Planet Earth's First Space Habitat: Gene

The project "Planet Earth's First Space Habitat-gene "Gene represents a groundbreaking vision in the realm of futuristic architecture, proposing not just a new way of building, but a new way of living—beyond our home planet. Conceptualized as a next-generation space habitat, Gene was shortlisted in the prestigious Origyn competition. It was brought to life by a creative team consisting of Shengyu Xia, Haowen Duan, Haibo Sun, and Lining Mei. The competition invited participants to imagine architectures that expand humanity’s reach into the cosmos—and Gene responds with an architectural narrative that intertwines science, sustainability, and the essence of life itself.

Inspired by the concept of “sending human genes into space,” Gene’s structural language is driven by biology. The central motif is an annular—or ring-like—configuration that encapsulates both orbital stability and the idea of an infinite loop, a metaphor for life's continuity. Within this ring, astronaut accommodations are distributed like genetic nodes, reflecting a design that literally embeds human biology into the architectural form.

Zoning the Future: Scientific Research, Living, and Recreation

This visionary habitat is divided into functional zones that mirror human necessities and future aspirations:

• Scientific Research: Designed to foster innovation, these zones are dedicated to laboratories and observational outposts, enabling astronauts to explore cosmic phenomena while remaining safe and supported.
• Living Quarters: These modules prioritize human comfort and mental health, employing spatial psychology principles to create calm, regenerative interiors that combat isolation.
• Entertainment Zones: Acknowledging the importance of leisure and creativity, these areas provide venues for zero-gravity activities, social engagement, and psychological relief.

The central traffic shaft, acting as the vertical circulation core, binds these zones together through a tubular helix structure. Its DNA-like geometry isn’t merely symbolic—it is functional, modular, and expandable, allowing for upgrades and flexible reconfigurations.

An Ecosystem-Driven Space Habitat

Gene is not just a structure—it is a living system. At the heart of its innovation is a fully integrated ecosystem architecture. Borrowing from terrestrial ecosystems, it combines producers (plants), consumers (humans and animals), and decomposers (microorganisms) in a closed-loop cycle. This design recycles oxygen, water, and nutrients, creating a self-sustaining biosphere capable of long-term survival in deep space. In doing so, Gene not only sustains life—it celebrates it.

Zero-Gravity Entertainment & Modular Expansion

The design takes advantage of centrifugal force by rotating the outer habitat to generate artificial gravity. This enables a spectrum of human activities—from walking and exercise to immersive entertainment—within a familiar gravity environment. Meanwhile, the central axis remains in microgravity, opening unique opportunities for weightless experimentation, play, and discovery.

Gene also incorporates modular extension capabilities. Each ring module is connected through a central tubular spine, allowing additional zones or specialized functions to be appended in stages. This system of architectural scalability anticipates future demands—from growing populations to evolving mission objectives.

A New Vision for Space Architecture

In an age where the stars are becoming our next frontier, Gene offers more than just a structure—it provides a blueprint for a civilization beyond Earth. It bridges the gap between biology and architecture, between Earth and the cosmos, creating a holistic and human-centric design. As a milestone in futuristic architecture, Gene sets a precedent for how we might build with life, for life, in places where life has never existed before.

Shortlisted entry of the Origyn competition by Shengyu Xia, Haowen Duan, Haibo Sun, and Lining Mei.