While we heard many metaphors for life on the station, one that repeatedly emerged was that of “the office.” This conception of the ISS appears to have multiple sources. The lack of distinction between work and home spaces, as well as the “sterile” and “lab-like” design of the modules, contributes to an overall feeling of “sleeping at the office” and a desire for dedicated living space free from equipment clutter.
Another consequence of the ISS’s aggregate design is the proximity of conflicting tasks, such as the juxtaposition of exercise and dining spaces, which creates jarring sensory experiences. Astronauts cited the challenges of holding conversations at the dining table due to the proximity of loud, sweat-generating exercise machines, as well as the unpleasant smells coming from hygiene areas and from colleagues who have exercised. In general, the constant noise produced by the station requires individuals to be much closer than they would be on Earth while talking, and further emphasizes the sensory impact and lab-like nature of the ISS. Astronauts also described moments of “mental refresh” made possible by differences in interior design.
While individual preferences varied, moments of interior variety helped break up the sensory monotony of the station modules. In particular, the “homey” feel of the Russian modules and “salmon colored” Node 1 provided distinction and separation to the look and feel of the station. This insight runs counter to early 21st century trends of space station interior design — often presented as ‘white, clean, and homogenous.’ These experiences of the current layout and interior of the ISS suggest that there are opportunities for future space habitat design choices that better reflect the physical, social, and mental needs of the inhabitants.
