s MELISSA, which was launched in the late 1980s and has been active for over 30 years, as well as NASA’s Veggie experiments, from the first one in 2014 to the most recent one in 2023. The text also introduces the new and revolutionary theme of inclusion, which is expected to have a significant impact on the history of human space exploration. The ESA Parastronaut Fly! Feasibility Project launched in 2022 represents the first step towards exploring the feasibility of human habitation in space, with a focus on the challenges posed by confined environments and reduced gravity. The focus of the book is on Space Design. Its aim is to stimulate new reflec-tions on the “future nature” and “disability in space” and to answer many questions through new projects. The book examines the importance of designing for space and its implications. It also considers the possibility of microalgae cultivation on the Moon and how reduced gravity affects plants and humans. Additionally, it raises the question of whether disabled people may develop different abilities in microgravity. To meet these challenges, the concept of “avant-garde” Space Design is proposed, which involves designing sensory environments that consider not only functional aspects but also physiological and emotional factors that significantly influence human behaviour. The design process for addressing these considerations and proposing new solu-tions is based on a multidisciplinary approach and the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB), a project launched by the European Community with the aim of designing sustainable, inclusive and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. The case studies supporting the themes of “future nature” and “disability in space”, developed by the Space Design Lab_PoliMi and the Space4InspirAction MSc course with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), have been selected by the 1st Festival of the New European Bauhaus in 2022. The projects explore new solu-tions based on two disruptive concepts: “symbiotic relationship between humans and nature” and “prosthetic objects” to enhance human performances in space.