The time-worn adage about necessity and invention is one that may induce some eye-rolling, but it is undeniably true. This is particularly the case in arctic zones which are often extremely inhospitable to humans – yet we as a species continue to venture there in order to learn about our world.

To support the mission of these intrepid Arctic explorers, 2-B-2 Architecture designed the Arctic Mobile Unit. The small pre-fab unit provides life support for three people for up to 15 days.

Researchers would share the tiny living quarters for short-term treks; any longer and they are likely to get a bit annoyed with each other. Each AMU is 6.5 feet X 5.25 feet X 7.5 feet, making it just big enough to eat, sleep and shower in.

Like any well-designed tiny living space, the AMU is designed to use space efficiently. One of the sleeping bunks turns into a table and chairs for two while the toilet sits inside of the shower enclosure.

For ease of moving, the AMU is partially collapsible. When on the move, the unit is compact and unhindered by protuberances. After arriving at its destination, certain parts of the pod pull out to offer a slightly expanded (though still remarkably tiny) interior space.

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Typically, tableware is self-contained in terms of its design, either uniform across a set or at least forming a complimentary series set around the table.

These pieces are all parts of a larger puzzle, and could spark quite the discussing during either eating or cleanup at a large meal.

Ceramist Molly Hatch uses historical images from major museums as the basis for her pieces, so a savvy art historian might notice something familiar in each part of the whole. Note that though she displays these in museums as well, they might be even more interesting at the dining table.

It starts with a fluid central volume with operable circular windows and skylights for seasonal weather-based temperature flexibility, then spawns a series of additional indoor and outdoor spaces.

Scheduled to be constructed on the coast of South Korea by 2015, Planning Korea let each sub-structure reflect its function with respect to the whole, including party rooms, work spaces, bedrooms and lounges that jut out at angles in each direction.

A green roof also varies in height, rising toward one end of the site and sinking into a swimming pool with a view toward the ocean, reinforcing a sense of motion and creating additional views at various points along the way.

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There is certainly a joke in here somewhere about being scared into going to the bathroom, but you can certainly sort that out for yourself having seen this death-defying floor.

Hernandez Silva Arquitecto saw an opportunity in a strangely-unused secondary elevator shaft when updating this top-floor residence, illuminating the void below and situating it (oddly) square with the bathroom above.

Nearly as remarkable as the downward view is the lack of pizzazz in the space itself – a simple red-and-white color scheme is almost comically ordinary when compared to the jaw-dropping glass floor.

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The renderings are as matter-of-fact as the design: a no-nonsense, use-all-spaces approach to mobile and quickly-deployed housing by Mehdi Hidari Badie.

The non-directional configuration contains all of the basics centered around a core volume of space – supplementary wings on either side and raised decks front and back.

Adjustable metal legs support the primarily wood-and-glass frame structure, adaptable to different ground conditions when the wheels are raised.

Solar panels are a clearly dominant feature, providing full energy self sufficiency as well as shade and shelter for the outdoor areas.