One factor in the shape of the station that's not commonly known is actually aerodynamics. The ISS is in a rather low orbit (mostly to make getting there easier

One factor in the shape of the station that's not commonly known is actually aerodynamics. The ISS is in a rather low orbit (mostly to make getting there easier) so aerodynamic drag is a noticeable (if small) force. The station is thus laid out kind of "flat" to present a reasonably compact frontal area. (This also helps with orbital debris encounters.) The solar array positioning does commonly conflict with the aerodynamics, but minimizing that is one of the factors in their positioning software. The fore/aft view is not very popular, because it doesn't look as impressive, but here's one: http://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ISS_Backdropped_by_Space_and_Earth.jpg http://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ISS_Ba... That's the orientation the ISS travels in--i.e., what "stationary" air sees as it zooms past.