Abstract

As far as we know, every living being in history has spent its life on planet earth. Although humankind has already set its foot on outer space, permanent habitation on another celestial body or any other place is not yet an option. However, the development of aerospace technologies and scientific research studies in astrophysics, combined with the enthusiasm of humankind for expanding its knowledge and experience in space, make it possible to come up with alternative options for livable environments. It appears to be only a matter of time before humankind finds an inhabitable planet and/or creates inhabitable artificial environments on currently uninhabitable places. Additionally, the changing conditions of life on Earth also make it necessary to consider artificial environments as an option for living spaces. Difficulties like rapidly growing populations, increasing CO2 emissions, deforestation, or improper urbanization are making life on Earth harder to sustain. Because of the long-term effects of global climate change and environmental pollution, as well as possible catastrophic events, the challenges and dangers facing life in the natural environment here on planet Earth also need to be confronted. Therefore, it is vital to explore alternative methods and places for habitation. This study presents an overview of the term “artificial environment,” with historical background and theoretical framework, taking existing conditions and future assumptions into consideration. It also contains projections for the upcoming studies and applications on artificial environments in the future, depending on emerging scientific and technological developments. The architectural and structural characteristics are the focal point of this study. It is also an important concern of the study to make a contribution to this emerging field of academic research from an architectural point of view.