FORM, FUNCTION AND STYLE IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF INTIMATE SPACES - A CASE STUDY IN THE CABIN INTERIOR DESIGN FOR THE XP SPACEPLANE

摘要

Rocketplane Global (RGI) is one of the leading new suborbital spaceplane development and operations companies, based in Oklahoma City, OK. The XP spaceplane is a horizontal takeoff and landing vehicle which uses conventional afterburning turbojets for takeoff and landing operations and a LOX / kerosene rocket engine for the ascent to space. The XP cabin and life support system is designed with multiple redundant systems to enable a "shirtsleeve environment" for the passengers. With no need for a bulky emergency pressure suit and helmet, the passengers will have a much more intimate connection with the cabin interior environment. Accordingly, great attention to detail is being given to all elements of the interior design, including the seats, monitors, instrument panel, controls as well as the interior hull surfaces and textures and trim. The goal is to provide a truly unique design environment that enhances the spaceflight experience and provides a unique look and feel to the XP cabin as part of the RGI brand building and product differentiation strategy. The design process as well as the complete cabin design and interior finishing details will be presented in this paper. RGI has teamed with Frank Nuovo, a world-renowned industrial designer with experience at BMW / Design Works, Nokia, and most recently the Creative Director for Vertu, Nokia's line of ultra-premium cellphones.