LVA 253.O77 MA Design Studio S26 10.0 ECTS
Supervision: Sandra Häuplik-Meusburger & field experts*
* The studio runs alongside a European Space Agency–funded research project and is supported by guest lecturers from ESA, Foster + Partners, TU Munich, David Nixon, and Catapult, among others.
This design studio explores the future of large-scale orbital space structures,
moving beyond existing reference solutions toward next-generation
space architecture. The central question is: How can large space structures
be designed as modular, expandable, adaptable, and sustainable systems,
that can be assembled and operated in orbit?
Given current challenges—launcher constraints, assembly complexity,
space debris, and limited scalability—the studio investigates Design for
Assembly and Disassembly, transferring modular strategies from terrestrial
architecture to the space environment. Following an intensive research
phase, students work in teams to develop visionary yet physically grounded
mission scenarios.
Key areas of exploration include: modular and expandable orbital systems
| structural and mechanical connector concepts | in-orbit assembly strategies
| design development.
