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Compact Habitat for Interstellar Living with Modular Skywalkers

Authors:
Hao Wu, Yuqiu Wang, Dimeng Bao
Compact Habitat for Interstellar Living with Modular Skywalkers
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Built around a central hub known as the Cradle, this habitat utilizes modular SKYWALKERS to support extended human living in diverse extraterrestrial environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central hub, the Cradle, serves as a starting point for interstellar travel.
02
Modular SKYWALKERS support extended living in varied extraterrestrial conditions.
03
Design integrates efficient resource management for water and oxygen supply.
04
Compact living spaces focus on sustainability and adaptability for new environments.
05
Concept includes a 5CM mind ball to store personal memories.

The design envisions human habitation in environments beyond Earth, focusing on a launching site called the "Cradle." Set in a barren landscape, the Cradle serves as both a community center and a starting point for journeys into space. The concept emphasizes sustainability and the efficient use of resources, offering a framework that adapts to new living conditions as humanity ventures beyond its home planet.

Central Functionality

The Cradle acts as an essential hub for preparing and launching expeditions into space. It welcomes individuals eager to embrace a new way of life, providing essentials for prolonged travel. By equipping SKYWALKERS with necessary supplies, the design highlights the importance of self-sufficiency. Individuals must be prepared for the varied conditions they will face beyond Earth.

Spatial Efficiency

Spatial efficiency is a core aspect of the design, encouraging compact living spaces that make the best use of available resources. The design considers a range of geographical conditions, such as oceans, plateaus, polar regions, and deserts. This adaptability is crucial for future habitats. The multifaceted approach meets the demands of survival and exploration on different planets, ensuring that inhabitants can thrive in diverse environments.

Community and Connection

The Cradle is more than just a physical structure. It represents the emotional and functional heart of the community it serves. As a gathering place, it allows individuals to reconnect after their journeys. The idea of SKYWALKERS evolving from physical dwellings into a compact "5CM mind ball" that holds personal memories speaks to the relationship between human experience and exploration. This connection remains vital, emphasizing the importance of relationships in a changing world.

Resource Considerations

The design emphasizes the importance of securing essential resources for sustaining life in unfamiliar environments. Focus is placed on vital elements like water, oxygen, and electricity. This commitment to sustainability addresses the realities of living in new settings. It ensures that the inhabitants can maintain a high quality of life while engaging with their surroundings, reinforcing a practical approach to interstellar living.

Integrated into a vision that connects past experiences with future possibilities, the Cradle stands as a symbol of human progress in exploring life among the stars.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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