Skycraft

Skyport is an automated flying container port based on hybrid airship and robotic technologies. The designs main aim is to incorporate emergent technologies such as robotics and automation, into architectural design practice in order to create aesthetic, intensive and vibrant spaces.

It is part of a global, aerial distribution network called Skycraft, created in order to replace current freight transportation modes with a system that is more efficient in terms of energy and flexibility, and has a minimum impact on the natural environment.

The airship is composed of the automated, container storage towers in the gondola section and the social spaces on the upper envelope section. Although the two parts are structurally separated, spatially, social and automated spaces interpenetrate and infuse into one another.

Robotic Container Facility
Gondola of the skyport is basically an automated storage and retrieval facility for the containers. This section of the port is composed of the vertical circulation spine (which connects the gondola with the envelope), the import and export interfaces, the container rings and the protective wind shield facing always towards the prevailing wind.

Social Ring
The envelope is surrounded by a social ring which houses the recreation and office spaces, and also is penetrated and cut by observation and viewing decks. The robotic facilities are relatively designed transparent and contain also observation decks so that the kinetic flows, of people and freight can be percieved by naked eye.