The Rooms We Build To Survive In, And The Ones We Build To Live In

The Human Environment Connection and Interaction Atlas (HECIA) is an interactive tool developed by MIT that maps the relationship between the physical design of a habitat and the emotional state of its residents. It is designed to help engineers understand how design choices impact psychological well-being, particularly in extreme environments like space habitats. The atlas uses a risk mapping method applied to emotional health, focusing on feelings such as anxiety, homesickness, trust, and belonging. It allows users to explore how factors like lighting, spatial arrangement, and access to private spaces influence emotional outcomes.

• HECIA is not a rulebook but a guide that highlights the nuanced ways in which design affects well-being.
• The atlas is used for space habitats, including those on Mars and in lunar orbit, where psychological health is critical.
• It emphasizes that no single design can substitute for the unique context of the people living in a habitat.
• The tool helps identify which design choices can help residents feel more connected and supported, even in isolated environments.

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