British architecture practice Foster + Partners has unveiled a provisional concept for Dubai vertiport terminal, located next to Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Developed in collaboration with Skyports Infrastructure, the leading designer and operator of vertiport technology for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, the concept has been endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the World Government Summit 2023.

As described by Foster + Partners, the new vertiport terminal will "provide a seamless, sustainable travel across the city for international and domestic passengers."

Vertiport refers to typical vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft (VTOL), including helicopters, electrically-designed aircrafts and unmanned aerial vehicles that are used to to carry passengers or cargo purposes. 

Developed in response to traffic jam, they may need an identifiable ground or elevated area to take-off and landing.

Foster + Partners' vertiport terminal is now being considered to be built in one of four initial locations which are currently being considered by Skyports Infrastructure and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). 

The currently-investigated locations form part of a larger vision for a future electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) infrastructure network that will connect Dubai’s most popular – and populous – areas and provide high-speed, zero-emissions travel. 

Currently, the RTA’s Dubai Metro network and Dubai International Airport are the two existing transportation hubs that will be connected to the new vertiport terminal.

"We are delighted to have developed a vertiport concept for the emerging AAM industry, which will transform the way people travel in Dubai," said David Summerfield, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners. 

"The conceptual vertiport connects with Dubai International Airport and the Dubai Metro, to provide seamless, sustainable travel across the city for international and domestic passengers," Summerfield added.

As can be seen from the renders, to provide an take-off and landing, the terminal is situated on an elevated deck. 

Wrapping around the airfield, the building also connects the arrival and departure lounges, while offering spectacular views of the aircraft and the city beyond. 

Thanks to its overhanging roof and façade inclination, the building is aimed to be protected from direct sunlight and prevents overheating.

The façade also corresponds with the adjacent metro station and the edges are softened with green landscaping. 

And similar to the outer skin of the building, the interior spaces features a refined palette of warm, natural materials to create a comfortable and serene environment.

The RTA and Skyports Infrastructure plan to develop the network of vertiports for air taxi services by 2026.

Foster + Partners is currently designing new Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia, as part of the The Red Sea Project, and new mirage-inspired airport in Saudi Arabia.

All renderings courtesy of Foster + Partners. 

> via Foster + Partners

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