Ever fly around cities with eVTOLs (electric VerticalTake-Offand Landingaircraft)? Then we not only have the planes themselves but also a serious infrastructure to support them. With this in mind, Contreras Earl Architecture developed plans for a so-called waterfront 'vertiport' in Melbourne's Batman Park.
Electric hub
The latest proposal is Contreras Earl Architecture's second planned vertiport for Melbourne. The first design was presented last year for Caribbean Park. The Batman Park project is being developed in collaboration with Skyportz and Pascall+Watson Architects. The project envisages replacing the existing helicopter pad with a new vertiport. This should enable the introduction of electric air taxis. It is planned that the vertiport will also become a hub for electric scooters, bikes, ferries, hire boats and a café.
If the project goes ahead, it will consist of three interconnected landing platforms in the water. On the bank will be a futuristic podium-like building topped by an aluminium segmented roof. The prefabricated building is quick to assemble and will be self-sufficient, according to the architects. It is just not clear whether this refers only to the building itself or also to the supporting infrastructure for the eVTOLs.
Landmark building
The striking building stands out for its sustainable character. The vertiport will have a high-quality, robust, durable yet lightweight roof consisting of an aluminium monocoque structure.
According to Skypotz, which specialises in future infrastructure, there are around 400 potential locations for vertiports in Australia alone. One of the ideas being considered is to combine vertiports with existing buildings and car parks. This could be an affordable and practical – albeit less exciting – approach. Contreras Earl Architecture hopes that the new vertiport in Batman Park will be able to utilise existing helicopter permits. This could potentially speed up its realisation.
