What if, instead of dedicating vast space to ground-based transportation, we envision sculpting the airspace around buildings? Architects of the future go beyond conventional structures, creating Vertiports and Drone-ports as integral infrastructure. These hubs signify progress in electric aviation, supporting aircraft maintenance, takeoffs, and landings. Located atop buildings, open areas, or airports, they cater to various aircraft needs, allowing quick stops or extended stays for recharging or maintenance.
A 'Vertiport' is a designated area, often a landing pad or platform, specifically designed for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. It serves as a point for these aircraft, including electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles, helicopters, or drones, to land, take off, and perform necessary operations such as passenger boarding, cargo loading, recharging, or maintenance. Vertiports are essential components
of urban air mobility systems and are strategically placed to facilitate
efficient aerial transportation within urban areas or remote locations. With this design kit, individuals can create their own Vertiport anywhere - be it on a rooftop or in the middle of an ocean. Its flexibility offers diverse choices for developing infrastructure for aircrafts.
Key Considerations in Vertiport Design
When designing a vertiport, it's crucial to scan nearby obstacles and carefully consider the dimensions of the aircraft intended for use. Also, there is are surface feature minimum separation requirements to follow in the design process.
Form Finding Process
Using Kangaroo physics in Grasshopper, a form-finding simulation plug-in, the roof was designed. It should be a self-supporting structure with minimal columns because of the need for spaces for passengers and aircraft. Also, the roof should be considered for weather conditions, rain or snow, to protect aircraft with adequate height.
Floating Vertiport for E-VTOL
Employing a floating dock for a Vertiport ensures an obstacle-free airspace, without any building obstructions. This layout offers
versatility in placement, allowing deployment in various locations, promoting safer and more accessible urban air mobility.
Materials for Roof Structure
A PTFE membrane covers the GLT gridshell structure. The timber gives a natural look and feel, while the PTFE membrane and cushion along with the glass enclosure provide a compelling translucency to the vertiport.
Physical Model
The [Impossible] Archive
Bernal Heights Art Center
Gridshell Vertiport
FRAME
Shifting Scales
Alley Abode
REVEAL
Mission Bay Open Air School
Oakland Urban Institute
INTERSECTION
Patio and Retaining Wall
Design Artifacts