MISSION MARS 2024 WORKSHOP EXHIBITION OPENED

“Mission Mars 2024” workshop, coordinated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Burkay Pasin, Asst. Prof. Dr. Güzden Varinlioğlu, Hugh Clarke, Özgür Genca, Ayşe Bozkurt Karal, Filiz Keyder Özkan and Lale Başarır, was held 14-27th February. In the workshop, Geology Engineer Prof. Dr. Serdar Bayari gave theoretical seminars about geography and climate of Mars, while MSc Müge Halıcı gave her support in digital design methods. An exhibition showcasing the products of the workshop was open for visit by Ekrem Demirtaş, President of IUE Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Can Muğan, IUE Rector, Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, IUE Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Ender Yazgan Bulgun, Dean of IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design. In scope of the workshop students designed a biomimetic structural organism that will adapt to the planet’s geographical and climatic conditions and function as a habitat for the first colonizers who are aimed to be sent to Mars. Each organism proposed was created by inspiring from and transforming existing biological organism such as lithops, snail shells, banyan trees, dragonfly wings. During two weeks students developed innovative ideas on colonizing and space producing in near future by using digital modelling tools.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Burkay Pasin stated that “Designing a space colony is not only a sole futuristic vision; but also an opportunity to question mankind’s 200.000 years old existence on Earth. In this context, contemplating on new living forms on Mars gives important clues about what kind of vision and ethics of architecture will humans have.”

Exhibition of the workshop can be seen at D Block Multi-Purpose Hall on 28th February to 2nd March.