Hmm, 'current' science changes so rapidly that, I very much think comparing real life [now] to future design, is to compare apples and oranges; exponentially so when dealing with science fiction.
Personally I don't think there's a good reason to have ducting big enough for people. The internal volume of a space craft/station/etc, is for the most part, going to be at such a premium that massive ducting is a gross waste of space [no pun intended]. Specialised robots could/would be used for cleaning & maintenance, especially given the dust/irritants/etc.

And as cool as iris doors look, they're grossly over-engineered for 'people' doors, and only really make sense for things like ducting (possibly liquid piping too?) were you might want to regulate flow ... fans/impellers are a much simpler and easier option for this, however.


All that kill-joyously said, [not my intention, btw], it's fiction, and as such, it's not uncommon for design choices to be more about plot needs [/sh*t that looks cool], than actual practical design.

I hear that re "transportable items". I'm keen to create full-sized corridor and wall sections, but am very mindful of the need to collapse down [to some degree]. Still just in the pen & paper stage of design (and budget's always a factor too).

Also, no need to quote posts, if you're just replying to the one directly above

Me thinks you underestimate others ... maybe it's a generational thing [I'm oooold].

As I tend to be more geeky when it comes to science and actually like to bring stuff to real life.