Vertical Drift

“Somewhere out there, a machine meanders down a warehouse aisle, a car with mechanical eyes roams a downtown avenue, drone propellers hum to the tune of a city street." -Liam Young

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Spring 2020

Research & Library Center

Denver, Colorado

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A hub dedicated to the future of urban development and transportation. I envision a future where individuals can effortlessly embark on air travel in personal vehicles to reach their destinations. The design is rooted in this mode of transportation and its connectivity through nodes, realized in the form of three distinct entities—a research center, a learning center, and an office—interconnected by bridges and platforms.

 

The conceptualization of the program is driven by the objective of providing a space for researchers to advance transportation methodologies. Simultaneously, the learning center is intended for public access, serving as an educational hub where individuals can gain insights into the envisioned urban future and the intricacies of designing emerging transportation modes. Positioned atop these structures, Hovering Personal Vehicles (HPVs) facilitate vertical landings and takeoffs, creating a seamless connection with the broader cityscape. The remaining architectural structure is purposefully designed to engage with the surrounding three sides in a manner that is both substantial and meaningful.