With so many problems to solve here on Earth, affecting such huge numbers of
people, the design of space habitats had never felt like a top priority for the studio.
But in late 2023, following a series of exciting conversations, a collaboration with
MIT graduate and space design entrepreneur and researcher Ariel Ekblaw has
resulted in the studio’s first project for space.

We felt there was an opportunity to create something that could cope with the hostile
environment of space, but also evoke a greater sense of humanity and emotion.
It was time to establish a more aspirational visual language for space.

The team explored different possible shapes for the garden, influenced
by principles of biophilia and the beauty found in nature. A structure of clustered
pods, which each houses a species of plant, was chosen, with each chamber
having a plant grown from a community garden on Earth. These pods are organized
around a central chamber featuring a hero species of particular fascination
or cultural significance, such as a fig tree (one of the first plants to be cultivated
by humans on Earth). The smaller chambers have glazed openings that allow
the sun’s rays to enter, while a telescopic arm attached to a protective cover can
expand or retract depending on the optimal shading position for it at any one
time. These covers also protect the glass from flying debris showers. The outcome
is that the whole shape of the biophilic craft can change radically and organically
in different scenarios. Finally, the outer surface of the orbiting Space Garden is
covered in solar panels to cultivate power from the sun.

The project is currently in development to create a proof of concept, with
the intention that in the not-too-distant future it will be a new kind of beautiful
landmark in low Earth orbit. We also imagine it as an inspiring vantage point
from which to look back on Earth and appreciate it as our only home in the universe,
and somewhere we must protect at all costs.