Urban Crop Solutions Presents Variable Climate Biosphere at GLEX 2021

The Variable Climate Biosphere is a macro life support system, designed by Serge Ameye and Maarten Vandecruys, that aims to create the best suited environment for humans and plants to thrive together during extended periods of isolation, either on another planet – namely, the Moon and Mars, or on Earth in an underground shelter. The assumption is that humans will in both instances, use lava tunnels or caves as their first life of defence against radiation and sandstorms.

The envelope of the solution is a construction from readily available lava or basalt made geopolymers, and titanium-reinforced walls and roof, while the inside is lined with titanium plate. The interior of the biosphere simulates accurately the weather conditions of any major climate zones on planet Earth. The tests that have been run have proven that lava and basalt granules form a perfect substrate for plants in fully controlled environments – beating those obtained from open field cultures in terms of nutritional qualities, yield and organic substrates used in vertical farming.