A Demographic Analysis of Greenspace Exposure Requirements in Self-Sustaining Space Settlements

Abstract

The design of space settlements presents unprecedented challenges to human factors, particularly regarding the exposure of inhabitants to “green” natural elements and environments. Prolonged absence from nature induces significant psychological and physiological degradation, and targeted exposure to nature results in stress reduction, cognitive restoration, immune system support, and decreased risk of mood disorders for some individuals. Through an integrative review of relevant literature, this paper evaluates the specific wellbeing requirements of key demographic groups – including children, students, working adults, and elders – within hypothetical space habitats. The analysis indicates that exposure requirements vary across life stages, with hands-on interaction, passive viewing, and immersion in greenspace environments offering benefits such as mitigating solipsism syndrome, relieving work-induced mental fatigue, and restoring attention. To optimize the health, productivity, and operational resilience of space inhabitants, future settlement designs must strategically incorporate real physical greenspaces and plant-interaction opportunities tailored to demographic routines.