Martian architecture

Martian architecture covers the design of buildings for the Martian environment. It's constraints are similar to architecture on Earth, but it has to add the functions of atmospheric pressure and life support to architectural systems. There is also a requirement for radiation protection that is practically non existent on Earth. Gravity is significantly lower as is wind pressure.

Architectural form may be constrained by the Martian environment:

• As the Martian surface is non livable, architecture will usually be seen from the inside, so the esthetic of the exterior of buildings may not be of great importance. However, if the buildings are provided with windows, then external characteristics will be visible and attention to form would be valuable.
• Buildings on Mars need to be pressure vessels, this affects the number of form available, favoring spheres and cylinders with hemispherical ends.
• The function of radiation protection and the function of pressure resistance may be separate, allowing for more variable shapes for the radiation protection elements of a building.
• The buildings on Mars need to include functions that create an entire habitat. It may be more appropriate to speak of habitats rather than buildings, with buildings existing inside habitats.
• Care must be taken with the foundations. If built on permafrost, the ground must be kept cold.
• If it is discovered that long term living in Martian gravity is bad for human health (likely, but unknown), then centrifuges for Low gravity must be included.

Architectural elements and systems can be classified in a number of ways:

• By form : List of architectural concepts.
• By function: Settlement facilities
• By type of constraint: Foundation, Marsquakes, Dust storms, Asteroids, Atmospheric pressure, Low gravity

Architectural design may be classified by materials used:

• Bricks made completely or partially out of Dust and soil.
• Plastics Good for radiation protection from light particles, but becomes brittle in Ultraviolet light.
• Metals, particularly Iron found on Mars. (Iron is very common, and easy to extract from dust & soil.)
• Water in the form of ice is good radiation protection. Care must be taken so that it does not sublime into the air.
• Settlers may wish to have at least 2 meters of packed soil for radiation protection. (More for the Storm Shelter.) This also includes deep tunnels thru rock.
• It has been suggested that molten basalt be used to 3D print Martian habitats.
• Glass (including Smart Windows) will likely be used to let light into the habitat. Glass designed to filter out Ultraviolet light may be especially valued.

See also: List of Construction Materials.