Space Station Designer Creates Productive Work Environment (8/3/2007)

Marisha McAuliffe

Queensland University of Technology interior design lecturer Marisha McAuliffe spent last week on an unusual assignment - designing a space station.

Ms McAuliffe was one of 30 people from around the world selected to take part in an international workshop that was run by the German-based Institute of Space Systems (ISS) and held at the University of Sydney.

The Space Station Design Workshop challenged participants to work in teams to use computer modelling to design a complex human spaceflight system, like the International Space Station.

Ms McAuliffe said she used her design skills to create the best possible living and working environments for astronauts.

"Everyone knows that a well-designed work environment enhances productivity, and that's the same whether you are in space or on the ground," she said.

"It's important to actually consider the needs of the crew itself, rather than just design the space station as an object in isolation."

Ms McAuliffe said the five-day workshop enabled her to combine her fascinations with interior architecture, digital modelling, and space.

Her interest in space travel has also been strengthened through family connections. American school teacher and astronaut Christa McAuliffe - who died in the space shuttle Challenger tragedy in 1986 - was a distant relative.

Marisha McAuliffe has a degree in interior architecture and has worked in civil and mechanical engineering, including designing wineries in the Barossa Valley in South Australia.

She currently lectures with QUT's School of Design and is also completing a PhD with the university.

The Space Station Design Workshop is an annual event that is open to university students and young professionals. The 30 international places are hotly contested and participation is free once selected.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the Queensland University of Technology

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