Thanks to advances in computing, materials, and electric propulsion technology, one of the most enduring symbols of futurism – flying vehicles – may soon become reality. But in spite of their long presence in the public consciousness, some fundamental questions have not, until now, been addressed: How will these flying vehicles impact our urban environments? How can issues of energy, sound, and safety be approached? What protocols should be established with authorities to guarantee their safe and harmonious integration? More importantly, how could they be leveraged to improve our cities – not only for their users, but for everybody? To answer these questions, MVRDV worked with Airbus, Bauhaus Luftfahrt, ETH Zurich, and Systra to research and plan for the future of Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
