A concept for a microwave provision of terrestrial energy collected with lunar photovoltaics which combines an interesting program and the notion of creating Earth-normal gravity on the lunar surface in a massive rotating torus.

What works: This design is grounded in a published concept for microwave provision of terrestrial energy collected with lunar photovoltaics, and combines that program interestingly with the notion of creating Earth-normal gravity on the lunar surface in a massive rotating torus. Both concepts are hypothetically feasible,

What doesn't work: The UV spectrum for agriculture is technically wrong. The pressurized rotation hub connection for transfer into and out of the rotating part is impractical. It is unclear that putting habitable zones in the microwave beam is a good idea.

LPS: 2069 is based on Dr. Criswells LPS proposal.

*Bryna Andersen is a graduate student at Columbia University.

Envisioning the process of gradual colonization of the moon's surface and to represent this process with growing cluster settlements at different density and configurations. The growth process represented in this submission is similar to that of cities here on earth; a replication of modular units which generate a master plan of functional city clusters equipped with infrastructural webs such as transportation, water/air circulation, energy grid, sewage and communication systems.

What works: This design is pseudo-realistic; the scheme for adaptable, modular units is basically sound, and some attention is given to the relationship of program to location within the complex. It is extremely elegant in its use of actual lunar landscape, respectful of the open terrain and incidentally holds the greatest potential of reducing the risks and headaches posed by regolith.

What doesn't work: No solution is proferred for how to tunnel or how to seal the caverns. The tunnel/highway connections between mini-cities are out of proportion to what would be required given the scale of the modular stacks; the separation among stacks and thus the ratio of circulation infrastructure to total is far too high, making the concept appear like a modular scheme not up to the task of achieving urban scale.

An assembly of inter-exchangable modular elements in order to meet a large program. The clustering patterns of these modules are defined by the constraints of transportation, therefore establishing an incremental growth pattern which follows the traditional organic growth pattern of a new settlement.

What works: The idea of repetitive assembly of modular elements is sound, and a reasonable program appears to be accommodated.

What doesn't work: However the sophisticated subterranean tunneling implied is incompatible with a parti of simple, small modules deposited on the surface, and this conflict does not appear to be recognized.

*Gareth Leech came all the way from the UK to join us at the SHIFTboston MOON BALL.

A lunar intervention – an inflatable structure within a rigid membrane which converts existing lunar resources to sustain agriculture above the surface of the moon. A planting and mining strategy which utilizes lunar resources such as titanium and helium 3.

What works: The core idea of functionally combining agriculture with mining is interesting. The visual is superb. Could this be thought through further?

What doesnt work: Liquid helium is extremely cold and thus incompatible with living things, so this part of the concept makes no sense. Above-surface conditions of hard vacuum and hard radiation, and the structural proportions shown, make the geometrical design impractical; no solution is proferred for harvesting.

*Anthony Di Mari is a second-time finalist in the SHIFTboston competitions. His Harbor Web submission was a finalist in the SHIFTboston 2009 Ideas Competition. We want to congratulate Anthony for submitting another spectacular submission!