\u201cToday, more than ever, we look to space as an achievable future home, and even a solution to on-going human survival,\u201d Barrow says. \u201cHowever, liveability not survivability should be the standard, or an off-world civilisation will not be sustainable.\u201d<\/p>\n
The project saw her engage with a multidisciplinary team of experts in urban design, water sustainability, agriculture, biodiversity and the environment, and planetary science.<\/p>\n
\u201cI undertook a three-part \u2018enquiry by design\u2019 process to determine how urban design can contribute to viability and create liveability,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis knowledge informed a set of urban design principles that would satisfy all of our human viable and liveable needs \u2013 achieving a sustainable off-world colony.\u201d<\/p>\n
Top of the list is urban self-sufficiency \u2013 including growing food, replenishing water and maintaining a comfortable climate \u2013 which Barrow says is vital for long-term survivability and financial viability on Mars.<\/p>\n
\u201cSelf-sufficiency is not only necessary given the distance from Earth and expense of space flight, but also removes the ripple effect of catastrophe if a doomsday event were to occur [on Earth].\u201d<\/p>\n
Design flexibility and adaptability is a second important aspect, making the city responsive to changing human needs, and ensuring land and modular building materials are used and re-used efficiently, with little or no waste.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll elements of the urban realm should be multi-functional rather than possess a singular use or purpose,\u201d she says. \u201cIndividual modules should be able to function independently, but also contribute to wider outcomes of holistic and integrated place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barrow\u2019s concept for a Martian city comprises a compact, below-ground, multi-layered spiralling tunnel. Her design maximises the use of space while sheltering the city from the harsh, barren environment, a surface temperature of minus 60\u00b0C and the threat of asteroid impacts, which occur up to 200 times per Martian year (687 Earth days).<\/p>\n
![\"Concept](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Martian-City-Tunnel.jpg\")
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Inside the tunnel, the city is designed with human wellbeing in mind \u2013 stimulating all five human senses while mitigating feelings of isolation and claustrophobia. There are wetland and biological environments, waterfalls, animal murals, private spaces, a range of crops for a varied diet, and public open spaces for relaxation and entertainment.<\/p>\n
![\"Concept](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Martian-City-Internal-Perspective-2.jpg\")
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Socially, Barrow sees mental stimulation, social interaction and connection to place as powerful drivers in creating a city where people will eventually identify as ethnic Martians.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a significant need to reinforce existing place connection with Earth \u2013 maintaining consistent communications, celebrating cultural events and building familiar environments. However, we must maintain balance between this and creating new connection and identity,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
![\"Concept](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Martian-City-Internal-Perspective.jpg\")
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