Throughout my studies I have always taken a strong interest in the way in which we can influence social interaction through the built environment. I’m always looking at how I can create spaces that help or hinder social connection, to push people out of their comfort zones, encourage them to try new things and most importantly, to create positive social experiences and change.
Deep_Space
Deep_Space is a speculative space shuttle project that explores the future of mental health support in isolated and confined environments. Set within the near future, and based on real world technologies available today, Deep_Space uses modular magnetic furniture to provide a level of agency previously unseen in this environment. Users can create their own space, both as individuals and as a team, and change and reconfigure it as much as they please on their 180+ day journey to Mars.
The Wearable Device
Travellers also wear an advanced wearable device that sits behind the ear, which glows different colours to reflect the users mood. This portrays their mental and emotional state to their fellow crew without verbal communication.
Sectional Perspective
By combining an aspect of digital mental health support with physically enhanced user agency and customisability, this design proposal offers a new way to prevent intense mental stress and burnout presented by these isolated and confined environments, both on Earth and beyond.
Customised Crew Pods
A showcase of a few possible ways that the modular system allows the crew spaces within the ship to be configured.
Team (furniture) Building
Crew members working together to build modular furniture as a team.
Media Component
Audio Track: Kavinsky - Nightcall (2010)
Nathan Bullen, Deep_Space
Nathan Bullen, The Wearable Device
Nathan Bullen, Sectional Perspective
Nathan Bullen, Customised Crew Pods
Nathan Bullen, Team (furniture) Building
Nathan Bullen, Media Component
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
