Information for Participants

Participants are required to submit a single poster that comprehensively explains their design concepts.

The poster should be clear, aesthetically pleasing, and effectively convey the innovations and inventiveness of the proposal through a range to graphic and textual material.

This could include a short description of the main concepts, broader narratives or explanatory diagrams, overall site response, plans, sections, elevations, and 3D views or renderings to explain the project.

The poster needs to be submitted digitally as a single PDF file corresponding to the following requirements:

• Dimension : A0 (841mm x 1189mm)
• Orientation : Portrait / Vertical 
• File Format : PDF
• Resolution : 300 dpi
• File Size : 75 MB (Max.)

See ‘How to Submit’ for more details on naming convention and submission link. 

Please note that the deadline for submissions is 31 August. We will be providing information on the file naming convention and the submission link here at a later date. Please come back later for more information. 

Considering the multidisciplinary nature of Space Architecture, the competition entries could focus on a wide variety of issues, ranging from technical and logistical challenges of building a habitat on the Moon, to the psychological and social aspects that will shape the human experience of living in such a habitat.

The participants are free to define the focus of their design proposal and convince the jury of the significance and value of such an approach. The jury will take this focus into account and assess the proposal across the following four areas of consideration in no particular order of preference. 

• Design Innovation and Creativity 
• Technical Feasibility and Sustainability 
• Human Factors and Experience 
• Communication and Presentation 

We encourage participants to look through the ‘Notes and Suggestions’ section to get further insight into how to approach some of these topics. However, please note that this is an ideas competition, and the participants are not restricted by these suggestions in exploring their imagination. 

Originality and inventive thinking are paramount. We’re looking for submissions that break new ground and showcase your unique approach to lunar architecture. Your design should not only capture the imagination but also reflect a thoughtful reinterpretation of traditional concepts in a way that could only apply to lunar conditions. Stand out by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the Moon.

The clarity and effectiveness of your presentation are also important. Your submission should articulate the principles, functionality, and innovative aspects of your design in a visually engaging manner. High-quality diagrams, detailed descriptions, and compelling visuals will play a key role in conveying your vision. Entries must be not only be informative but also aesthetically pleasing, making complex ideas accessible and appealing to the judges and the broader audience.

Suggestions around Technical Feasibility and Sustainability: 

Consider demonstrating practical applicability and sustainability. This involves integrating your habitat seamlessly with existing space travel technologies, such as launch vehicles and landing systems. It could also mean a well-considered design that promotes In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), leverages AI technologies and robotics, and employs advanced materials to create structures that are both sustainable and in harmony with the lunar environment. A strong entry may detail effective life support systems and innovative energy solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of the inhabitants under the harsh conditions of space. 

Suggestions around Human Factors and Experience:

Consider exploring the human element of your design. It can include detailing how aspects of the habitat such as the layout or in-built furniture or specialist exercise equipment support human activity and well-being in the reduced gravity of the Moon. You can consider the psychological needs for privacy, social interaction, and connection to Earth, enhancing the mental health and morale of inhabitants. Entries can also address how the habitat’s design supports natural sleep cycles and provides robust safety and emergency frameworks. Strong entries will not just facilitate survival but help develop thriving communal and individual life. 

Here are a few important considerations to take into account. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any queries or concerns.

• Participants may only be a part of a single submission. 
• Participants must ensure the originality of their submitted works. 
• Works published elsewhere as papers or patents are not allowed.
• Works submitted to other competitions are not allowed.
• AI generated graphics and/or design as final submission are not allowed.

• A 3D model of the lunar south pole can be purchased from CG Trader.
• Lunar South Pole Atlas provided by the Lunar Planetary Institute, which shows topographic maps, temperature maps, and slope maps of the lunar south polar region.
• A short video showing the lighting condition around the site in a timelapse of a year.
• A NASA presentation by Zebulon Scoville discussing the Shackleton - De Gerlache Ridge and  showing some of its key features.
• A 2022 journal article presenting a geomorphic map of the Shackleton - De Gerlache Ridge.
• A paper from the Lunar Surface Science Workshop 2020 discussing the Shackleton - De Gerlache Ridge as a strong candidate for important lunar science, science operations, and polar volatiles.
• Images of the Lunar South Pole and its surrounding areas as captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. The Shackleton - De Gerlache Ridge can be seen in the images.

Q1. The link to the Discord server appears not to be functioning. What can we do about it?
A. Previous links were set to expire. Here is a link which will not expire. Please use this to join the discord server.

Q2. I would like to be part of a team but I am not in Australia and/or do not know where to find teammates. What can I do?
A. The Discord Server is your best option. Please use it to reach out to fellow participants and form teams. It is also a valuable platform for sharing resources and other information. Join our Discord community.

Q3. Are the prizes per team or per person?
A. The prizes mentioned are per team. The prizes will be offered to the team lead and it is their responsibility to manage its distribution. 

Q4. If the work is selected for display at IAC Milan, will the winners be supported for travel to Milan?
A. No, only the winning posters will be displayed at IAC Milan. There is no expectation or requirement for the winners to visit the IAC at Milan. If winners decide to attend the event, the travel costs will not be organised by ASAC. 

Q5. What is the site for the design challenge? 
A. The site is on the Shackleton de-Gerlache ridge near the South Pole of the Moon. For a more detailed description, please check out the Information for Participants page. Please also check out the common resources shared on the Discord Server.

Q6. Is this challenge meant to be purely conceptual or should the design be more detail oriented like providing energy solutions etc.?
A. This is an ideas challenge so the prime aim should be to share your unique approach to lunar architecture. But this might also include specific details on technical feasibility and operations. So your design should not only capture the imagination, but also provide a thoughtful reinterpretation of traditional concepts as relevant to the lunar context. We encourage a systems design approach. 

Q7. Do we need to consider the material choices for the design?
A. Although not a requirement, you are encouraged to consider material choices. Please read the Notes and Suggestions section for further details, and explore current research on In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for Lunar Construction.

Q8. Where can we submit the final submission documents?
A. Detailed information on submission requirements is available from the Information for Participants page. Certain details about file naming conventions and the upload link will be provided closer to the submission date in August. Please look out for future communications.