Via the ubiqitous Things Magazine: Back in the 1970’s, NASA conducted several studies at its Ames research center on human habitation in outer space. Several rather Utopian-looking colonies were conceived in classically 70’s sci-fi fashion (psychotropic drugs: check!). Note the amorphous forms, unidentifiable aircraft, and depictions of perfectly happy people. Visionary.
Quick aside: While living in SF, I participated in a study at Ames — they were/are developing custom eye wear to improve astronauts’ vision in space. While the experience didn’t quite fulfill my unrealized Space Camp dreams, it was nevertheless fascinating and, now that I think about it, quite trippy.
+ Things Magazine (September 12, 2009)
