Will We Bleed in Outer Space?

Will we Bleed in Outer Space?

The Independent School for the City and affect lab teamed up once again for another Gossip Session of Bloody Beautiful - a movement aimed at normalising conversations about menstruation & menopause. This time we explored the question "Will we Bleed in Outer Space?" examining what inclusive design looks like in space, together with architect Thaïs Zuchetti and former NASA space gynaecologist Varsha Jain.

An all-female crew is currently preparing for their maiden space voyage this year. Yet, menstruation in space is still under-researched and practically impossible during voyages and at space stations. On this evening, we looked into the unique considerations of space architecture—not as an escape from the human-made environmental crises on our planet, but rather as an extreme case study for how to approach the challenges we face on Earth. Lack of water, extreme weather conditions and small living spaces are obstacles space engineers have to design for, while also considering the needs of different bodies.

To unpack this, we were joined by guest speaker Varsha Jain, also known as “the space gynaecologist”. Jain was one of the first doctors to research the health of female astronauts. She has conducted her dissertation and worked at NASA, and has developed protocols for womxn’s health in space for the European Space Agency. As an active public educator, she emphasises how the benefits of space research are not only for menstruating astronauts, but also provide important insights into periods and reproductive health on Earth. 

In addition, architect and space-design enthusiast Thaïs Zuchetti presented her research on designing for life on the Moon. Natalie Dixon from affect lab will moderate the evening. We invite participation from architects, urbanists, activists, cultural thinkers, and anyone interested in the intersection of inclusive design and menstruation rights. 

Bloody Beautiful is an intiative by affect lab, a creative studio and research practice.

About Varsha Jain
Varsha Jain, also known as “the Space Gynecologist," is a practising clinician in gynaecology and obstetrics, and was one of the first doctors to study the health of female astronauts. With a particular passion for outer space, she has been working and conducting her dissertation at NASA and has been developing protocols for womxn’s health in space for the European Space Agency. As an active public educator, she emphasises how the benefits of this research is not only for menstruating astronauts, but also important information to understand periods and reproductive health on Earth. Her current research at the University of Edinburgh centres around heavy menstrual bleeding.

About Thais Zuchetti
Thaïs Zuchetti is a Brazilian-born multidisciplinary designer specialized in architecture. Alongside her career as an architect in the Netherlands, she recently graduated cum laude with a Msc in Architecture from the Academy of Architecture with her Graduation Project Lunar Lessons: habitat for interplanetary living, co-mentored by architect Stephan Verkuijlen, affect lab and Bernard Foing(European Space Agency). As part of her extensive two year research Zuchetti was part of an analogue mission at the Analogue Astronaut Center in Poland that simulates the conditions of space, keeping a period journal to monitor changes in her menstrual cycle.

About affect lab
affect lab is a women-led creative studio and research practice led by interactive artist Klasien van de Zandschulp and researcher Dr. Natalie Dixon. In collaboration with an international artistic network, affect lab uses immersive storytelling, design research and experimental field work to inspire a more inclusive future. The studio's work is guided by principles of care and empathy for local culture and community with a focus on co-creating work, building networks of trust, fostering a sense of belonging and contributing to the emotional wellbeing of people & cities.

Programme Preliminary

18.30 Doors open

18:30 - 19:00 Journey to Space

19.00 - 19.15 Welcome by Independent School for the City and Natalie Dixon (Bloody Beautiful)

19.15 - 19.25 Welcome to space

19.25 - 19.40 Presentation by architect Thais Zuchetti

19.40 - 20.10 former NASA space gynaecologist Varsha Jain dials in from earth

20.10 - 20.35 Interactive session: Drawing Inclusive Spaces 

20.35 - 21.00 Reflection and Closing

21.00-22.00: Drinks at the bar 

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Doors will open at 18:30. Make sure to arrive early, as you will have to take a small “journey into space” upon arrival.