Rotating Living Module Replicates Zero-Gravity to Make Use of Every Surface

Due to gravity, only one surface in any space is really usable, leaving seven other surfaces for peripheral functions. But if you could eliminate gravity, every surface in a space could be used and you could minimize your living space -- at least this is the theory of <a href="http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/bureau-spectacular-jimenez-lai/19464/" target="_blank">Jimenez Lai Bureau Spectacular</a>. To create a model of the concept, Lai built the <a href="http://bureau-spectacular.net/spectaculaire/PMD.htm" target="_blank">Phalanstery Module</a>, a complete living system that rotates once every hour, putting a new surface into action every 15 minutes. Of course, Lai couldn't actually create a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-and-the-pope-have-orbit-to-earth-talk-about-peace-through-solar-panels/">zero-gravity situation</a>, but his module gives the impression of zero gravity while maximizing every inch of space.

The living module is a square shaped room built inside a cylinder open on both ends so visitors can watch how the module changes.

Benches, chairs, storage, tables and lounge chairs are all built in.

As the module rotates new furniture becomes available for use, but only for a limited time before it rotates far enough that the table is now a wall.

Rotating on the hour this basically gives you less 15 minutes to take advantage of a specific piece of furniture before relocating or falling into another person, which is bound to happen every 7.5 minutes.

Lai's idea for the anti-gravity module was first inspired by a comic book he wrote about a spaceship that folded up to take people to a new world.

Lai's hypothesis is that in anti-gravity, "one can rotate in architecture and treat all surfaces as planes - ie, walls, ceilings and floors. Without gravity, all surfaces can be occupied."

And if every surface can be utilized then you need less area and can live within a smaller space.

And if every surface can be utilized then you need less area and can live within a smaller space.

Phalanstery Module was built in 2008 at Materials &amp; Applications in LA.

Construction of Phalanstery Module commences.

Interior furnishings being built.

The rotating module in action.

Drawing detailing how the space is used as it rotates.