RED EARTH

The search for distant planets that could one-day harbor human life continues. When it comes to extraterrestrial simulation and testing environments, it is better to choose a location that matches the intended goal.

One of the driest regions on earth stretches for around 1,200 kilometers in the south of Peru and in the north of Chile: the Atacama Desert. With its gigantic salt lakes, colorful lagoons, hot springs, meter-high cacti, and brown mountains, this landscape looks like it's from another planet.

A hyperarid climate has existed in the central part of the desert for at least 15 million years. In a region about 100 km south of Antofagasta, averaging 3000 m elevation, the soil was compared to that of Mars. Because of these extreme bioclimatic conditions, the almost non-existent cloud cover, and the lack of light pollution and radio interference, the Atacama Desert is one of the best places in the world to conduct astronomical observations.

The circular design concept is based on the two moons that orbit Mars. 

The research facility serves as the center and the prototype houses of the testing site serve as its satellites. The 'moons' of the design offer spaces for a visitor center and an auditorium.

The building itself stretches across two floors. The underground floor offers accommodations for up to fifty people with a man-made Oasis to fight the extreme heat of the desert. The ground floor is where the labs and research facilities are located.

The simple form of the design allows for it to be easily recognizable in the middle of the desert and thus become a landmark in its own right.