Life beyond Space: Responsible Advanced Design for new balances between space habitats and the human factor

Designing habitats for Deep Space is considered a highly complex area of investigation, not only because it involves extreme and unfamiliar environments in which humans live under conditions never experienced in other domains, but also due to the multitude of international stakeholders, interdisciplinary approaches, and research centers engaged in the conceptualization, value chain development, and sustainment of livability for future inhabitants. The aim of this research project is not to define a perfect, standardized solution to universally improve the well-being of future space habitat users or the learning paths of future stakeholders in the field. Rather, it seeks to propose a more interdisciplinary and contamination-friendly approach to design open to both domain and out-of-domain inputs. “Thus, it is apparent that the human is the most fragile and variable element in the system” (Meusburger & Bishop, p. 180), and each person reacts and perceives extreme, confined conditions differently. However, enabling a degree of spatial variability, even through small product systems or experiential adjustments, can support adaptation and prosperity in extraterrestrial environments. For designers or entrepreneurs, confronting constraints far beyond their usual scope—such as limited mobility, zero gravity, breathable air confined to enclosed systems, or lack of access to resources beyond those already present in the station— forces a shift in design approach. It calls for a focus on factors of survival, uncertainty, emotional response, and well-being, while imagining what cannot yet be experienced firsthand. This design mindset can also be transferred to other temporary or permanent extreme or confined contexts (Inglese et al., 2024). In fact, the research is now expanding to address additional aspects: designing for the space sector through an open innovation model rooted in sustainability and Made in Italy know-how (from both space and non-space sectors) is revealing strategies and experimental approaches that may be transferable to other complex challenges on Earth, such as those stemming from natural disasters (floods, desertification, etc.) or other emerging crises.