Introduction
In 1969, the Space Race peaked with the successful Apollo 11 mission, which allowed the first
man to walk on the moon.
Between 1969 and 1972, there have been six successful manned missions to the moon, all
from the USA. In total, 12 people (all male) have walked on the lunar surface.
No one has walked on the surface of the Moon since 1972.
Today, nearly half a century later, new technological advances and a renewed desire for
space exploration have ignited a new race. Attention is moving back to the Moon. This time,
however, we are tired of just walking… what we want is to inhabit! Space Architecture is
becoming a rapidly growing field with the desired outcomes of kick-starting space tourism,
expanding our scientific knowledge, and ultimately making mankind a multi-planetary and
multi-galactic species.
But how?
Eleven is excited to announce its first international ideas and design competition on space
architecture.
We invite thinkers, architects, designers, academics and visionaries from around the world to
imagine innovative solutions for Moontopia – the first ever self-sufficient lunar colony designed
for living, working, researching and – why not – a little space tourism too.
How will mankind exist on the moon? You decide.
Focus:
We ask you to design innovative solutions for MOONTOPIA – the first ever self-sufficient lunar
base/colony designed for living, working, researching and – why not – a little space tourism
too.
What this means is ultimately up to you.
Here are some questions designed to get you thinking…
Are you using materials/natural shelters (i.e. craters) found on the Moon? Or are you using
materials brought to the site from Earth? 3D printing? Lightweight or heavy structures?
Inflatables? Is the base prefabricated? Is it assembled on the Moon or does it come already
assembled in full or in part? Perhaps it’s a combination of methods? How are the materials
taken to the Moon?
How big is your base? Are you proposing a lunar city for 50,000 people or a moon building(s)
for a dozen astronauts? Is the design modular? Can it grow in time through a phased
construction plan? Do you imagine a colony where people can live permanently as Moon
citizens or are you imagining astronauts/space tourists living on the base in shift patterns
similar to what currently happens on the International Space Station?
Is your base designed to have an artificial atmosphere? What about sustenance? How are you
planning to make the base self-sufficient (i.e. energy and food)?
Is the base intended for lunar exploration and colonisation, or is it a stepping stone for outer
space exploration (i.e. Mars)?
Confirmed Jury (so far)
The Buckminster Fuller Institute
Representatives from NASA
Representatives from the ESA
Alberto Villanueva Galindo (Idea Architecture Office)
Christina Ciardullo (Space Academic at Carnegie Mellon University)
ASPECT Studios (Winners of our previous competition San Francisco 2016’)
Andrea Verenini (Editor in Chief of Eleven Magazine)
Awards:
Winner: £2000 GBP + induction into Eleven’s Hall of Fame + invited to join the jury for Eleven’s
next competitions.
Runner Up: £400 GBP
Honourable Mentions (x6): no cash prize (boo!) but lots of glory nonetheless (yay!)
In addition to the jury determined prizes, the general public will be able to vote for their
favourite entry online, who will win the People’s Choice Award.
People’s Choice Award: £100 GPB + Induction into Eleven’s Hall of Fame
All our awarded teams will be published in Eleven Magazine and Eleven’s media partners,
and will receive one free pass voucher to join future competitions by Eleven.
Registration Fee:
Early Bird: £60 GBP
Standard: £80 GBP
Late Bloomer: £100 GBP
Schedule:
20 July 2016: Competition announced in parallel to the anniversary of the 1969 Apollo 11 moon
landing, which brought the first men on the moon.
11 August 2016: Registration opens. Early Bird fee applies.
1 September 2016: Standard Fee applies
1 November 2016: Late Bloomer fee applies
11 November 2016: Registration Closes. Projects submission deadline.
11 January 2016: Winners Announced!
For more information, please visit: www.eleven-magazine.com/competitions
