Designing in the extreme: LIQUIFER Systems Group pushes the boundaries of all living spaces and develops projects and prototypes for the future in space and on Earth. The design and research firm based in Vienna and Bremen has been focusing on the issue of human life on planet Earth and elsewhere in the cosmos for over two decades now. Their work demonstrates how considerate technology-based design solutions and careful use of available resources can enable us to live in space. From simulated Mars missions to space station interiors, their projects address scarcity on Mars, the Moon, in orbit, and on Earth.
LIQUIFER. Living Beyond Earth is the first book to present the LIQUIFER Systems Group’s groundbreaking work between two covers. The publication features stunning images by Bruno Stubenrauch, detailed plans, and offers a comprehensive look at their innovative concepts. With essays by acclaimed space architects Brent Sherwood and Christina Ciardullo, LIQUIFER immerses readers in the visionary world of Europe’s leading space design firm, providing a glimpse into the future of living beyond our planet.
The 224-page book, designed by Nik Thönen and Hannah Sakai, is a beautiful specimen by not only publishing standards but also by the care and attention to detail – inspired by the revolutionary work and ethos of the company. Reflecting on the juxtaposition between possibilities and challenges that come when working with the new and unexpected, the title beautifully exhibits the boundary-pushing work of LIQUIFER.
“In the design, we did not pursue a science fiction approach, but rather embraced the possible new, but also the practical or innovative, which is also reflected in the choice of typeface with the chosen serif font as running text”, Hannah Sakai writes. “On the one hand, this emphasizes the unexpected and, on the other hand, reflects part of the challenges at LIQUIFER. The new and experimental, in turn, is reflected in the font used for the book title, marginal notes, and quotations in MicroNova, a font that is still under development.”
This play on contrast is also evident in the black-and-white images that are used to separate the individual chapters. “These images are chosen to tell a story, a view from the outside, with historical reference to LIQUIFER’s concrete work. The overall second color is chosen in such a way that it does not take up any reference, but is intended to emphasize the freshness of LIQUIFER’s approach”, Sakai explains. The chapters of the book are written on the cover: Deep Space, Mars, Moon, Orbit, Earth Land, and Earth Ocean. The typographic layout – more specifically the space between them – is a further indication of the physical and hypothetical spaces LIQUIFER deals with.
The concept for the design draws inspiration and utilizes practices of ecological responsibility as well as economic relevance – both key factors in LIQUIFER’s innovative activities in its architectural approach. “With the cover material lahnur®, which is tear-resistant and waterproof but recyclable, we protect the inexpensive interleaving cardboard used here, which stabilizes the book block, from direct access,” says Sakai when asked about the decision to use lahnur®, a durable yet recyclable paper that represents the new and revolutionary option in the world of paper (read more here).
“The economy is also demonstrated by the fact that the black printing plate has been dispensed with throughout. This is printed in metallic anthracite and, in addition to the book structure, is alternated sheet by sheet with the yellow-greenish spot color instead of the scale colors. We have also used the silver color on the title and added a second one. Here we alternate between the surprising feel and the exploration of the image motif, ” Sakai concludes.
The first edition of LIQUIFER. Living Beyond Earth is 800 copies. The book is only available in English. You can purchase your copy at the PARK BOOKS webstore.
Images © Pascal Petignat