Spiral Cocoon

Shortlisted Entry of Origyn by Zeynep Yerlikaya

"I like to find something in-between. Not only [between] nature and architecture, but also [between] inside and outside. Every kind of definition has an in-between space. Especially if the definitions are two opposites, then the in-between space is more rich." — Sou Fujimoto

The Spiral Cocoon is an ambitious architectural vision that redefines humanity's relationship with space by proposing a livable, sustainable, and emotionally resonant environment in Earth's orbit. Conceptualized by Zeynep Yerlikaya, this spiraling space habitat is not only a shelter but also a new typology of human settlement—one that embodies the psychological and physiological needs of its inhabitants while embracing the vast unknown beyond our planet.

Living far from Earth is a daunting concept for most people. The anxiety of isolation, distance, and inhabiting unfamiliar environments under extreme conditions can severely impact human health and well-being. The Spiral Cocoon addresses these challenges by establishing an artificial atmosphere within its form using a unique blend of magnetic field manipulation and electromagnetic charges. This innovation results in a safe and breathable environment—a vital layer of protection against solar radiation, cosmic rays, and the vacuum of space. Remarkably, people can reside inside the cocoon without the need for space suits or protective garments, allowing for a more natural and unencumbered existence.

A Gravity-Driven SpiralThe architecture of the cocoon leverages the dynamics of centrifugal force, generated by the spiraling structure, to create zones of artificial gravity along its walls. These gravitational zones mimic the Earth's own gravity and provide fertile ground for essential life-supporting programs. Agriculture becomes viable in these areas, enabling the growth of food and the recycling of water and oxygen. Laboratories for scientific research, sports facilities for physical well-being, and O2 production centers all find their place in this engineered landscape. Conversely, the interior of the spiral remains a zero-gravity zone, home to clusters of modular living units, social spaces, educational centers, and observational platforms.

This duality—between weight and weightlessness, between structure and openness—offers residents a unique and dynamic experience of space. It merges the utilitarian with the poetic, giving humans not just a place to survive, but to thrive.

Living Between Earth and the UnknownMore than just an orbital refuge, Spiral Cocoon functions like a floating city suspended between Earth and the cosmos. With a base capacity of 2,000 people per spiral, the system is inherently modular and expandable. Multiple cocoons can be linked together, forming a vast archipelago of interconnected habitats. The voids between the modules are designed as communal zones—open spaces in zero gravity that function like urban plazas, where people can gather, interact, and experience the freedom of weightless movement.

Construction and Program PhasesThe entire habitat emerges from a clear and scalable construction process:

• Stage 1: A circular production unit is deployed into orbit. This unit acts as a manufacturing hub and central integrator, assembling the primary spiral structures.
• Stage 2: The first cocoon spiral is constructed, accommodating up to 2,000 people. It serves as a prototype and functioning habitat.
• Stage 3: Additional cocoons are produced and connected, eventually forming a networked city in space capable of housing 10,000 or more residents. Each stage integrates new functionalities and supports progressive habitation.

Integrated Programs: Work, Life, and TransportationAt the heart of Spiral Cocoon lies a commitment to balance: between productivity and rest, isolation and community, routine and exploration. Gravitational zones are primarily allocated to work-oriented programs such as farming, laboratories, and physical activity. Residents can engage in structured daily tasks while maintaining a sense of purpose and continuity. After completing their duties, they travel via internal elevators to the inner spiral, entering zero-gravity zones where relaxation, social interaction, and recreation take place.

Personal living modules offer privacy, comfort, and customization, while common areas facilitate social bonding and cultural expression. Observation platforms throughout the cocoon provide breathtaking views of Earth and deep space, grounding the residents in awe and reflection.

Transportation within the cocoon is seamless. A central tunnel and an elevator system enable vertical and horizontal movement between different gravity zones and modules. This flow not only enhances accessibility but also supports a rich, three-dimensional experience of architectural space.

In its totality, Spiral Cocoon offers more than survival; it reimagines the act of living. It is a poetic response to the future of human expansion beyond Earth—a place where science, architecture, and imagination coalesce. Suspended between our current world and what lies ahead, it is a new chapter in the story of human habitation: a living sculpture orbiting the Earth, offering a continuous dialogue between home and the cosmos.