On July 20, 1969, humankind took its first steps on the moon. As these two men placed their feet on a celestial body, the imprint they left on the surface was not quite human. The oval-shaped indent on the surface of the moon is instead evidence of a system of metal and fabric that allowed human bodies to withstand the otherwise uninhabitable environment.

Elaborating on the science behind space suits, SpaceSuits.US proposes a shift in material cultures and climatic solutions in architecture by leveraging the adaptability and material specificity of space suits. Drawing parallels between astronauts in extreme environments and urban dwellers facing extreme environmental shifts, the project explores how heat reflection, thermal insulation, and ultra-thin adjustments to existing buildings can provide an architectural solution for impending climatic emergencies.

Building on NASA’s material research, SpaceSuits.US features a method of tailored assembly in which the materials in question can be pinned, cinched, or draped onto leaky old houses.