How architecture has been used as an inspiration for sci-fi spacecraft design (video).
When it comes to designing fictional spacecraft, many artists and designers turn to the world of science fiction for inspiration. However, some have found that architecture, both past and present, can also be a useful source of ideas for creating unique and believable spaceships.
One example of this is the design of the spacecraft in the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The film’s production designer, Harry Lange, was heavily influenced by the work of architects such as Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe when designing the interiors of the spacecraft. The clean lines and functional design of these spaceships, which were meant to be lived in by humans for long periods of time, reflect the principles of modernist architecture.
Another example of architecture influencing sci-fi spacecraft design is the design of the USS Discovery in the television show “Star Trek: Discovery.” The ship’s designer, Todd Cherniawsky, drew inspiration from the work of Zaha Hadid and other contemporary architects when creating the sleek and futuristic look of the Discovery. The ship’s design is meant to reflect the advanced technology and capabilities of the future, and the use of curving lines and organic shapes is reminiscent of modernist architecture.
There are several reasons why architecture can be a useful source of inspiration for sci-fi spacecraft design. One is that architecture, like science fiction, is concerned with creating functional and visually appealing spaces. Architects consider issues such as lighting, circulation, and the needs of the people who will use the space when designing a building, and these same considerations can be applied to the design of a spaceship.
Another reason is that architecture often reflects the values and aesthetic preferences of the society in which it was created. By using architectural styles as inspiration, designers can convey the culture and technology of the fictional society in which their spacecraft exists. For example, a spaceship that is inspired by ancient Egyptian or Greek architecture might be used to convey a society that values tradition and history, while a spaceship inspired by post-modern architecture might be used to convey a society that is more experimental and forward-thinking.
So then, architecture can certainly be used as inspiration for sci-fi spacecraft design. The functional and aesthetic considerations of architecture can be applied to the design of spaceships, and the use of different architectural styles can help convey the culture and technology of the fictional society in which the spacecraft exists. By looking to both science fiction and architecture for inspiration, designers can create truly unique and believable spaceships.
