What sparked your interest in combining space exploration and architecture, and how did that passion evolve into creating InSpaceDesigners?

Vedika Adukia: I’ve always been passionate about design, leading me to pursue architecture. My forever curious mind and childhood fascination with outer space research/documentaries inspired me to explore how architecture can connect with space exploration. In my final year thesis, I focused on merging these two fields to investigate how designers can contribute to advancing humanity and improving our built environments on Earth, which is when I was introduced to the field of space architecture.

I realized that, as architects and designers, we often take Earth’s conditions for granted, relying on established standards without fully understanding their impact on our designs. Working in extreme environments highlighted the critical role we as designers play, emphasizing the importance of responding to every element of our surroundings that translate into design elements to create well thought-off built environments enhancing human well-being.

This realization marked the start of my journey into space architecture. After two years of research, I was captivated by the intersection of space and architecture and how it could influence designs on Earth.

This led me to start InSpaceDesigners, a platform blending architectural and space design principles.

Can you share some key insights or challenges from your final year thesis, ‘Architectural Designing for the New Frontier-Mars,’ and how it influenced your career path?

Vedika Adukia: The challenge was explaining to my design peers why architects should be involved in space exploration. Many questioned why I chose such a complex topic when there are pressing issues on Earth. I likened it to the development of the first satellite—without it, we wouldn’t have cell phones today. It takes curiosity to explore new possibilities and turn aspirations into reality. As I delved deeper into the connection between architecture and space exploration, I realized how crucial this topic is for designers. It forces us to rethink the fundamentals of architecture—if basic environmental conditions change, our designs must adapt accordingly.

This merging of architecture and space required a new way of thinking. While human needs remain constant, changing environmental conditions require us to find new ways to provide comfort and mental well-being through design. Learning about cutting-edge technologies and integrating them into my work was challenging, but it allowed me to create more refined designs. The insights gained from space design had a trickle-down effect, improving designs on Earth.

One of the most challenging aspects was questioning every design standard on Earth and exploring better possibilities that respond to both human needs and environmental changes. This sparked my on-going interest in space architecture and my desire to explore more environmental parameters while connecting with like-minded individuals. The topic has been incredibly challenging but has offered an exponential learning curve, continuing to motivate me to this day.

How does space architecture influence design, particularly regarding human-centric spaces and sustainability?

Vedika Adukia: Designing for outer space is inherently difficult, but the process of overcoming these challenges fosters innovation in design thinking, which can, in turn, improve our methods of construction here on Earth. Many of the concepts developed for space habitats could revolutionize architecture on our planet.

For example, space design requires self-sufficiency, demanding closed-loop systems. Advancements in this area could lead to closed-loop, micro-housing systems on Earth, offering more sustainable alternatives to current designs. Additionally, because resupply missions in space are impractical, sustainable solutions like using local planetary soil to 3D-print structures provide inspiration for similar approaches on Earth. There are countless other examples of how space architecture could influence Earth-bound design, but listing them all here would be exhaustive.

Wherever humans venture, architecture inevitably follows. Architects focus on creating human-centered designs, prioritizing well-being, unlike purely engineering-oriented approaches that may overlook this aspect as seen in current space craft designs including the ISS. As space missions extend in duration, human well-being and liveability become crucial for mission success, requiring more than just technical solutions.

This is where architecture becomes essential—placing humans at the core of the design process, it integrates comfort and sustainability into spacecraft design, ensuring that both functional and human needs are fully addressed.

What is the mission of InSpaceDesigners, and how do you envision it contributing to the future?

Vedika Adukia: InSpaceDesigners was created with a vision of providing individuals interested in space exploration and design a platform to explore the amalgamation of the two fields of Outer Space exploration and Architecture. We aim to promote the field of space architecture through education and providing a platform for individuals to showcase works and connect with like-minded people. We support research and publications, encouraging global engagement with these ideas and urging designers to apply lessons from space architecture to terrestrial projects.

For our clients we offer architecture and interior design services that draw on the conceptual understanding and design sensitivity of outer space designing to create innovative solutions for designs here on earth. Our goal is to build a team of research-driven designers who create spaces that connect users to their built environment while enhancing their liveability and mental wellbeing. By integrating insights from space design and the latest technologies, our team of designers aim to deliver exceptional, ground-breaking designs to our users.

Through our website, we seek to establish a group of like-minded designers in India who will collaborate to drive change in the design industry. I invite you to explore this concept, use our services, and share it with those who may be interested.

InSpaceDesigners serves both as a design service platform and an online publication. How do you balance these two aspects, and what makes your approach unique?

Vedika Adukia: Our platform has two main purposes:

1. Architectural and Interior Design Services: Our team offers minimalistic, modern, and premium design solutions with a unique pricing structure and research-driven excellence.

2. Online Publication: We publish newsletters, articles, and reports on space architecture and design, as well as the latest space news. This segment encourages designers to combine human-centric design with high-tech solutions by exploring fundamental principles for extreme conditions and developing innovative earth-based designs.

Our vision is to harmonize architectural design with space architecture research. What makes us unique is our approach of using insights from outer space design to create innovative solutions for earth-based projects. Our goal is to build a team of research-driven designers who create spaces that enhance users’ connection to their environment and improve their mental well-being.
Through our website, we aim to connect like-minded designers in India to drive change in the design industry.

You mentioned collaborating with space tech start-ups. Can you share any exciting opportunities or collaborations influencing your design process?

Vedika Adukia: Once you enter this field, you’ll uncover numerous exciting opportunities to work on real-world space projects. With the rapid expansion of the commercial space market, many companies are actively seeking designers to develop human-centric concepts for the future, looking a decade ahead. Regarding my collaborations with space start-ups, while I can’t disclose specific names or details at this time, I can assure you that the space industry is thriving. Visionary start-ups focused on space tourism are increasingly relying on designers to create habitable environments for humans. After all, where humans go, architecture follows.

As an architect working with space start-ups, it’s fascinating to explore the human connection to the built environment—a factor we often overlook on Earth, where everything around us is already habitable. In space, the external environment is inhabitable, making it crucial to strike a balance between human well-being, comfort, and safety. This challenge pushes the boundaries of design thinking to create liveable spaces in extreme conditions, which in turn influences how we approach design on Earth. By considering every aspect of both built and un-built environments, we can create extraordinary spaces that offer unique and enriching experiences.

How do you incorporate the principles of space architecture—such as designing for extreme conditions—into your earth-based architectural and interior design projects?

Vedika Adukia: This is an interesting question, and while it has many facets, I’ll keep it concise. We start by using the latest technologies as inspiration when incorporating space architecture principles into earth-based projects. Designing for space requires a strong focus on human well-being, so we study human psychology and its impact on design. This helps us create environments that feel warm and inviting, addressing feelings of isolation and fostering social connections, whether in space or on Earth.

We also use analytical thinking to tackle design challenges. Each problem is carefully identified and addressed with a specific solution that considers both human psychology and environmental factors. For example, we apply strategies from space design, like using materials that improve thermal comfort or creating modular designs for flexibility.

Additionally, we focus on creating self-sufficient and sustainable spaces that not only meet current needs but also endure over time. By integrating these principles, we enhance human experience and well-being, whether in space or right here on Earth.
We aim to provide our users the best of designs as per their needs.

Can you tell us about your experience visiting Al-Khazneh and how it deepened your understanding of the connection between architecture and scale?

Vedika Adukia: When I was around 20, I first recognized the connection between architecture and human psychology during a visit to Al-Khazneh in Petra. This remarkable space evoked deep emotions and felt alive. As I walked through the Siq, a narrow gorge that sometimes measures just three meters wide and winds its way for about 1.2 kilometres; I was filled with excitement about what lay ahead. The meandering path offered a unique experience with each step.

As I finally emerged into the sunlight, I was greeted by the monumental Al-Khazneh, a magnificent structure carved from sandstone. It stood before me like a majestic sentinel, whispering tales of its beauty and the countless people it has inspired over the centuries. This experience vividly demonstrated how architecture, through its scale and intricate details, can evoke emotions and profoundly influence human psychology. It ignited within me a strong desire to delve deeper into architecture and create similarly impactful and powerful designs.

What role can India play in the global space architecture movement, and how do you hope to contribute to that growth?

Vedika Adukia: India is currently in the early stages of exploring conceptual ideas for space habitation. However, with the upcoming Bhartiya Antariksh Space Station and the involvement of private companies in space commercialization, it won’t be long before space becomes the next tourist hotspot. To create these unique outer space destinations, designers must be prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead. Furthermore, India should aim to achieve the distinction of having the first lunar habitat designed by its architects following successful lunar landings.

For more insights on this topic, stay tuned for our upcoming book, “ISRO and the Future of Space Architecture.”

What advice would you give aspiring architects who want to explore space architecture as a career path?

Vedika Adukia: If you’re truly passionate about space exploration and architecture, don’t hesitate—dive into this field and commit to the journey ahead. It will expand your mind in unimaginable ways, leaving you perpetually inspired. You’ll develop sensitivity as a designer, gaining insight into what spaces truly mean for human comfort and well-being. You’ll have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies, allowing you to create designs for your clients that are not only sustainable but also enhance their overall experience in ways they never thought possible.

Embrace the challenge of engaging with those who prioritize practicality over imagination while remaining curious and willing to go the extra mile. Always believe in the potential of your designs for the future as I can confidently say that the landscape of space design is poised for transformation in the coming decade and your contributions could play a vital role in this exciting evolution!