Anaerobic Airships : A New Urban Paradigm

In December 2012, the number of international tourists reached one billion for the first time in history. By 2050, this figure is set to reach 16 billion having profound effects on how, why and where we travel. With rapidly depleting resources and little proof of viable alternatives, the current budget airline culture dominating the aviation industry is not sustainable.

Set amidst the current climate-change crisis, our thesis proposes a new urban intervention of city center airship terminals, allowing low-carbon airships powered by unsold food waste to carry passengers and cargo into the heart of urban areas fully connected to existing public transport networks. We also challenge the experience of current air travel, fully integrating the industrial process as part of the overall visitor experience.

Architecturally, the design is derived from the characteristics of airships. The form and orientation provide shelter for airships whilst they dock, whilst allowing them to take off into the wind. Mirroring the engineering of airships themselves, the buildings are vast in scale yet structurally lightweight and environmentally reactive.

Our vision extends from the here and now: could this really be the future of air travel? Our vision suggests airship terminals could become an integrated part of urban centres, an extension of existing public transport networks and the gateway for future proof sustainable air travel.