S.P.A.C.E – Studying Perceptions, Activities, Connections in Extreme Environment

Abstract

This interdisciplinary study considers the intricate interplay between built environments and how individuals perceive and engage with their surroundings as well as how such perceptions influence their performance and well-being. Beyond meeting basic infrastructural needs, we argue that the emotional and aesthetic dimension of space––especially the emotional attachment we develop towards a space––may significantly impact daily activities and well-being. This might be particularly the case for extreme environments such as extra-terrestrial habitats, where design has traditionally prioritized functionality and life support. Our study is based on data that we conducted during seven missions at the LunAres Research Station in Poland in 2023 and 2024. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, our team collaborated across Architecture, Psychology, and Experimental Philosophy, integrating insights from these fields towards a comprehensive understanding of perceived habitability. We investigated (1) how individuals emotionally and aesthetically connected with simulated astronaut environments, and (2) how these connections influenced daily activities, including social and work-related functioning, as well as their overall well-being. We applied a mixed-method approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data, combing research techniques drawn from our respective fields. Moreover, by employing a daily diary technique we tracked the participants appraisals and subjective assessment of their activities and well-being in relation to the space over the two-week missions. The results showed that while liveability and functionality ratings correlated with well-being assessments, overall work or social activity success, the emotional attachment to the space, was equally, and in some cases even more, critical for well-being. These findings raise important questions for extreme architectural design and perceived habitability in isolated and confined environments. They also provide insights to a deeper understanding of interactions in the everyday spaces and to the creation of more supportive, inclusive built environments.