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Sky Lake is a visionary environmental design that uses the natural geological cavities and excavated landscapes (from mining and large-scale 3D printing) on the Moon to provide enhanced living conditions for long-term Lunar inhabitants including scientists, construction workers, tourists, and leisure industry staff. Utilizing the ability of water to protect from radiation Sky Lake creates a layer of water above craters, quarries, and caves. The purpose of these large climatized spaces is to allow larger-scale terraforming experimentation including diverse biological environments that have controllable microclimates. Sky Lake will provide wider freedom of movement, the ability to work in sunlight, and even the possibility to create rain. This paper presents the Sky Lake concept and design. It explores the basic architectural and engineering viability for construction considering current and future technologies, including technological ideas that are being researched and worked on now for use in space in the next 50–150 years. The design incorporates ideas for sealing the regolith, a complete water cycle, and access from the Lunar surface. It explores the main criteria for locations bearing in mind the Moon's natural resources and optimal daylight hours. It discusses how Sky Lake can impact and accelerate the development of the new Moon society. We examine the practical and poetic potential for humans to walk on the lunar surface without a spacesuit and leave the first footprint (rather than boot print) in the Lunar dust. • Environmental design uses natural geological cavities and excavated landscapes to provide habitation on the Moon. • A closed, artificial ecosystem enhances astronauts' experience and their connection with the Lunar environment. • Biotechnologies are one of the enabling technologies for creating a closed, artificial ecosystem on the Moon. • The Skylake concept provides a practical and poetic potential for humans to walk on the lunar surface without a spacesuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]