Renewable Energy: Generation and Application - ICREGA’24 Materials Research Forum LLC

Materials Research Proceedings 43 (2024) 238-245 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903216-31

Impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in

Martian architecture (exterior and interior)
Lindita Bande1,a *, Jose Berengueres1, Aysha Alsheraifi1, Anwar Ahmad1,
Saud Alhammadi1, Almaha Alneyadi1, Amna Alkaabi1, Maitha Altamimi1,
Yosan Asmelash1
1
United Arab Emirates University, UAE
a
lindita.bande@uaeu.ac.ae

Keywords: Martian Architecture, AI Tool, Critical Thinking, RHINO/Grasshopper

Abstract. Martian architecture has gained interest in the recent year. Several grand architectural
studios have designed hypothetical buildings as part of a colony of the red planet. This study is a
continuation of a previous research on mars Habitat. The use of AI to generate alternatives of
design based on an initial idea gives insight of how technology can assist us in such major projects.
The methodology followed in this study is as per the below steps: 1- General Description of the
initial concept: Organic Architecture, 2- General Description of the initial concept: Minimal
Architecture, 3- Use of AI in the selected projects, tool description, 4- Results: Outcomes of AI
Applications. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the AI on Space Architecture,
more specifically Martian Architecture. The initial step in the methodology is to design a colony
that connects together but as also well distributed in the plan. The following step is using an AI
tool to generate processed (rendered) images of the base image. These AI renders will then be
analyzed and the final implication of the findings for the project will be described. The findings of
this study can be relevant to relevant authorities in space exploration and space architecture with
the help of AI tools.
Introduction
All manuscripts must be in English, also the table and figure text.
A new research outlines the design of Martian Habitat Units (MHUs) for extended human
missions on Mars, prioritizing functionality, and aesthetics. Circular clusters of MHUs, each
accommodating nine crew members, incorporate solar farms, nuclear fission, and wind turbines
for energy. Lighting simulations demonstrate that a radial configuration maximizes natural light
usage, meeting 36–44% of the lighting load. This information is crucial for planning energy-
efficient systems on Mars. [1]
As per a recent article that discusses the design of a Mars research base for long-term habitation,
incorporating art and architecture for a thriving lifestyle. Martian Habitat Units (HMUs) are
designed with nuclear power, solar farms, and wind turbines, utilizing innovative features like
Anti-Dust Settlement Membranes (ADSMs) for solar farm maintenance. The construction
involves local grain 3D-printing, and the design prioritizes fail-safe procedures for crew safety.
The technologies are based on current advancements, with potential reconsideration closer to the
mission date. [2]
The text underscores escalating challenges in Mars missions due to increasing distance from
Earth, jeopardizing ground support and crew capabilities. While fast-transit solutions may alleviate
some hazards, they introduce novel risks and complexity. Extended exposure to microgravity
raises concerns, requiring research into effective countermeasures. The communication delay and
resupply constraints necessitate a shift towards autonomous human-system integration, urging
urgent attention to develop and validate suitable architectures. [3]

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of
this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI. Published under license by Materials
Research Forum LLC.

238
Renewable Energy: Generation and Application - ICREGA’24 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 43 (2024) 238-245 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903216-31

The Mars Quantum Gravity Mission (MaQuIs) focuses on exploring Mars' gravitational field
to study subsurface water occurrences and planetary dynamics. The paper outlines current
knowledge, proposes satellite gravimetry using quantum technologies, and discusses scenarios for
mission simulation. Authors highlight roles in assembling the consortium, estimating gravitational
signals, and detailing inertial measurement systems for the mission. Future steps involve
simulation scenarios, evaluating dependencies, and identifying limiting factors for the mission
concept and technologies in the Martian environment. [4]
The passage highlights the application of machine learning in processing mass spectrometry
data for future space missions. By using various artificial intelligence models, accurate results can
be obtained quickly, benefiting in-flight processing. Root transformation and 2D spectrograms
enhance accuracy, and pretrained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) perform exceptionally
well. Generalization, model assembling, and proper training procedures are essential for small
datasets. Increased data availability is crucial for further improvement, and machine learning
analysis can be effectively run on the edge for future missions, particularly in analyzing sediments
from Mars and other celestial bodies. [5]
The article introduces a GeoAI framework for accurate crater detection by integrating domain
knowledge and scale-aware learning. Collaboration between computer scientists and Earth/space
scientists enhances object detection models. The methodology aims to reduce the time for
cataloging new craters, with future improvements planned for data completeness and efficiency
optimization. The research envisions incorporating multi-source data to enhance detection
accuracy, and the model and data will be open-sourced to encourage collaborative research in the
field. [6]
A new research explores the application of AI methods for cyber risk analytics in extreme
environments like outer space. It emphasizes adapting data strategies for collecting relevant cyber-
risk data and leveraging IoT systems for diverse data streams. The review identifies potential
impact assessment approaches, and the con-clusion introduces a quantitative version of the NIST
'traffic lights' system with multiple risk calculation metrics, enhancing cost and risk evaluation.
The study pre-sents a mathematical formula for future cyber risk developments, focusing on coor-
dination and reliability in AI/ML-based cyber protection for supply and control sys-tems while
anonymizing risk data. [7]
Referring to an article that highlights the rapid growth in conversational studies, particularly in
open-domain dialogue systems, with a thriving research community and increased industry efforts.
The overview summarizes current progress and antic-ipates a promising future in the AI era,
characterized by abundant data and powerful learning techniques. Despite facing challenges in
improving conversational AI, the authors express optimism about advancing dialogue systems
through dedicated ef-forts and resolving key issues. [8]
New research argues that despite a deep faith in human reason and experience, the main obstacle
to a human mission to Mars is a technological barrier, compounded by increasing threats and risks.
The author questions the urgent need for a long-term interplanetary program, citing challenges
such as overpopulation, limited resources, and climate change. Additionally, the psychological
challenges of living in a con-fined space, whether on Earth or in space, are highlighted, raising
ethical questions about the quality of life in such conditions. The author suggests that mission plan-
ners should prioritize the human factor and consider broader interconnected factors in their
planning. [9]
As per a new article reviews the current applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in
environmental disciplines, emphasizing its role in managing and analyzing large datasets related
to demographics, traffic, and energy usage. The integration of big data and AI provides new
opportunities for environmental tasks such as model-ing, monitoring, and research. AI tools,
particularly machine learning algorithms, contribute to real-time monitoring of air and water

239
Renewable Energy: Generation and Application - ICREGA’24 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 43 (2024) 238-245 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903216-31

quality, prediction of future trends, accurate detection of key fish species, and optimization of
energy efficiency. Collaborations between ecology and data science are highlighted as crucial for
effec-tive conservation efforts. [10]
Methodology
This study is a continuation of a previous research on mars Habitat. The use of AI to generate
alternatives of design based on an initial idea gives insight of how technology can assist us in such
major projects.
The methodology followed in this study is as per the below steps:
• General Description of the initial concept: Organic Architecture,
• General Description of the initial concept: Minimal Architecture,
• Use of AI in the selected projects, tool description.
• Results: Outcomes of AI Applications

General Description of the initial concept: Organic Architecture

The Martian Habitat based on Space Architecture concepts, designed in the likeness of flower
petals, symbolizes the resilience of life in the Martian setting. It communicates a powerful
message, affirming the existence and vitality of life in this challenging environment (figure 1-5).

Figure 1. The design concept.

Figure 2. Function distribution in 3D.

Figure 3. Unit Development, Exterior-Interior.

240
Renewable Energy: Generation and Application - ICREGA’24 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 43 (2024) 238-245 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903216-31

Figure 4. Intererior development, concept.

Figure 5. 3D Model from Rhino/Grasshoper, view 1.

General Description of the initial concept: Minimal Architecture

The minimalist Architectural approach uses the dome as the main element of construction.
Considering the high radiation in the red planet this shape seems to be the most functional one on
an initial stage. Furthermore, much deeper investigation is needed to explore the nature of the
materials on the planet, their resistance, endurance, lifecycle. For the current study this particular
process is focused on the design of the unit that would create a colony of humans.

Use of AI in the selected projects, tool description.

The use of AI to generate renders based on figure 5 was quite interesting. By adding several
keywords and uploading the image the tool generated renders that are shown in the results. In this
trial 8 options were selected for the evaluation. There are several options how an image is
processed, realistic, creative, more AI Render tools - https://mnml.ai/app/exterior-ai (table 1).

Table 1. Keywords used in the AI Tool.

Options Keywords
Organic Architecture
Option 1 Martian architecture, desert landscape, universal light, rocks
Option 2 Islamic architecture, mountain view, desert landscaping and bright light

Option 3 modern architecture, desert view, hard landscape and day light

Option 4 parametric architecture, desert view, soft landscape and evening light

Option 5 minimal architecture, grey field view, soft landscape and morning light

Option 6 classic architecture, desert view, hard landscape and morning light

241
Renewable Energy: Generation and Application - ICREGA’24 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 43 (2024) 238-245 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903216-31

Option 7 concrete facade, modern architecture, rock landscape and evening light

Option 8 concrete facade, modern architecture, desert view, hard landscape and evening
light

Meanwhile the tool used for the Minimalistic Design is PromeAI (Free AI art generator).The
use of AI in architecture helps the designer to visualize and get a creative idea easily and
continuously, with just a simple image you can create different buildings using different
architectural styles. Everyone can create shapes using any 3d software like Revit or SketchUp and
insert it in any AI rendering tools like Prome AI or ReRender AI and write any keyword like
modern or classic and decide if the AI tool should change the shape and decide if the AI tool should
be creative completely or to keep the shape but just put some ideas to the shape. AI tool will
generate images that would save the architect some time in rendering because the architect will
have a reference images. Prome AI allow you to generate 200 images every day, but the architect
or student that have a membership in the website the images that is generated using the tool will
be unlimited. Prome AI generate 3 images so that you choose the best one. There are many tools
in the Prome AI for example erase and replace tool which you can select what you want to change
in the image. 2d images also can be used in AI tools to generate a creative piece of art. Choosing
the mood and the place that you want the building to be in can be easilty created using AI for
example of you want the building to be in mars AI can make it happen. For example, if you want
the building to float in the sea AI will generate it to your imaginations. Some AI tool have some
restrictions to what you can do with them (number of imaged to generate, the architecture style,
the creativity, Etc.).
Results
The results of the 8 trials in organic architecture and minimalistic architecture are shown in table
2. Each option has a different outcome impacting the shape of the building, the openings, the
relation to the outdoor. However, the shell structure remains in both scenarios.

Table 2. Ai Generated images from AI Tool

Ai Generated images from AI Tool
Organic Architecture Minimal Architecture
Option 1

Option 2

242
Renewable Energy: Generation and Application - ICREGA’24 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 43 (2024) 238-245 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903216-31

Option 3

Option 4

Option 5

Option 6

Option 7

Option 8

243
Renewable Energy: Generation and Application - ICREGA’24 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 43 (2024) 238-245 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903216-31

Discussion and Conclusions

Discussions
This study highlights the benefits of AI tools in architectural education, demonstrating how it can
assist students, especially in designing sustainable houses in challenging environments like the
Mars. The results are in agreement with similar studies elsewhere (Tholander et al. 2023; Ildirim
et al. 2023). Said tools offer a variety of design options, which are instrumental in aiding critical
assessment and decision-making. Regarding the implications for Martian architecture itself, the
results underscore an awareness for the need for energy-efficient design while considering Mars'
unique environmental challenges, such as radiation and dust storms. We note the ability of AI
generated designs to incorporate and balance both functionalities, like energy systems and dust
protection, and aesthetics. Furthermore, the broader implications of these findings extend beyond
academic settings. They offer valuable insights for the space exploration industry, indicating that
AI tools can significantly enhance the added value of the design process (figure 6).

Figure 6. 3D Model from Rhino/Grasshoper, view 2.

Conclusions
The profound impact of Martian exploration efforts in driving progress is undeniably significant.
Similar to the Apollo missions five decades ago, as noted by Comstock (2007), the research and
development (R&D) outcomes from Mars missions are anticipated to enhance life quality on Earth
as well. For instance, the development of computers is attributed to the Apollo space missions.
Notably, the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969 played a crucial role, perhaps unintentionally, in
advancing computer technology. The Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC), created for the Apollo
program to navigate and guide spacecraft, was among the first to incorporate integrated circuits
(ICs). Other notable developments from the Apollo missions included advancements in satellite
TV, water purification systems, and new insulating materials for spacecraft, now utilized in
building construction (Denver et al., 1981). These findings hold particular relevance for space
exploration authorities and architectural firms specializing in extreme environments,
demonstrating, as corroborated by other sources, the potential of AI to enhance creative processes.
(figure 7).
References
[1] Amini, K., Janabadi, E.D. and Fayaz, R. (2022) ‘Lighting and illumination investigation of
long-term residence on Mars for the case of a set of designed martian habitat units (mhus)’, Acta
Astronautica, 192, pp. 210–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.12.021
[2] Amini, K. et al. (2022) ‘Design of a set of habitat units and the corresponding surrounding
cluster for long-term scientific missions in the pre-terraforming era on Mars’, Icarus, 385, p.
115119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2022.115119
[3] Valinia, A. et al. (2023) ‘Risk trade-space analysis for Safe Human Expeditions to Mars’,
Acta Astronautica, 211, pp. 192–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2023.05.039

244
Renewable Energy: Generation and Application - ICREGA’24 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 43 (2024) 238-245 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903216-31

[4] Wörner, L. et al. (2023) ‘Maquis—concept for a mars quantum gravity mission’, Planetary
and Space Science, 239, p. 105800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2023.105800
[5] Nasios, I. (2024) ‘Analyze mass spectrometry data with artificial intelligence to assist the
understanding of past habitability of Mars and provide insights for future missions’, Icarus, 408,
p. 115824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2023.115824
[6] Hsu, C.-Y., Li, W. and Wang, S. (2021) ‘Knowledge-driven geoai: Integrating spatial
knowledge into multi-scale deep learning for Mars Crater Detection’, Remote Sensing, 13(11), p.
2116. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13112116
[7] Radanliev, P. et al. (2020) ‘Design of a dynamic and self-adapting system, sup-ported with
Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and real-time intelligence for predictive cyber risk
analytics in extreme environments – cyber risk in the colonization of Mars’, Safety in Extreme
Environments, 2(3), pp. 219–230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42797-021-00025-1
[8] Yan, R. and Wu, W. (2021) ‘Empowering conversational AI is a trip to Mars: Progress and
future of open domain human-computer dialogues’, Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on
Artificial Intelligence, 35(17), pp. 15078–15086. https://doi.org/10.1609/aaai.v35i17.17771
[9] Szocik, K. (2019) ‘Should and could humans go to Mars? yes, but not now and not in the
near future’, Futures, 105, pp. 54–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2018.08.004
[10] Konya, A. and Nematzadeh, P. (2024) ‘Recent applications of AI to Environmental
Disciplines: A Review’, Science of The Total Environment, 906, p. 167705.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167705

245