Inside; Mars [Architectural Thesis]

Psychological benefits
The geography of Mars is often compared to
that of olden Earth. Likewise, the natural form
of these caves formed by the underground
lava tubes on Mars shares similarities to that
of the troglodyte dwellings on Earth. This
allows us to utilise the natural properties and
form of the caves as a healing property to
improve the physical and mental well being
of inhabitants.
Despite the benefits that an underground
bunker brings, proposals for them are often
criticised for 2 reasons; the ground is too
time consuming and difficult to excavate;
underground habitats do not receive
sufficient daylight. In this case however, the
space is already present and readily available
on Mars, without need for large scale
excavation. Furthermore, several proposals
for a habitat above ground end up having
to compensate between radiation and light
- where walls are built to block radiation,
windows for light are minimal, and where
light is optimised within the space, there
is insufficient protection against radiation.
Given the importance of protection against
radiation, the underground lava tubes thus
becomes a viable location for a habitat on
Mars, where light becomes a factor that can
designed and catered for in the later stages
of the project.
Regolith & Basalt
Natural radiation shielding properties, reduces
temperature fluctuations, and reduce impact
from wind storms
Collapsed trench