In order to produce the most effective orbiting facility with the least

amount of materials and the least effort, it seems obvious that it
should
be an inflatable sphere. As soon as the internal volume becomes even
the
slightest bit pressurized, the astronauts can begin dispensing with the

bulk of many of the layers of the space suit. This will allow them to
work more efficiently for longer periods of time.
Working inside a huge single sphere is difficult - scaffolding is
nearly
impossible to construct for such a situation. The solution will be to
use
the same technique Brunelleschi used for the dome at the cathedral of
Santa Maria del Fiore - use two closely spaced shells, one inside the
other.
Once the volume is enclosed and the workmen are inside a moderately
pressurized space, the ensuing work can proceed at practically
breakneck speed, unencumbered by a bulky space suit.

I'm considering a sphere 100 meters across, with an internal shell 3
meters inside that. The inner and outer shells will eventually be
augmented with many layers of fabric and epoxy, but initially are
essentially just aluminized mylar and very fragile.
I know plastic at exremely low temperatures is extremely brittle.
Because this is in the vacuum of space, will this aluminized mylar
shatter at the slightest touch, or will astronauts inside the shell be
able to spread strips of fabric and epoxy on it to augment and
reinforce it without too much trouble?
Harmon
Let's light this candle. - Alan Shepard